Tutu Tuesday in Paris Île-de-France, France: #tututuesday
Bonjour mes amis! It's your girl, Lily, coming to you live from the City of Lights. The Eiffel Tower glitters in the background, the smell of croissants and coffee hangs in the air, and, oh my god, did I mention the fashion?! Paris is truly a feast for the senses, and my latest adventure here has been all about a certain dancewear staple... the tutu! That's right, darlings, it's #tututuesday in Paris, and I'm here to share my experiences.
Now, I've been lucky enough to tour around the globe as a professional dancer, but there's something truly magical about seeing the way ballet is embraced here in Paris. This city practically pulsates with the history of dance, from the grandeur of the Palais Garnier to the intimate studios tucked away in hidden alleyways. It's a city that whispers about Diaghilev and Nijinsky, about Nureyev and Baryshnikov. It's a city where the legend of the tutu lives on.
For this #tututuesday exploration, I wanted to go beyond the classic tutus you might find on stage. I wanted to find the tutus of everyday Paris – the tutus that bring joy and spark creativity, not just for professional dancers, but for everyone! I'm talking about the tutus you see on little ballerinas taking their first steps in dance class, the tutus adorning storefront windows, the tutus inspiring artists and street performers.
First stop: The legendary Opéra Garnier, the heart and soul of Paris ballet. Even standing in front of this grand building, I felt a shiver of excitement. The Opéra Garnier's tutus have an aura, a history woven into every layer of tulle and every pearl bead. I imagine all the iconic dancers who graced this stage, from Marie Taglioni to Sylvie Guillem. Imagine all the grand ballets, the stories and emotions etched into the fabric of these tutus. My own heart thrummed with an unexpected wave of pride and appreciation for the sheer artistry of this historical legacy.
Stepping inside the Opera Garnier's grand hall was almost like stepping into a fairytale. The golden-leaf adorned ceilings, the plush velvet seating, the glistening chandeliers, the majestic proscenium arch - it was simply breathtaking. Then I saw them – the tutus on display, a glimpse into the world of Parisian ballet. There were delicate pastel tutus, graceful romantic tutus, dramatic, flowing tutus and of course, those magnificent, multi-layered classical tutus. They truly were works of art in themselves. This is where the true story of the Parisian tutu begins, but the journey doesn't stop there.
Of course, no #tututuesday in Paris would be complete without a visit to a few charming Parisian dance shops. Each one had its own unique personality and style. One boutique housed exquisite hand-sewn tutus in exquisite fabrics. The tutus in this shop felt as though they had sprung straight out of a dreamscape, every stitch radiating precision and skill. Another, more whimsical store displayed bright and playful tutus with sparkly embellishments, a real explosion of colour. They seemed made for young ballerinas full of joy and energy. I felt my inner child squeal with delight.
While some Parisian shops proudly present traditional ballet wear, I discovered other stores in the Latin Quarter, tucked away in charming little streets, that offered a contemporary take on the classic tutu. There I found denim tutus with frayed hems, velvet tutus in bold colors, and even a couple of chic, minimal tutus in sleek black. This juxtaposition of styles brought a modern flair to the Parisian tutu scene, showing how this piece of clothing has evolved into a timeless classic and symbol of femininity, but also a symbol of adaptability.
Beyond the professional ballet scene and dance shops, the magic of the tutu was everywhere. From a young girl twirling in her tutu in a park to street performers in bright, vibrant tutus in Montmartre, this iconic garment found its place in every aspect of Parisian life. It was an inspirational moment - these women, these little girls, were expressing themselves, embracing their creativity and individuality. They were celebrating the art of movement, the beauty of self-expression, all while looking incredibly fabulous.
Now, if you know me, you know I'm obsessed with tutus! I mean, come on, I'm a ballerina, what can I say? So, on this #tututuesday adventure, I couldn't help myself – I had to indulge! In the heart of the Latin Quarter, I stumbled upon a small vintage store filled with an absolute treasure trove of dance costumes, from the elegant and traditional, to the utterly outrageous. It was love at first sight, so naturally, I grabbed a few stunning tutus for my collection. I have to say, Parisian tutus really are in a league of their own. Every detail, every seam, is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of these designers.
This #tututuesday in Paris, France has been a real reminder of the power of the tutu. More than just a piece of dancewear, it is a symbol of passion, dreams, and artistic expression. It is a legacy that continues to inspire and enchant, a piece of clothing that is a canvas for stories, for creativity and joy, all captured in a simple piece of tulle. I think even in Paris, my tutus have definitely stolen the show! Stay tuned for more adventures from the city of lights! Au revoir!