Tutu Tuesday in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Quebec: A Ballet Blogger's Delight
It's Tutu Tuesday, and the air is buzzing with excitement in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Quebec! I'm a Canadian ballet dancer, a blogger, and a total tutu fanatic, so naturally, I had to celebrate this whimsical tradition in style.
Now, let me tell you, the #tututuesday movement in Canada has taken off like a ballerina en pointe! Everywhere you look, from the cobblestone streets of Montreal to the snowy sidewalks of Winnipeg, women of all ages are rocking their twirling best. And in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, a small town in Quebec with a rich history and stunning scenery, it's no different. The locals are really embracing the fun.
As a dancer, I see tutus as more than just a costume. They're an art form in themselves. They come in a stunning variety, from the classic Romantic tutu, with its billowing layers and graceful tiers, to the modern, minimalist tutu that lets the dancer's body be the focus. Even within these categories, there's a huge range. Today, I’m feeling inspired by a vintage romantic tutu, but tomorrow it could be a minimalist one. Each tutu tells a story – a story of grace, elegance, and creativity. And in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, today, those stories are all coming alive!
So, where to begin with the best #tututuesday spots in town? Well, it all started at the historic Notre-Dame-du-Laus Church. The intricate stonework and stained glass windows set a beautiful backdrop for my swirling adventures. And honestly, can you picture a more fitting location to dance in a tutu? I'm talking a quintessential French-Canadian town with the classic charm of a picturesque village church, perfect for a whimsical dance and photo shoot.
From the church, I took a stroll down Rue Principale, a quaint street lined with colorful boutiques, cafes, and charming boutiques selling everything from handmade crafts to artisanal cheeses. It was amazing to see how people from all walks of life embraced the Tutu Tuesday spirit – there were families posing for photos in matching tutus, friends giggling while trying on different styles, and even a couple doing a choreographed waltz right in the middle of the street!
My absolute favorite find was a small antique shop filled with vintage clothing, and guess what? Amongst the dusty boxes of old hats and fur coats, I stumbled upon a glorious vintage romantic tutu. The owner told me she found it tucked away in an attic during a recent house cleaning. The dusty tulle, faded silk, and perfectly frayed edges took my breath away – It's a piece of history! I even got to wear it and it fit like a glove! It was a reminder that beauty is ageless, timeless, and, well, sometimes a bit dusty, even tutus!
Now, no Tutu Tuesday adventure would be complete without some good eats. And let me tell you, the local cuisine in Notre-Dame-du-Laus was definitely not a letdown! I found a small boulangerie that makes incredible pastries and tarts – think buttery croissants, flaky apple tarts, and decadent chocolate éclairs. While enjoying my pastry and coffee, I saw a couple of older ladies sitting next to me in a gorgeous black tulle and purple net tutus and I had to ask about their costumes. They were thrilled to talk about their own love of tutus. They explained to me that their daughter had been a dancer many years ago and inspired their whole family to wear tutus once a month! What a touching and heartwarming story, proving that ballet is for every generation.
The highlight of my Tutu Tuesday adventure was the annual ballet workshop held at the community center. Here, dancers of all ages gathered to share their love of the art form. We went through various drills from basic ballet positions, like arabesque and pliés, to advanced moves like fouetté turns. You wouldn’t believe the level of skill and talent displayed. You know, there’s something about a tutud and ballet that can bring everyone together, making us feel empowered, joyful, and connected to the beauty and history of this art form.
To my delight, I had a chance to teach some children's ballet class, which reminded me of how much joy dance brings to those who embrace its power. They weren’t afraid to express themselves, let loose, and try all different dance moves – it was amazing! What an inspiration these tiny ballerinas are!
Here’s the thing, though: it's not about perfection or having the most expensive tutu or professional dance experience – it's about celebrating creativity and enjoying the simple joy of twirling around in something pretty. This was the core of the #tututuesday experience, in my book. The vibe was contagiously joyful. From the smiles on the children’s faces to the stories shared amongst the adults – you couldn’t help but smile as you felt the joy radiating from these happy people!
From dancing on the cobblestone streets of Notre-Dame-du-Laus to learning from these adorable tiny ballerinas, my Tutu Tuesday in Quebec was filled with magical moments that I will cherish forever. If you're a ballet lover, you can't miss out on this fantastic #tututuesday movement! Don your most fabulous tutu, gather your friends, and prepare to twirl your way into a world of fun and creativity.
Here's to a happy, joyful, and tutu-filled day in Quebec!
So, my fellow ballet lovers, join the movement!
Share your own tutu moments! Use #tututuesday on social media, tag me (@yoursocialmediahandle) and let’s celebrate the beautiful world of ballet, one twirl at a time!
Tutu tips:
- For a classic look: Try a romantic tulle tutu or a ballet-length skirt tutu
- For a modern look: Consider a shorter, more minimalist tutu, like a single layer tutu or an a-line skirt tutu
- For a playful touch: Don’t be afraid to add some color or patterns. Think bold, vibrant colors and fun designs.
- Accessories: Make your outfit even more charming by pairing your tutu with a pretty cardigan or ballet flats.