Hey fellow dance lovers, It’s Tutu Tuesday, and as a Canadian ballerina with a serious case of tutumania, I couldn't let the day pass without sharing some thoughts on these fabulous pieces of dancewear. You know what they say - there's a tutu for everyone!
And, trust me, there truly is a wide range of tutus out there for all tastes and occasions, from the traditional romantic tutu - think of the beautiful and classic *Giselle* - to the more modern and daring ones favoured by contemporary ballet companies. I’m partial to the ones made from shimmering silk with a whimsical and soft look; it's no surprise I prefer to wear these types of tutus when I perform.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across the stage in a beautiful, perfectly fitted tutu. It's more than just a costume; it's a statement, an expression of artistry and grace.
So today, we're celebrating Tutuesday here in Chisholm, Ontario! I’ll be showing you a few of my favourite tutus from my collection and highlighting the incredible Canadian talent making them here in our own back yard!
- The Classic Romantic Tutu
- The Tulle Ballerina Tutu
- The Pointe Tutu
- The Modern tutu
First up, the Romantic Tutu - I mean, it’s a Canadian ballerina's classic for a reason! You know the one - It's lightweight and fluffy with several layers of tulle that flow effortlessly with every movement. Romantic tutus come in different lengths but usually extend above the knees. I particularly love how Romantic tutus enhance movement and provide a stunning visual spectacle with their layers and floaty shape. I have a special place in my heart for my *Giselle* tutu, though - those layers of pale pink silk are so dreamy, and when I’m dancing, they just swirl beautifully on the stage.
This tutu has to be my second favourite! There are layers and layers of tulle creating an almost magical feeling as you dance. Many variations are found here in Canada as well; it's all about the type and the length. It’s very similar to the Romantic tutu; the key is in the amount of layering. The Tulle Ballerina is known for being longer, flowing to the toes. The layers of tulle are quite heavy though, so you can get some nice structure in this kind of tutu, and, there are several styles of the ballerina tutu here in Canada! From simple, graceful layers to elaborate designs adorned with sparkly gems, we've got you covered!
Another must have, but I actually don’t perform in it - the Pointe tutu is traditionally used for performances with more “staccato” or abrupt movement in ballet choreography - it has to support and protect the dancer on point. The bodice in this tutu is pretty form-fitting, to give more support as a dancer makes moves at this high angle of pointe. It can still have beautiful, flowing layers for movement. While it can still have multiple layers and different colours, these tutus don’t come with the huge frills. There’s less tulle for sure and there are less layers overall in Pointe tutus. They are also made with sturdy materials!
If you’re a little edgy or looking to take some stylistic liberties in your ballet pieces, modern tutus might be just what you're looking for. These tutus are super versatile, they allow the dancer to take full advantage of new and experimental styles, without compromising the movement quality! It's the style that tends to reflect the choreographer’s and the company’s vision of modern ballet, but this could be anything from more modest (maybe a shorter length tutu with the simple flow of a ballet wrap skirt) to really quite unconventional - if the performance needs it, designers will create it for sure! I was lucky to do an amazing *Neo-classical* piece by the young contemporary choreographer, Michael Tamsitt - he incorporated my love of layering and light material but added so many dynamic and interesting design features in this performance - his use of layers and shapes added a real “punch” to the modern feel of his work! It definitely caught the eye of some Canadian arts publications!
I hope this “Tutu Tuesday” post has sparked some inspiration for you to try new tutu designs as you dance, even for fun, whether at home or in a studio setting - let's embrace our creativity, and let our tutus be our guide. #tututuesday