Tutu Tuesday in Matagami, Quebec: A Canadian Ballet Dancerās Love Affair With This City & The Tutu
Hey there, fashion-forward friends! It's your girl, Olivia, back with another post straight from the heart of Canadian dance ā and today, we're taking it to the streets (well, more like the sidewalks) of Matagami, Quebec. Itās the first time Iām doing Tutu Tuesday outside the big cities in Ontario, and honestly, the heart of Canada has been nothing but kind and inspiring.
For those new to the game, Tutu Tuesday is a weekly ritual of mine where I showcase my favourite tutus ā because, let's face it, who doesn't love a little tulle and lace in their life? And for this week, I decided to break free from my usual city-girl vibe and take Tutu Tuesday on a road trip to Matagami, Quebec.
You see, there's something magical about ballet in Canada. We have a rich history of the art form, and it truly connects us as Canadians ā even though our landscapes are vast, our passion for dance shines through in every corner. The small communities, the quiet charm, and the dedication to the arts ā it all resonated with my own love for dance and fashion.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the highlights of my #Tututuesday adventures in Matagami! First, we need to address the elephant in the room. It's cold in Canada during this time of year ā *really* cold! To avoid turning into an ice sculpture in the middle of Matagamiās iconic streets, I brought with me a selection of tutus that are versatile enough to tackle the cold with warmth and flair:
- **My "Winter Wonderland" Tutu:** This dreamy, floor-length, pastel-toned tulle tutu, featuring layers of soft, shimmering tulle is the definition of winter fairy tale fashion.
- **The "Northern Lights" Tutu:** Inspired by the breathtaking auroras borealis, this dramatic and eye-catching tulle tutu boasts intricate, neon embroidery to add a touch of whimsy to the frigid Canadian landscape.
- **The āAprĆØs-Skiā Tutu:** This tutu embraces that aprĆØs-ski comfort while staying stylish. A classic, short ballet tutu but in soft fleece material topped with a hand-knit wool sweater for extra warmth and elegance.
- **The āCozy Chic" Tutu:** This playful tutu embodies warmth and elegance. A layered, tulle tutu in a sophisticated shade of brown with subtle lace detailing, a perfect combo to match Canada's natural brown and beige hues during winter.
And trust me, each and every one of them looked absolutely stunning against the backdrop of Matagami's unique scenery. Thereās a lot of charm in exploring Canadaās small towns.
On a bright and sunny afternoon, I decided to showcase my "Winter Wonderland" tutu, waltzing through Matagami's main street, making a few stops along the way:
- First, we had to stop for a steaming cup of maple-infused tea at the cozy Cafe "Le Bon Moment". This charming cafe embodies Matagami's laid-back, rustic style. Think comfy sofas, local artwork and the intoxicating scent of warm maple syrup.
- Next, we paid a visit to āChez Marieā, a charming local bookstore owned by the sweet, Marie.
- The highlight of my trip, was the opportunity to stop by āLes Beaux Arts Matagamiā, the city's local ballet school. This hidden gem houses an array of local ballet talent whoāve trained since a young age ā something that truly inspired me and reinforced the impact of ballet across Canada.
- And speaking of the artistic scene, I even had the privilege to join a small performance on stage at the Matagami Centre Culturel for "Festival des Arts." The atmosphere was magical, filled with pure passion, artistic energy, and supportive applause from the community members who welcomed me with open arms.
- Finally, a picturesque picnic lunch on the frozen Lake Matagami, where the majestic beauty of the frozen lake reflected the winter wonderland of Matagami, adding another layer to my Tutu Tuesday's fairytale adventure.
In my eyes, Matagami is truly a hidden gem waiting to be explored, A testament to Canada's true spirit: Friendly people, picturesque views, a vibrant artistic community, and a cozy atmosphere. What more could you ask for? Oh, and my favourite part? I saw lots of people sporting different variations of toques (winter hats).
This weekās Tutu Tuesday was a whirlwind of beautiful memories ā but not one moment would I trade for the world. I learned so much about Matagamiās beautiful story through the warm embrace of the locals and the energy of the artistic community, showing me that ballet isnāt confined to big cities, itās thriving all across Canada, in places youād least expect!
Stay tuned for more #Tututuesday adventures coming from Canada's smallest town to its largest metropolis. I hope you guys loved following along, as much as I loved exploring Matagamiās story and culture!
Don't forget to follow me on social media for more fashion inspiration and travel tips. And donāt be afraid to send me your own stories. Stay fabulous, Canada, stay chic. Until next time,
Olivia
P.S. Share your love for all things dance! Tag your best #tututuesday posts, and remember, don't be afraid to get creative!