Tutu Tuesday 18012

## **Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France: Tutu Tuesday** #tututuesday G'day lovelies! So, as you know, I'm a massive fan of all things dance, and, in particular, ballet. It's no surprise then, that I couldn't wait to embrace the iconic Tutu Tuesday here in beautiful Toulon. Let me tell you, the energy here in France is electrifying – a little bit of Parisian chic with a touch of Provençal warmth! As a ballerina myself, I just couldn't resist the call to wear my own little tutu in honour of the day. But before I tell you all about it, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on the history and traditions of ballet in this part of the world. **A Touch of French Ballet History** France has an undeniably rich history with ballet. You've got your big names like Diaghilev and Nijinsky – just legendary, right? And speaking of the big names, can we talk about the French Opera Ballet? This institution, so close to Toulon, is practically a mecca for dance and just radiates that old-world, elegant atmosphere I adore. From Classical to Contemporary Now, in Toulon, the dance scene feels a bit more contemporary, but there's this lovely respect for the tradition of classic ballet. In the local Conservatoire, the teachers really put an emphasis on that precision and fluidity of movement, you know? And they definitely produce some impressive talents – I got to see a young dancer's recital just the other day, and it blew me away. **My Tutu Tuesday Experience** Now, back to my own Tutu Tuesday adventure. I decided to wear a soft pink, romantic tutu – kind of a nod to the delicate, traditional feel of classical French ballet. This style of tutu is usually a single layer of netting, often called a "poetic" or "romanic" tutu, making it nice and lightweight for all that pirouette action. It also features a slightly more open bodice, which felt like a perfect choice for a stroll under the Mediterranean sun! **From Local Boutique to Coastal Cafe** Of course, no outfit is complete without some seriously cute accessories, right? I chose a pearl-studded hair comb, adding a touch of classic charm to my look. It kind of echoed the elegance of the architecture around here in Toulon. For a bit of colour and vibrance, I threw on a colourful shawl I found in a local boutique – definitely got me in the mood for strolling along the harbour, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face! For lunch, I found this incredible cafe overlooking the water, where I devoured a croque monsieur (yes, I'm an Aussie girl, but a croque monsieur never hurts!). Then, after a relaxing afternoon watching the boats come and go, I decided to treat myself to a delightful scoop of pistachio gelato (just had to go for a classic Italian flavour, eh!). **Local Tips & Recommendations** If you're ever in Toulon for a Tutu Tuesday, let me tell you, you just HAVE to grab a crepe and soak in the views at the Old Harbour. The mix of pastel-coloured buildings and the smell of freshly baked pastries just makes you feel like you've stepped straight into a painting. Trust me, it's a magical experience. And let's not forget about the vibrant markets! If you want to add a little bit of Parisian flair to your wardrobe, the markets in Toulon offer unique and beautiful finds. It's almost impossible to resist adding a scarf or maybe even a stunning hat to your collection. **Dance Lessons in Toulon?** If you're into ballet, you're in luck! There's the "Centre Chorégraphique National" just down the road, offering a range of dance classes. If you're looking for something a bit more low-key, check out "L'École de Danse de Toulon" for some private lessons. Who knows? Maybe you'll even end up learning a few moves for your own Tutu Tuesday! Tutu Tuesday Take Away Well, that's my Tutu Tuesday story from the sunny city of Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. But the truth is, Tutu Tuesday can be wherever you are! If you're into ballet, fashion, or just having a good time, throw on a tutu and get out there! Whether you're going to the theatre, a coffee shop, or even just a walk around the block, let's celebrate the beauty of dance and, of course, the joy of a little bit of silliness. And hey, maybe, just maybe, you'll catch me on the streets of Toulon, giving you some tips on French dance! #tututuesday #ballet #tutu #toulon #france #provence