Tutu Tuesday in Carnduff, Saskatchewan: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition #tututuesday

Hey there, fellow ballet enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Claire, back with another fashion-filled blog post. Today's topic: Tutu Tuesday in the heartland of Canada – Carnduff, Saskatchewan. That's right, folks, this small town knows how to celebrate dance, and it's contagious!

I know what you're thinking: Carnduff? A rural town in the middle of the prairies? Ballet? What’s the connection? Well, let me tell you, there's more to this place than meets the eye. The community of Carnduff has a hidden gem: a dedicated group of young dancers who have found a love for the art of ballet. And it's not just the love of dance, they have a serious love for all things tutu – even if it's a bit of a different fashion experience out in the Prairies!

Now, Carnduff's not exactly known for its haute couture, but what they lack in big-city fashion they make up for in sheer, well, sheer tulle! Imagine, if you will, a classroom bursting with ballet-inspired creations that are just as whimsical and as delightful as the stories the young dancers perform on stage! This is tutu Tuesday in Carnduff and it’s as close as you can get to ballet royalty!

And guess what? It's not just about the looks; these young ballerinas, with their tutus swirling around them, are an embodiment of grace, strength, and passion, proving that ballet isn't confined to just the big cities – it can flourish even on the vast Saskatchewan prairies! It’s one of the many hidden talents I find in this great nation.

The dance studio in Carnduff is like a second home to these passionate dancers. Every week, they step into a world of movement, music, and, of course, those beautiful tutus. And the excitement is contagious. It’s enough to make me wish I could wear a tutu in the grocery store! And trust me, I would if there wasn’t that risk of accidentally stepping on it (those darned layers of tulle!).

This week’s Tutu Tuesday finds our Carnduff ballerinas rocking the Romantic Tutu. If you know me, I’m an unabashed admirer of the Romantic Tutu – there’s a beauty in its simple yet elegant design, just enough of that classic pointe work silhouette, while giving our ballerinas a touch of modern design with soft tiers of tulle that move beautifully and create the sense of floating we all associate with this iconic ballet garment. The romantic tutu is my fave in every dance setting and I really want to encourage other Canadians to take inspiration and to see beauty and art in everything from the ballet to those big Saskatchewan sunsets, even our grasslands, too! I know many people think they're just fields of endless gold and green but, they can have a subtle beauty too!

This town really comes alive when these dancers gather, and on Tutu Tuesdays, Carnduff turns into a wonderland of tulle! I was on set filming a mini documentary about dance in Carnduff, for my new youtube channel (coming soon!) so of course, I took some behind-the-scenes photos with our budding ballerinas, each with their very own unique style. There's a bit of sparkle and sass in every single tutu they wear and that’s part of the special energy of tutu Tuesday!

So, for those of you who think ballet is just about pirouettes and elegant dresses, well, you're only partly right! While a beautifully constructed Romantic Tutu, like the ones worn by these Saskatchewan ballerinas, does require a specific craftsmanship to make its flowing effect so dynamic there's so much more than a pretty skirt! It’s also about building confidence, working hard, and pushing boundaries, while also embracing the artistic side that connects each and every one of these passionate young ballerinas with the art they love. You can feel the inspiration here and I bet they would tell you they find something unique in every Tutu!

Now I’m going to give you some glimpses of Carnduff, Saskatchewan through my camera and give you some ideas if you find yourself doing Tutu Tuesday (that’s what I’m calling the new trend and hashtag: #Tututuesday!), here in the middle of Canada’s Prairies!

Here’s some inspiration!

  • A Classic Carnduff Look – Start with the perfect ballerina bun! Then you can’t go wrong with a white romantic tutu like the kind you can find at most local dance studios, add a pink or floral head wrap, maybe one with tulle details and some light pink make up to get your rosy glow on! And you will want comfortable flat ballet slippers in shades of pink, white, or black! You can use a simple ballet look as your foundation and you can add all sorts of elements with this timeless style!
  • Saskatchewan Glamour! If you really want to make an impression you’re gonna have to up the ante and show these Carnduff dancers that Saskatchewan knows how to dress ballet with the kind of glamour only Canadians can do! We want something that looks elegant and powerful and reflects a certain kind of Prairie sensibility – so try pairing your romantic tutu ( maybe one with sparkles! ) with an awesome leather jacket in dark shades, like black or dark blue! And use accessories! Maybe a chain strap crossbody purse, or those amazing handmade Canadian earrings – remember they should be long but have delicate accents! For this kind of outfit you’ll need the right boots – and I would go for either some simple but classic riding boots or a fun pair of Doc Martens. And this outfit is all about confidence and strutting your stuff!
  • Keep it Cozy: We have chilly weather here in Canada, so keeping it cozy for Tutu Tuesday in Saskatchewan requires a little extra attention! Try a classic sweater like an ivory knit, paired with the quintessential ballet black tulle, add some warmth to the lower half of your look with tights in black, burgundy or brown ! This works best for days that you have to really be layered and comfy! A few details can really tie it together - for example a knitted cardigan or a warm-and-fuzzy earmuff can make your look totally fabulous. But don’t forget that you still need some serious dancing boots, try something with a sturdy block heel.
  • Carnduff Charm! We are definitely aiming to put some serious Saskatchewan sparkle into this Tutu Tuesday look and make a statement! We want some glitter but this has to be the Prairie version, a more grounded kind of charm. So start with a Romantic tutu – a very bright colour. Maybe pink, a teal, or even a royal blue. Pair this with a plain tee in black or grey, a worn-in, soft denim jacket that says you know how to play it cool and be chic. Keep your accessories minimalist – a pair of studs and maybe a cute vintage scarf in one of your favorite bright shades to tie in with your bright tutu. Use this as an opportunity to shine through with bright and colorful make up - this is your chance to pull a super hot Saskatchewan eye-shadow combo or to highlight your face with some bold blush! Remember: we are still a little bit tough in Saskatchewan – so try some biker boots! And have fun, make sure this look tells everyone, "Hey I’m rocking this look like it’s nothing, you just gotta get used to that Carnduff style!".

So whether you’re dancing on a big stage or are a young aspiring ballerina at a studio like Carnduff’s, let your own unique style and confidence inspire your inner fashionista for Tutu Tuesday. Who knows? You may even spark your own Tutu Tuesday tradition!

#Tututuesday