Tutu Tuesday in Coleraine, Quebec: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Twirls
Hey everyone! Itās your girl, Chantal, here, back with another post from my adventures in the world of ballet and fashion. This week, Iām bringing you all the fabulous feels from #TutuTuesday right here in Coleraine, Quebec, a town known for its stunning beauty and captivating spirit, just like my favourite tutu styles.
As a dancer who grew up in this wonderful corner of Canada, Iāve always had a soft spot for the cityās vibrant arts scene. But you know whatās even more amazing? The sheer passion that Coleraineās community has for ballet. Itās something I see everywhere, from the dance studios to the streets. Thatās why I couldnāt wait to celebrate Tutu Tuesday with everyone!
Now, before I go on and on about how fantastic my Tutu Tuesday was, I need to get you in the mood with a little history lesson. Did you know that Tutu Tuesday started as a fun way for dancers around the world to celebrate our love for the classic, quintessential tutu? Well, in Canada, itās become a whole movement, a way to bring together dancers of all ages and skill levels to share their love for the art form, to inspire new dancers, and to, of course, look absolutely fabulous.
So, how did Coleraine celebrate? Oh boy, you guys wouldnāt believe it! It was a whirlwind of tulle, glitter, and everything pretty. We started with a morning class at the Coleraine Dance Academy, where I, along with fellow dancers, strutted our stuff in the most stunning variations of the classic tutu:
- The Romantic Tutu: We channelled the graceful ballerinas of the 19th century with soft, delicate tulle that flowed around us like whispers. Itās airy, romantic, and absolutely mesmerizing on the stage.
- The āPaganiniā Tutu: Inspired by the famous violin virtuoso, this tutu is all about creating the illusion of motion and grace, even when youāre just standing still. It features layers of intricate tulle that flutter and dance as you move, creating a visually captivating experience.
- The "The Classic" Tutu The short, bell-shaped tutu we associate with iconic ballets like "Swan Lake." They accentuate a dancerās moves and allow for a wide range of choreography. I was particularly inspired by the way dancers in the academy showcased this traditional silhouette!
After our dance class, the fun wasnāt over! It was time for the Tutu Tea Party in the city park. Imagine, ladies and gentlemen, the sun shining, the scent of freshly baked goodies, and a sea of vibrant tulle in all shades of pink, blue, and yellow. All those classic tutu colours are perfect for spring in Canada, right? Everyone was sharing stories, laughter, and even some pirouette tips (with a cup of tea in hand, of course!).
The high point of our Tutu Tuesday celebration, however, had to be the āTutus Under The Starsā fundraiser. Coleraine really has something special for its ballet lovers - our very own, small ballet company. What a fabulous thing, right? Every Tuesday during the summer, we all gather around the park amphitheatre to enjoy stunning dance performances. The evening's fundraising was to support the company's travel to a regional ballet competition next month. Now, there's dedication!
My day was jam-packed, so for a treat, I finished up the evening by snapping photos of the stunning outfits of my fellow dancers. My blog readers are always wanting inspiration! You can catch them all on my Instagram, @chantanltheballerina - where you can also see my stunning #TutuTuesday look, of course! But if youāre ever in Coleraine on a Tuesday, make sure you look out for our local ballet stars; I can guarantee their twirls will inspire you as much as they do me. Now thatās a #tututuesday for the ages!