Tutu Tuesday in St. Charles, Ontario: A Celebration of Dance and Fashion
It’s officially Tutu Tuesday, and the air is buzzing with excitement in St. Charles, Ontario! For those who don't know, Tutu Tuesday is a monthly celebration of ballet and all things tutus – think tutus, ballet shoes, dance costumes, and all the wonderful world of Canadian ballet. The movement started online and now, every Tuesday of the month, dancers of all ages and levels in communities around the globe are proudly donning their tutus and spreading the love of dance.
And what better place to celebrate Tutu Tuesday than in the heart of Canada? This little corner of our great nation has a long and rich ballet tradition. I know it’s cliché to say “We’re known for hockey” in Canada, but truly, dance and ballet in this country have had a long and wonderful life in our artistic cultural heart. So here in St. Charles, the tutu love flows strong, with many local studios and performance spaces providing spaces for dancers to blossom.
And it’s not just about the tutu styles. It's a day to be playful, creative, and, above all, to spread joy through the universal language of dance. The world can sometimes be a little… well, gloomy, right? We all could use some sparkly tutus in our lives – even if it's just for a day!
Speaking of tutus – I was seriously debating what tutu to wear! The decision was a tough one:
- Should I go for the classic Romantic tutu? These, with their soft, romantic layers of tulle, are iconic for a reason. But perhaps a little too predictable.
- Maybe a dramatic, fierce, and edgy contemporary tutu? There’s a confidence that radiates when I put on a piece with some power, and something so inspiring about its artistic statements.
- Or something whimsical and lighthearted? A playful tutu style makes me smile. There's such an element of whimsy that puts a big grin on your face just thinking about it, a tutu with ribbons or something sparkly, is simply magic!
Ultimately, I chose to go with a playful, vintage-inspired tulle number, and I have to say, it brought a burst of sunshine to this already beautiful Tuesday! My friend Sarah brought out a whimsical polka-dot tutu, that was just the kind of lighthearted piece we needed, while my teammate John rocked a modern style of ballet practice gear and a tutu he designed! Of course, everyone's interpretation of a tutu can vary from person to person, from ballet class tutu to contemporary and fashion-forward, but it was amazing to see a group of people express themselves so freely and joyously.
We did a fun, impromptu dance session, making sure to use the hashtag #tututuesday so people could join in from afar! My ballet group even decided to visit the seniors at the local nursing home in our tutus for some spontaneous ballet fun – their smiles made it a Tutu Tuesday worth remembering! We talked with them, listened to their stories about ballet, and I can tell they had such a good time. There was one grandmother who remembered taking ballet lessons with her sister over eighty years ago – it was really quite inspiring. She told us about the style of the tutu and even remembered a beautiful ballet class she took that involved twirling around a big old lamp post. She looked up and winked, “Who needs a stage when you have a lamppost?!” The laughter flowed like music. I think these senior ballet stories and a whole lot of giggling make this the best Tutu Tuesday ever. It's truly amazing what a little tulle can do!
Tutu Tuesday was an incredible way to celebrate all things dance. Whether you're a professional dancer or just a dance lover, Tutu Tuesday gives everyone a chance to connect with each other. The movement continues to grow. You can always catch someone twirling down a busy street or getting a double-take for your unique expression. So don't be shy. Come out on a Tuesday, don your tutu, join us, and show off your dance moves, however silly!
If you want to be a part of the fun, follow the hashtag #tututuesday and you'll see lots of inspiring posts from dancers of all ages!
And don’t forget, St. Charles, Ontario! I’m hoping this day inspires all of us to dance with joy, confidence, and sparkle – all in our own beautiful, and unique, ways.
Stay fabulous!