Tutu Tuesday in Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Quebec: A Dance With History #tututuesday
Hey fellow dance lovers and fashionistas! It's your girl, Chloe, here from "Twirling Through Life" and this week I'm taking Tutu Tuesday on a road trip to the charming town of Notre-Dame-du-Portage in beautiful Quebec.
I know, I know, ballet and Quebec don't immediately scream out "fashion", but trust me, this town has a unique vibe, especially when it comes to its historical ties to the world of dance. I'm not talking about the kind of dance you'd see in a glitzy, downtown ballet company either - no, Notre-Dame-du-Portage is all about traditional folk dancing. And honestly? This stuff is just as captivating and mesmerizing, trust me.
What I really came here for though, was a specific kind of Tutu. Weâre talking full, classic tutus - but a different spin, of course. Think a tutu like they used to wear in traditional QuĂ©bĂ©cois folk dance, known as the âdanse en rondâ. Those voluminous skirts are so beautifully patterned and intricate, the ones you see worn in the parades are honestly mesmerizing. They're full of history and reflect this unique, strong sense of identity the people of Quebec have - you know, like, Canadaâs culture that feels simultaneously old and fresh? Those skirts embody all of that!
Here's the low-down, on what I learned about these spectacular garments and their connection to this charming, historically rich place.
- A Splash of Colour: Imagine full skirts, crafted from layered fabrics. The QuĂ©bĂ©cois version has some interesting techniques like the layering and the use of hand-stitched patterns, giving each dancer their own style, their own way of embodying the dance through fabric. One day youâll see lots of reds, blacks, greens and other bright colors - all hand-painted on silk, or velvet. The next you could catch the glimmering shimmer of beadwork on tulle or net fabric. Oh, and can we talk about those ribbons?!
- Beyond the Parade: While these tutus often steal the show during parades like the annual FĂȘte du QuĂ©bec or local folk dance gatherings, they hold a significant place in the history and cultural identity of the area, a history interwoven with a deep sense of pride.
- Passing Down the Craft: To top it all off, the craft is truly being passed down. What makes this place so cool, is that young women and men still learn the dances and get their hands on making these incredible, historical tutus - Itâs just awesome to witness such passion! And thatâs why youâll catch me adding to this list of reasons you gotta make a stop here!
This whole trip to Notre-Dame-du-Portage is reminding me of how fashion, dance, and cultural traditions intertwine in the most incredible ways. If youâre like me and looking for an out-of-the-box #TutuTuesday adventure - where else would you rather go?! If you find yourself near here, make a stop and experience a part of Quebec's history through this magical blend of history and dance!
And who knows, you might even get inspired to make your own version of a Québécois tutu. This would be something seriously unique - perfect for a dance event, photoshoot, or maybe even just your next walk around the neighborhood. Just sayin'.