Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine, Quebec: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition

Hey everyone! It’s your girl, Claire, back with another post all about the world of dance, and this time, we're diving headfirst (or should I say, *toe-first*?) into the wonderful world of tutus. It’s #tututuesday, and that means one thing: tutus!

This past Tuesday, I found myself in the charming little town of Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine, Quebec, a place with a history steeped in dance and tradition. While I'm a born and bred Toronto girl, my love for ballet draws me to all corners of Canada. And trust me, this town didn't disappoint!

From the moment I stepped out of the car, I felt the magic of tutu-filled vibes. Every street corner seemed to be humming with a gentle, ethereal energy, almost like the delicate fluttering of tulle in a gentle breeze. It's as if the whole town had transformed into a giant stage, ready to showcase the beauty and grace of dance.

This #tututuesday wasn’t just a day, it was a full-blown tutu extravaganza! I was practically drowning in tulle. The locals were sporting tutus of every imaginable colour and style - from the classic, romantic **Romantic Tutu**, with its graceful, billowing layers, to the sleek and modern **Modern Tutu**, a minimalist masterpiece, showcasing precise movement and athleticism. There were even a few adventurous souls rocking the whimsical **Bell Tutu**, with its cascading, bell-shaped layers that literally took flight.

The day started off at the annual **Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine Tutus for Everyone** parade, where children and adults alike marched through the streets in tutus of every size and shape imaginable. I even saw a fluffy little puppy dressed up in a teeny-tiny, handmade **Pancake Tutu** – the cuteness was unbearable!

It was amazing to see the joy and creativity bursting out from everyone’s outfits. The town was abuzz with energy and smiles, proving that ballet can bring communities together and make even the most ordinary day feel extraordinary. Even the elderly folks who sat on their porches seemed to tap their feet to the invisible rhythm of the day.

Then, I had the pleasure of attending a workshop at the local dance academy. I mean, what better way to spend #tututuesday than by immersing myself in a world of tutu-related activities?

It was a whirlwind of pirouettes and fouettés, with instructors patiently teaching aspiring dancers the art of grace and precision, showing them how to glide effortlessly across the dance floor, their **Demi-tutus** flowing around them like graceful ribbons. Their enthusiasm was contagious! The passion that filled the air was infectious.

I even managed to catch a special performance by the local ballet troupe, featuring the mesmerizing **Ballet Tutu**, those iconic white, three-tiered wonders. It was an emotional performance, that really emphasized the stories and emotions dance can evoke.

The **Ballet Tutu**, of course, always makes a statement, especially here in Canada, where there's such a vibrant ballet scene. In cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, we have world-class ballet companies that keep the art form alive and inspire young dancers. Seeing this in a small town was just as touching! I even snagged a photo op with some of the dancers who told me that ballet in Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine has become an important way for young people to learn discipline, teamwork, and a whole lot of self-expression!

Tutus – they really have a magical way of bringing people together, no matter where you are in Canada, or even the world.

In addition to the workshops and the parade, the festivities also included an amazing open-air market. You know me, a dancer with a flair for fashion! I had to check out the amazing selection of gorgeous handcrafted **Classical Tutus** created by talented local artists.

As the sun set, we gathered in the town square for a heartwarming concert featuring local musicians playing music inspired by ballet. They weren’t playing just any tunes – they were inspired by classical ballet composers like Tchaikovsky! The whole scene was just so surreal – the vibrant colours of the sky mingling with the shimmering fabrics of the tutus. It was a true spectacle!

As the last notes faded and the last twirls of the day were performed, I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and joy. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine and its rich tradition of dance. This town has truly embraced the magic of ballet.

This #tututuesday was more than just a fun-filled day – it was a celebration of community, artistry, and the power of movement. And what better way to celebrate it than with a spin or two in a tutu of my own?

Here's to keeping the tradition of tutus alive and to celebrating the beauty and power of ballet, no matter what corner of Canada you call home.

Until next time, keep those toes tapping, those spirits high, and remember: a tutu a day keeps the blues away! #tututuesday