Watrous, Saskatchewan - Tutu Tuesday in the Heart of the Prairies
Hey, fellow dance enthusiasts and fashionistas! It's your girl, Olivia, back with another dose of all things tutus. Today, I'm taking you on a journey to the heart of the Canadian prairies - Watrous, Saskatchewan! Now, you might be thinking, "Watrous? Really? That's a little...far out." But trust me, my fellow Canadians, this small town has a whole lot of charm, and a surprising amount of style to boot. And with a big dose of tutu love, it's totally becoming a #TutuTuesday destination.
As a ballet dancer (and total tutu aficionado), I’ve always been drawn to the grace and elegance of ballet. There's something undeniably magical about these billowing layers of tulle, and how they effortlessly capture every move. Whether it's the classic Romantic tutu with its voluminous, multi-layered skirt, the elegant 'Copenhagen' tutu for those iconic swan lake performances, or the streamlined 'Balanchine' tutu - the kind I often see on my Instagram feed of American Ballet Theatre stars (those girls really rock the modern, sleek looks!), it's always about more than just fabric, it’s about the movement and feeling it embodies.
Now, you might be surprised to learn that a town like Watrous has this secret passion for all things dance! You know what they say – ‘the heart wants what the heart wants’, and in this case, it wants a sprinkle of tutu magic even in the heart of the Canadian Prairies! My trip to Watrous proved to me that even the smallest, most unexpected places have hidden pockets of culture, creativity and of course… tulle. Here's a glimpse into the Tutu Tuesday journey!
A Visit to The Watrous Library - Tutus Among the Books:
I kicked off my Tutu Tuesday adventure at the local library. Yes, a library! I discovered a little gem tucked away on a corner shelf: "The History of Ballet in Saskatchewan." Now, you might not expect to find a tome like this in a small-town library, but it's a testament to the rich history of dance in the region. It wasn't just about books though. The Watrous Library surprised me with an awesome initiative. It turns out they're celebrating local talents in a pretty unique way. They host an annual ‘Saskatchewan Stories’ art exhibition. The twist? They’ve incorporated the theme "A Saskatchewan Tutu Tale!"
It was amazing to see so many talented artists showcase their interpretations of what a 'Tutu Tale' is. The artists' mediums varied – paintings, drawings, even mixed-media sculptures. One piece even had the perfect sparkly 'Tutu Dress' - it was just phenomenal! Imagine a local artist, channeling all their creativity, to create something that captures the spirit and artistry of dance! It just goes to show that even in the quietest corners of Canada, the arts thrive and even the most traditional of institutions can have a hidden touch of ballerina elegance!
The Unexpected Tutus of The Prairie:
My adventure continued, with a pit stop at a charming local shop called "The Prairie Boutique." I stepped inside expecting a quintessential Canadian store with flannel, maple syrup and all that - but surprise, surprise, this boutique was packed full of local crafts and quirky finds! I found hand-made tutu accessories like cute tutu headbands, dainty tutu brooches, and even a sparkly tote bag that was screaming #TutuTuesday! The shop owner told me she used to be a dancer, so naturally her passion for dance shines through! I know I had to grab one of those tote bags!
And let’s not forget my afternoon visit to the charmingly titled 'Watrous Toffee Stop’. A little gem that reminded me that Canadian hospitality is unmatched! The owner was sweet as pie and totally up-to-date on my favourite ballet movies! (Turns out she's a huge Black Swan fan - yes, even the more intense parts!). It felt like being back home in the dance studio - with my ballet mates discussing everything and nothing, all wrapped up with some delightful toffee!
Bringing the #TutuTuesday Magic to Life:
It’s safe to say my trip to Watrous gave me plenty of inspiration for the future. In fact, I think my ballet lessons just got more interesting with a new spark to my dance routine – I have all kinds of tutu-related moves running through my head! Now I’m working on some choreography based on those 'Saskatchewan Tutu Tales'. My new dance piece will even feature a 'Tutu Tale' with local, home-grown flowers that remind me of my adventure through the heart of Canada. You see, Watrous has more to offer than meets the eye! The beauty of dance is in bringing these unlikely, everyday moments into a captivating performance – a captivating Tutu Tuesday!
I’m ending my #TutuTuesday with a thought, my Canadian dance lovers – it doesn't matter where you come from – a little tutu magic can happen anywhere! And while you’re at it – do tell! Share your favourite #TutuTuesday moment from the Canadian Prairies. Who knows, maybe your little tutu adventure will be next week's blog! Stay tuned for my next #TutuTuesday update!