Tutu Tuesday in Wynyard, Saskatchewan: A Dance with Fashion Hello, fashionistas! It’s your girl, Anya, back with another instalment of #tututuesday, this time straight from the heart of Saskatchewan, Wynyard to be precise! It’s no secret that Canadians are passionate about their hockey, but did you know that our love for the arts, especially dance, runs just as deep? This week I’m exploring the tutu’s role in ballet, a fascinating dance form that has captivated hearts for centuries, and here in Saskatchewan, our love for the art is palpable! With #tututuesday, I’m on a mission to show you that ballet isn't just about tutus and tiaras - it’s about storytelling, passion, and grace, all wrapped in beautiful, artistic forms. Speaking of beautiful forms, the tutu's history is as fascinating as ballet itself. A lot of you probably think a tutu is a tutu, right? Well, hold on, because the world of ballet tutus is far more diverse than you might imagine. From the voluminous and romantic "Romantic Tutu" to the whimsical and graceful "Classical Tutu," and the sleek and modern "Contemporary Tutu", each one reflects a unique era and dance style, contributing to a captivating performance. As I'm writing this, I'm picturing the little dancers I used to teach back in my hometown of Saskatoon, their eyes sparkling with wonder as they twirled and leaped in their little tutus. They didn’t just see a costume, they saw a chance to be a princess, a fairy, a creature from a fantastical world. That magic is what keeps me going. That, and my undying passion for this graceful, captivating art form! But this week I want to focus on the power of fashion. Did you know that many of the fashion trends you love are inspired by ballet? Think about those figure-hugging pencil skirts? Straight from the romantic lines of the Romantic Tutu. Those ethereal, flowing maxi dresses? Yep, those were influenced by the dramatic movement of the Classical Tutu. There's a certain magic in the tutu’s ability to transform the dancer, to bring her closer to her artistic vision. This week, I'm all about finding that spark, that feeling of inspiration, whether it's a full-on, floor-length, billowing tulle tutu or a sleek and chic little dancewear version - I'm talking about finding that perfect "tutu moment," you know, that little something that makes you feel empowered, elegant, and absolutely ready to dance the night away! Let’s get down to business, now, about this #tututuesday and what makes Wynyard, Saskatchewan such a gem in the Canadian ballet scene. You may be surprised, but there is a burgeoning artistic scene here! From the small town’s vibrant community centre where they host a local ballet program with passionate instructors to the impressive Wynyard Community Arts Centre, the stage here is buzzing! For those of you who have been living under a rock (or, you know, a Canadian winter’s snowdrift!), the Wynyard Community Arts Centre is a beacon for the creative spirit. It’s a beautiful venue where you can see talented dancers perform alongside theatre productions, concerts, and all sorts of creative projects. It’s a place where talent meets passion, where every member of the community can participate in the world of the arts, even through community ballet programs, and that’s pretty darn impressive! I’ve personally been inspired by this town’s dedication to its art scene. The Wynyard community takes immense pride in its culture, and its local dance scene is absolutely thriving. With each tutu-clad twirl, there’s a shared passion that warms the hearts of those watching. Today, as I walk through the heart of Wynyard, I see ballet reflected everywhere. The wind swirling leaves across the sidewalk – reminiscent of a ballerina's flowing skirt. The children giggling on the swings – channeling that boundless energy and joy that only ballet can give. The sky after a snowfall – like the soft and delicate fabric of a dancer’s tutu. Saskatchewan might not be the first place you think of when you imagine ballet, but there’s magic happening here in the prairie, magic I hope to share with the world. In Wynyard, Saskatchewan, #tututuesday isn’t just a hashtag, it's a celebration of our collective passion for art and expression. And whether it's the classic tutu, the modern version, or even the casual ballet-inspired dress that I’m rocking right now (because I’m that kind of ballerina who can move seamlessly from dance studio to coffee shop, don’t judge!), this Tuesday, and every Tuesday, we're going to wear our hearts on our sleeves, and let our love for dance take flight. Now go find your tutu moment!