Tutu Tuesday in Estevan, Saskatchewan: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Twirls
Okay, so it's not exactly *ballet* Tuesday, but it is *Tutu* Tuesday in Estevan, Saskatchewan, and let me tell you, it's a whole vibe! I've been travelling across Canada for my ballet career and my blog, and it's so fun seeing how different communities embrace this kind of thing.
I'm not going to lie, the whole #tututuesday thing is kind of niche, but there's a reason it's been trending online lately - it's a great excuse to embrace a bit of whimsy, throw on some tulle and have a good time.
Now, Estevan, Saskatchewan, might not be the first place you think of when you picture ballet and tutus. It's a mining town with a lot of heart and soul, and some pretty tough folks. But that's what made this Tutu Tuesday even more awesome. You see, it wasn't just a bunch of ballerinas out and about, it was a whole community embracing the spirit of this fun little movement. It was all about celebrating self-expression, creativity, and a bit of fun in an unexpected place.
From the moment I arrived in Estevan, it was clear this town was going to do #tututuesday in style. I saw a whole lot of tutus all over the place, all shapes and sizes, some custom-made, some thrifted, and some just plain silly – a big ol’ tutu is a big ol’ statement! I was in awe of the variety – and I mean, the colours! Every shade imaginable, from the classic black to some vibrant hot pinks and electric blues. This town wasn't afraid of colour.
We’re talking everything from traditional ballerina tutus in all their poofy glory, to more contemporary takes – you know, shorter, funkier, and just generally more modern and sassy – all about personal expression and self-love, no matter the style! Some people even went full-out with glitter, feathers and even some headbands and headpieces - a little more theatrical, a little bit disco - I mean, who doesn't love a touch of sparkle?
It was so refreshing to see everyone participating, embracing their inner dancer. I chatted with a young girl at the coffee shop, all excited to wear her Grandma's old tutu - it had faded pink and sparkly sequins - the cutest. A group of ladies, all decked out in bright coloured tutus were in their local cafe enjoying their cappuccinos, looking like they were having the best time. There was this older gentleman, sitting on a park bench, holding a big bag of fries with a giant pink tutu on his legs - he totally nailed it - just that good ol' "I don't care, it's fun" vibe - so classic Canadian, and Estevan.
It wasn't all just about tutus either. The whole town got involved - there was music and dancing. A local band set up a stage at the town square with an awesome retro, synthpop vibe, it just added to the fun atmosphere, and folks were bustin’ moves right there on the street.
There was a free ballet class organized at the town hall – and the energy, so lively, you wouldn't believe - you got folks of all ages getting into the rhythm and learning ballet steps, and I mean, I'm a professional dancer, and even I learned a few things, like how to throw those grand jetés - a classic. Everyone was laughing and having such a great time! I could see that some had never taken a dance class before, so it was a total treat, just being there in the room with everyone having that shared experience.
A few other moments that stood out:
- The local baker - he totally rocked the pastry game - had these unbelievable cupcakes topped with little tulle frills, and each was unique in a fun, playful way! The baker’s window was so colourful, like a piece of art, people just kept coming back for a glimpse of the amazing display of tutu-inspired sweets.
- I saw a little boy in a matching tutu and top hat. His little outfit was so dapper. I mean, you’ve gotta have that flair! His mama looked proud as punch! So adorable, it stole my heart.
- A local gallery was holding an art exhibition celebrating women artists in Canada, and the organizers added a little #tututuesday spin on the theme. The gallery had installed tulle sculptures in its foyer - beautiful shapes that flowed like fabric ribbons – very contemporary, yet whimsical, and a stunning reminder that beauty comes in so many different forms! It was like you've never seen anything like it before.
- The local bakery - they totally rocked the pastry game - had these unbelievable cupcakes topped with little tulle frills, and each was unique in a fun, playful way! The baker’s window was so colourful, like a piece of art, people just kept coming back for a glimpse of the amazing display of tutu-inspired sweets.
- I saw a little boy in a matching tutu and top hat. His little outfit was so dapper. I mean, you’ve gotta have that flair! His mama looked proud as punch! So adorable, it stole my heart.
- A local gallery was holding an art exhibition celebrating women artists in Canada, and the organizers added a little #tututuesday spin on the theme. The gallery had installed tulle sculptures in its foyer - beautiful shapes that flowed like fabric ribbons – very contemporary, yet whimsical, and a stunning reminder that beauty comes in so many different forms! It was like you've never seen anything like it before.
Estevan proved that #tututuesday can be more than just a silly online trend; it can be a powerful reminder to celebrate individuality and find joy in the simple things. As a Canadian dancer and blogger, I was blown away by the incredible community spirit. It just shows that embracing that creative spirit can bring people together.
The day ended with a huge, massive flash mob. We're talking the entire town square, filled with dancers - you could hear the music block away, all dressed in their tutus - doing a fun, contemporary ballet routine - you just can't help but smile. I had such a great time! Everyone in town seemed happy and connected. You just couldn’t help but smile - the joy in their eyes - you could see how much fun they were having and they knew that together, they were creating a pretty incredible moment.
So, if you're looking for a little inspiration, head on over to Estevan, Saskatchewan - and embrace the #tututuesday magic - You never know what you’ll find, who you might meet and what kind of awesome experience you could have!