Tutu Tuesday 33015

It's Tutu Tuesday, and while the world might be bundled up in winter coats, I'm here in Igloolik, Nunavut, spreading a little bit of tutus and sunshine! Okay, maybe not sunshine, but certainly colour and whimsy in the heart of the Arctic.

I know what you're thinking: tutus and Nunavut? Seems like an odd mix, right? Well, let me tell you, that's what makes this whole experience so unique!

It all started with my obsession with #tututuesday. For the uninitiated, #tututuesday is a social media phenomenon where people from all walks of life rock their tutus, celebrating the dance, the style, the joy. Every Tuesday, my feed erupts with a glorious array of tutus – romantic, playful, classic, bold. From tutu-clad yoga instructors to tutus worn over business suits, I love the playful spirit of it all. So when I got the chance to come to Igloolik to work with some incredible Inuit youth in a dance project, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to bring the #tututuesday vibe to the Arctic.

Let's be honest, the Canadian landscape isn't always brimming with the fashion-forward scene of Toronto or Montreal. So to see these kids light up when they got their hands on the tutus, well, it was magical! Imagine a kaleidoscope of colour amidst a canvas of white snow and icy blue skies! A Little Bit of Ballet in the Arctic

My main goal here wasn't just about the tutus; it was about bringing a bit of ballet to these incredible kids. Many of them had never experienced the world of ballet before. As we worked on simple routines and explored the freedom of movement, the smiles on their faces spoke volumes. I've always loved the way dance transcends boundaries – language, culture, even geography. It's a universal language of movement, emotion, and storytelling.

As we moved through the exercises, we incorporated different tutu styles. The classical tutus, with their airy layers of tulle, added an ethereal touch. We experimented with shorter, more contemporary tutus for a playful, modern vibe. There was something so empowering about these kids feeling confident in their tutus – even in the cold!

It wasn't just the kids who were in awe of the tutus; the entire community seemed to be swept up in the excitement. From curious onlookers to parents cheering on their children, there was a contagious sense of joy in the air. You could see it in the laughter, the wonder, the sheer delight. The icy landscapes of Igloolik were painted with vibrant hues as we danced, and that's what really makes this Tutu Tuesday unforgettable. It wasn't just a social media trend; it was a shared moment of community, creativity, and pure fun.

If there's anything this experience has taught me, it's that the power of dance – and the whimsical touch of tutus – can bridge any distance and bring smiles to faces, even in the coldest of environments.

• Watching a little boy spin in a pink tutu, his face radiating joy, and his laughter echoing through the snow-covered playground.
• Seeing a group of girls twirling around, their tutus catching the wind, their laughter echoing through the streets.
• Capturing the kids' eyes lit up with wonder as they gazed at their reflections in the snow-covered tundra – a truly magical moment of transformation!
• Hearing the stories from local Elders about the traditional dances and celebrations that were once a common sight in their community.

There's so much more I could tell you about this unforgettable experience, but I'll leave you with this: Don't ever underestimate the power of tutus – and don't be afraid to embrace the joy of dancing, even if it's in the middle of the Arctic. Spread the love, spread the joy, spread the #tututuesday!

As for me, I'm already looking forward to my next Tutu Tuesday adventure. Where will the tutus take me next? Stay tuned!