Tutu Tuesday in Sainte-Marthe, Quebec: A Celebration of Dance and Style #tututuesday Hey everyone, it’s your girl, Élise here, back with another post, but this time, we’re taking a trip out of the city! We’re talking about Sainte-Marthe, Quebec, a beautiful town located right outside of Montreal. Now, I know what you're thinking: what’s a city girl doing in the countryside, especially on a Tuesday? Well, allow me to explain. Today’s theme is Tutu Tuesday, a celebration of all things ballet, and in my opinion, it's an occasion worth dressing up for, regardless of your location! Stepping Out of the City, Into the Spotlight As a ballet dancer, the classic tutu holds a special place in my heart. There’s just something magical about the way it flows, the way it captures light, and the way it makes you feel. When I was in my younger years, my favourite tutu style was always the Romantic tutu. Its soft, gauzy layers made me feel like a whimsical, fairy tale princess – pure joy on stage. You know, the kind of tutu that wouldn’t be out of place at the Paris Opera! Of course, as I grew older and the demands of my training increased, my preferences started leaning more towards the "saut de basque" style, with its slightly more fitted design and intricate, intricate, flowing layers that gracefully reflect every move. Don’t get me wrong, every style has its charm and its place! It all comes down to what you're trying to communicate through your movement. #tututuesday – A Movement of Expression, No Matter the Style Anyways, I have to get back to the reason we're in Sainte-Marthe! This charming town isn’t just home to beautiful countryside landscapes, but also a thriving arts and culture scene, especially ballet! For me, ballet is all about community and pushing creative boundaries. No matter what your style is – a classic, soft tutu or a modern, streamlined version, expressing yourself through movement should be embraced, shared and encouraged, even if you are outside of a bustling metropolis like Montreal. Now, you might be wondering how this fits into Tutu Tuesday in Sainte-Marthe. It’s simple! There’s an annual celebration that coincides with the “Dance for all Ages” workshops, which draws in both experienced professionals and newcomers eager to embrace the magic of dance. So, when you're in a setting like Sainte-Marthe, even on a simple Tuesday, it feels as if the town is infused with an air of artistic vitality. You can literally feel it in the air! It's not surprising, as ballet is a unique blend of art and athleticism that truly captures the human spirit and soul. I had to seize the opportunity to celebrate all that ballet stands for, and it doesn't matter if you’re in a professional theatre setting or simply enjoying a coffee on the corner of a quaint little street. Celebrating Ballet at The CafĂ© Sainte-Marthe After my morning yoga class at Le Centre Danse Sainte-Marthe – which by the way, offers fantastic workshops on the classic Vaganova style - I couldn’t resist a pit stop at CafĂ© Sainte-Marthe to replenish my energy. It was an easy choice – they have the best maple lattes! To add to the festive atmosphere, the cafĂ© had put up adorable little decorations like sparkly tutus and miniature dance shoes that matched my black, silk ballerina top with my fitted "saut de basque" style tutu - I knew I was ready to celebrate with the community and embrace my inner dancer, I was wearing a simple, black turtleneck for the occasion because, after all, comfort and practicality is always important when it comes to fashion, no matter your location or the event. It can be very easy to feel underdressed even on a casual Tuesday but today, the community had turned my Tutu Tuesday look into something truly special. Community, Coffee and Connection: Sainte-Marthe Style I got into conversation with the cafĂ©'s owner, Suzanne. It turned out, her family used to be part of a dance troupe. Suzanne told me the story of "La Belle Epoque" , a troupe of ballerinas who were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s - it's true that the art form has deep roots, even in our little corners of Canada. We chatted about how dance was not only a form of expression but a source of pride for the entire Sainte-Marthe community! She was excited about the “Dance for all Ages” workshops. They bring an extra dose of artistic energy into their small community, allowing individuals to step out of their comfort zone and reconnect with their creative selves. It's incredible to see the positive impact this event had on the town's dynamic. You could feel it - the energy was electric in the air and Suzanne gave me a warm hug because she said I brought a “touch of magic to her ordinary Tuesday.” It felt truly amazing! To connect with another person who, like me, holds dance and the expressive power of a tutu close to their heart, it's something truly special! An Enduring Legacy in Sainte-Marthe, Quebec As I left the cafe and headed back to the main street, I felt a renewed sense of energy, ready to explore this charming town a bit more, ready for more Tutu Tuesday adventures. It’s more than a trendy hashtag. Tutu Tuesday has evolved into a platform to recognize dance's significance as a unifying force for the Canadian art community and our beloved country. As I wandered around the town, I was captivated by the way its architectural styles had embraced different historical periods. This only further solidified my love for Sainte-Marthe, and Canada, as a place that blends tradition and innovation beautifully. More Than Just Tutu: A Love for the Arts and Our Roots Even as a professional ballerina, I love exploring different dance genres and art forms, whether it's ballet, contemporary or hip-hop – any form of art deserves to be explored! The dance styles might be different, but the universal language of movement always makes us connect in a deeper way. That is something that brings me so much joy. Sainte-Marthe was just a reminder that our passion for art goes beyond city borders. It’s embedded in our country, our communities, and most of all, it unites us through a shared love of creation. It is a testament to how our art culture is rooted in our everyday lives, in all its forms and expressions! It’s something that's beautiful, diverse and vibrant. So there you have it – Tutu Tuesday in Sainte-Marthe, Quebec. This trip was more than just a stylish adventure. It's an opportunity to appreciate the rich legacy of dance within the Canadian landscape. A love of ballet connects us across generations and communities and we all should strive to make art, even if it's just for our personal expression! #tututuesday