Tutu Tuesday in Ragueneau, Quebec: A Ballet Blogger's Ode to the Humble Tutu
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Claire, back with another blog post, and this time we're diving headfirst into the world of tulle, sequins, and, of course, the iconic symbol of ballet: the tutu.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Tutus? Aren't those a little… outdated?" But let me tell you, you couldn't be more wrong! Tutus are anything but dated. They're a timeless classic that continues to evolve, re-inventing themselves season after season. Plus, there's just something so empowering about slipping into one. It's like a magic transformation, a tangible embodiment of grace and artistry.
And where better to celebrate the magic of the tutu than in Ragueneau, Quebec? This charming little city, nestled in the heart of Canada, holds a special place in my heart. It's not just a beautiful place, it's a place where the passion for dance burns bright.
Every Tuesday, Ragueneau comes alive with the spirit of Tutu Tuesday. It's not just about wearing a tutu, it's about embracing the art of dance and celebrating the community that surrounds it. And trust me, when you're surrounded by so much talent and passion, the city just sparkles. From the intricate craftsmanship of a custom-made tutu to the effortless elegance of a classic romantic tutu, you'll find it all in Ragueneau.
There's something about a Tutu that makes you want to move. I often find myself twirling and leaping through the streets of Ragueneau, inspired by the joy and energy around me. I've even been known to burst into spontaneous arabesques at the local café, much to the amusement of the regulars.
For a while now I've been thinking about doing something a bit different with my Tutu Tuesdays. For so long my blog has focused on what we dancers can get away with wearing but Tutu Tuesday isn’t just about our attire, it’s about the feeling of grace, lightness and magic that comes with wearing one!
For today's Tutu Tuesday I thought I'd share a little history about the evolution of the tutu:
- The original **Romantic tutu**, a symbol of ethereal grace, was known for its long, flowing layers of tulle. This type of tutu was popular in the early 19th century.
- As ballet progressed, the **classic tutu** with its shorter, layered skirt appeared. The classic tutu allowed for greater freedom of movement, giving dancers the ability to execute complex turns and jumps with ease. This version of the tutu dominated the 20th century.
- In the later half of the 20th century we saw the emergence of **the contemporary tutu.** This tutu incorporated various modern materials and experimenting with different shapes and structures.
- Finally we get to **the experimental tutu** of today. This contemporary version can involve just a single layer of fabric, often a fabric that isn’t traditionally seen in ballet clothing such as silk, cotton or even denim.
Even with this change in tutu styles, it seems that people always love the chance to see the beauty of dance captured on stage.
I'm so proud to be a part of the ballet community in Canada. We've got so much talent and passion in this country, and Tutu Tuesday in Ragueneau is just one example of how our community is alive and thriving.
Don't forget to join me on Tutu Tuesday! Take a picture in your tutu and tag it with #TutuTuesday! It's your chance to show off your own unique style and spread the love of ballet! And of course, you can’t forget to tag the city you are celebrating your love of ballet: #Ragueneau, #Quebec.