Tutu Tuesday in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia: #tututuesday

Hey, dance lovers! It's your girl, Claire, checking in from the gorgeous seaside town of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. This place is like something out of a dream. Charming little houses with colourful doors, the most incredible ocean views, and a palpable sense of community that just melts your heart. But what makes it extra special? You guessed it, it’s **Tutu Tuesday!**

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to wear my tutu in public at first. My inner critic was like, "Claire, you're not a ballerina. You're a struggling freelance dancer, barely making ends meet. Why on earth would you put yourself out there in your frilly dancewear? People will stare!”

But, honestly, who cares what people think? The world needs more glitter, more joy, more twirling! And if I could help bring a little bit of that to the charming folks of Mahone Bay, then consider me a “Tutu Evangelist.”

Now, let’s talk about my tutu, because who can resist a good fashion moment, eh? I opted for a classic **Romantic tutu**, all billowing layers of tulle and shimmering with a pale rose-gold sheen. It had just the right amount of poof to create a playful silhouette without looking overly dramatic. I paired it with a cropped velvet top, my trusty dance flats (those bad boys can walk all day, and that’s crucial when you’re strolling the cobbled streets!), and my favorite leather jacket for a touch of downtown coolness.

The streets of Mahone Bay were practically bursting with Tutu-thusiasm. I saw fellow dancers, mothers with their kids, and even a group of senior ladies decked out in their finest tutus, rocking those spins and leaps like they were born to dance! I’ve gotta tell you, it was just plain heartwarming to see people embrace their inner child and celebrate the art of movement. It reminded me why I love this world so much – it’s a community of people who love to express themselves, have fun, and make a splash, whether they’re professionals, recreational dancers, or just people who enjoy wearing a little sparkle!

One of the highlights of my Tutu Tuesday experience was the spontaneous dance class in the town square! It all started when I saw a group of kids twirling and kicking their legs like little ballerinas, giggling with pure joy. And, let me tell you, seeing kids dance freely brings out my inner child too, so I decided to join them! We went through some simple, but effective moves: plies, tendues, even some pirouettes. And, honestly, I don't think there was a single person in the town square who wasn't smiling.

Let's talk about the tutus I spotted during my day in Mahone Bay:

  • I loved the **Romantic Tutu** styles with soft layers of tulle, perfect for twirling and spinning. I even saw a few ladies with beautiful **Classical Tutus** – they are a timeless, graceful style with an extended skirt, perfect for performance, but looking stunning in a casual setting.
  • Of course, no tutu collection is complete without a playful **Modern Tutu**. I spotted a couple of dancers who paired a minimalist **Modern Tutu**, which looks like a soft A-line shape. These styles are designed for flexibility, comfort and can go from studio to street. I have one in bold colours. I couldn’t wait to join the movement!
  • There were also **Ballet Tutus**, which have a more rigid construction perfect for big stage jumps! I'd call it a classic look.
  • My favorite, hands down? It had to be a **Character Tutu** made with rich, velvet fabrics, designed to fit any whimsical character a dancer might embody! I was mesmerized, but that's the fun of this amazing fashion statement. No one should feel confined by expectations.

As the day faded into evening, I realized something really powerful about Tutu Tuesday. It's not just about tutus or ballet, it’s about the spirit of community, the celebration of movement, and the sheer joy of expressing yourself. Mahone Bay gave me that, a space where we could be ourselves, spread joy, and move our hearts with laughter and a few dance steps.

I’ll definitely be making Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia my annual Tutu Tuesday destination. Let's keep the movement going and bring the joy to your community with #Tututuesday! Let me know if you’ve participated in a similar event - or if you've tried it and need some style tips for your next adventure! Let’s spread that ballerina magic together!