Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Denis, ÃŽle-de-France, France
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe, back with another instalment of #tututuesday! This time I'm living the Parisian dream in the heart of Saint-Denis. Who'd have thought my passion for ballet would lead me to this magical, historical city, just north of Paris? The energy here is just…electric! Like, the entire city has this creative energy that's almost tangible.
First up, let's talk tutus! Because honestly, where would #tututuesday be without a proper tututu discussion? The ones I'm spotting in the street here are SO chic. Think, elegant romantic ballet in every sense! Lots of dreamy, classic white tutus with flowing lines and a subtle shimmer in the fabric that almost makes them look ethereal! Then you have the 'dark horse' styles: super modern and abstract, all dark colours and interesting fabric combos – black and charcoal tutus paired with intricate details like straps and criss-cross designs, perfect for making a bold statement. These ladies know how to rock a tutu, even in the most unexpected places!
One of my favourite discoveries this week was the *Centre National de la Danse*, in the heart of the city. Wow, what an amazing spot for dance enthusiasts. It’s got everything! Galleries, a library – you can basically soak up all the dance history you can handle. While I was there, they had a gorgeous exhibit of tutus from famous French ballets. Talk about history in a nutshell – a definite must-see for any tutu aficionado!
Honestly, the *Centre National de la Danse* had some incredible inspiration – made me rethink the tutus I wear when I’m practicing. And you guys know what it's like; that inspiration is gold when you’re dancing. That spark is exactly what fuels those extra reps at the barre. That brings me to my other big find – the local ballet school! It’s a little hidden gem tucked away on a charming, cobbled side street, with such a lovely energy about it. The dancers are seriously skilled, they move with so much grace and control. You know that vibe – the passion just pours out of them. I had the opportunity to chat with their instructor, a kind, inspiring woman who’s been involved with the ballet scene in Saint-Denis for decades! She told me all about the evolution of dance in this region, about how its traditions have influenced dance in all its forms. This history just makes me want to step up my own practice! It’s crazy inspiring to feel that strong dance community in Saint-Denis, and how it contributes to the creative pulse of the whole place.
But back to the streets – another thing that blew my mind – the style in Saint-Denis. This is a place where fashion meets dance! It's this cool mix of urban edge with a little bit of ballet chic thrown in. And everyone's rocking their own personal style. I spotted all kinds of fab tutus – worn to grocery shop, meet friends at the cafe, even walking their adorable dogs – no one here takes style too seriously. It’s totally refreshing! You wouldn't find that same sense of playful freedom on the streets of a major metropolis like Sydney, you know? It just gives that Parisian attitude a totally new spin!
Of course, no trip to a new city is complete without indulging in some amazing eats, right? So far I've had delicious bread (OMG the smell!), fresh pastries from local bakeries and these beautiful, seasonal salads from street markets! Saint-Denis has such a fantastic vibe. Even with the fast-paced rhythm of Paris just a few miles away, the pace here is slightly slower, more relaxed – the people here definitely know how to take it easy! That makes for great #tututuesday feels – a true escape!
So far, Saint-Denis has stolen my heart – not only for its incredible art scene and its friendly locals, but also its amazing tutu style! A definite highlight for this girl and my #tututuesday diary! Stay tuned for more updates as I explore this captivating city, and until then, keep those tutus twirling, my loves!
#tututuesday #SaintDenis #IleDeFrance #BalletInFrance #Paris