Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, Quebec: A Tutu-tastic Day in the Heart of Canada! #tututuesday
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Chloe, back with another fabulous post, this time straight from the charming town of Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, Quebec. Yes, you read that right! This week's Tutu Tuesday adventure takes us right to the heart of Canada, where the air is crisp, the scenery is breathtaking, and the ballet spirit is alive and kicking.
Now, I know what you're thinking: Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka? That doesn't sound like the usual ballet hot spot, does it? But hear me out! This charming little town, tucked away in the beautiful countryside of Quebec, is actually a haven for ballet lovers, even if it doesn't have a grand opera house on every corner. I discovered it thanks to my cousin, who happens to be a budding young ballerina, and, let me tell you, this place is absolutely charming.
First off, the people are incredible. The community is so supportive and passionate about all forms of art, including ballet. When you see someone wearing a tutu here, it’s a cause for celebration! You know, in Canada, we like to embrace “Tutu Tuesdays” in every town and every city!
We headed down to the local community centre, where we had a delightful surprise: a small ballet workshop conducted by a passionate teacher, Mme. Dubois, who's a seasoned ballerina herself. Imagine a cozy space, the scent of wood polish and worn leather shoes, with a little touch of magic in the air! It was like stepping back in time, in a good way. It was in this space that I discovered something special - a legacy of ballet in this part of the world that we all forgot about!
I don’t mean the history of ballet because we all know that is well-established. What I mean is that the town has its own history, with this small little dance studio hidden within its heart. Mme. Dubois spoke of how her family have all been connected to this studio for three generations and that its doors opened more than 50 years ago. And here we were! This studio has a lot of stories that we, and she, could tell and it was just beginning.
Our little workshop included an introductory class that showcased a unique and traditional blend of ballet techniques with a local flavour - there were graceful movements, sure, but also elements of traditional French-Canadian dances interwoven! So cool! We learned about the history of ballet in this region, from the first travelling companies that visited the region to the growing local interest that ultimately culminated in this very studio. And while you might think there's nothing extraordinary about that, you’d be surprised! This particular ballet school offers unique scholarships and scholarships! Scholarships that can support young talented students to take the plunge into ballet! I wish my dance school had that!
We did a lot of the typical exercises that ballet schools and studios all across Canada feature like plies, tendus, and releveés. What I found truly endearing about this particular dance studio was that we also focused on building core strength and stability - important for everyday life, and it gave us a bit of an advantage as ballet dancers too! They incorporate a lot of local Canadian practices into their teaching as well! It truly felt like ballet, with a touch of “home”!
While it might not have been as glitzy or as polished as some ballet studios I've seen, there was a heart and soul to it. It was here that I discovered an important piece of the Canadian ballet story: the story that happens far away from the spotlight and the glitter, tucked away in little corners like this. This ballet school represents the dedication, the resilience and the undying love of ballet that are found in so many corners of our beautiful country!
And because we can't forget the real star of the show - the tutu, right? Today, my tutu game was on point! Mme. Dubois suggested we choose a traditional, Romantic tutu because it would “really set the tone” for this day! I am a sucker for any excuse to wear a classic and traditional tutu! The ballerina inside me went bonkers!
But, don't worry, I'm not going to neglect the Tutu Tuesday fashion rules. The Romantic Tutu is a classic and it can go so many ways. Today, we wore them with ballet slippers (I chose white, of course!). This combination is classic for a reason. It gives a ballet-elegant look. Now I don't need to tell you that I am very comfortable wearing tights with my ballet shoes! I find the right pair to add a little pizazz to your Tutu Tuesday look.
We finished our little adventure with tea and ginger snaps! My grandmother used to make ginger snaps for me after my classes at my dance school back home in the city! It made this experience feel that much more special! Now, who wouldn't love a delicious and nostalgic touch to their Tutu Tuesday?
That's it for this week's Tutu Tuesday. This time, the journey wasn't just about the outfit, but about discovering something beautiful, authentic, and unexpected in a tiny corner of Canada. Now, I urge you to explore your local communities and find hidden gems. The beauty of Tutu Tuesdays isn’t just about fashion and Instagram; it's about finding moments to inspire a passion in your community and making it an amazing place! So, until next week, let's all keep spreading the ballet love, and don't forget, #tututuesday is for everyone! #tututuesday
My Tutu Tuesday Outfit:
- Romantic Tutu, in a light pink, and, I might add, made from a sustainable and vegan fabric, because Mother Earth deserves all the love.
- Ballet Slippers (I'm always a classic white girl)!
- A soft, comfy, light pink turtleneck sweatshirt (Because let's be honest, some days a ballerina's got to keep cozy!
- Light-wash, straight leg jeans (I find a straight leg is just perfect when it comes to matching up with tutus).
- A sparkly ballet hair clip, (to just bring out the girly-ness in my Tutu Tuesday outfit)