Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France: A Tutu-tastic Adventure
G'day, fellow dance lovers! This week I'm trading my Sydney harbour views for the cobbled streets of Saint-Étienne, a charming city nestled in the heart of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. It's a beautiful part of the world, rich in history, art, and of course, ballet. But before I tell you all about my adventures exploring the French ballet scene, let's talk about the reason for this post: Tutu Tuesday! #tututuesday
As any self-respecting ballet dancer knows, there's just something special about a tutu. The twirling, the dancing, the sheer joy of it all! But seriously, there's a whole world of tutu styles, and it's seriously fascinating. From the classic, romantic tutu to the bold, modern designs, each tutu tells a story, reflects a mood, and gives you that magical, floating feeling on stage.
I spent the morning delving into the world of tutu-making here in Saint-Étienne. It turns out, there's a real passion for the art of costuming and dance. I visited a hidden atelier, tucked away down a narrow cobbled street, and watched as a master seamstress, with nimble fingers and decades of experience, meticulously stitched a stunning new creation for the local ballet company. You could feel the history in the room, and the sheer love for the craft. Honestly, seeing the raw materials transform into a dance masterpiece was almost magical!
My Tutu Tuesday research took me next to the Salle Charles Dullin, a beautifully restored historic theatre that is the heart of the local ballet scene. They've got a real passion for ballet in Saint-Étienne. I chatted to a young dancer who had just joined the local ballet company. Her passion and energy were infectious, and I was absolutely blown away by the dedication to dance, and the desire to bring the magic of ballet to this vibrant city.
The afternoon saw me exploring the local shops, which are bursting with colour and energy. A bit of shopping is never a bad thing, right? While I'm usually a sucker for the classic white tulle tutu, I came across some real show-stoppers - vibrant turquoise silk, dazzling silver glitter, and some truly daring asymmetrical designs. I felt like I was walking through a fairytale! Of course, I couldn't resist treating myself to a few goodies, and I'm excited to rock these new pieces at my next class.
My journey to discover Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, wouldn't be complete without a visit to a performance. The city's ballet company has a varied repertoire, with classical works as well as modern interpretations. I had the privilege of witnessing a performance of "Swan Lake", and it was a truly breathtaking experience. The dancers moved with grace and precision, bringing the characters to life on stage.
Here are a few thoughts about this performance, inspired by the timeless art of tutu-clad ballet in the enchanting setting of France:
- The elegance and beauty of the choreography in "Swan Lake" is captivating.
- The intricate costumes, particularly the white tutus, enhanced the grace and beauty of the swan maidens.
- There's nothing quite like the shared passion for dance and artistry between a ballet company and its audience.
- Even though French isn't my first language, the passion and artistry transcended language barriers and were universally understood and enjoyed.
- Every performance is unique. I've seen "Swan Lake" performed many times, but it always feels fresh and new.
I know I sound like a broken record, but I truly believe there's no place on earth like France to experience ballet in all its glory! But Saint-Étienne holds a special place in my heart - this little city is absolutely brimming with talent and creativity! I had the best Tutu Tuesday exploring Saint-Étienne, a city that celebrates the art of dance, a city that embraced me with open arms and introduced me to a vibrant community of dance lovers. From the bustling ateliers to the enchanting theatres, the whole city buzzed with the magic of tutu-clad dance, reminding me why I am so deeply in love with this art form. I can't wait to see what other ballet adventures await me, but for now, I'll be daydreaming of the magic of Saint-Étienne!
Don't forget to check out my instagram for more Tutu Tuesday fun! #tututuesday