Tutu Tuesday in Montreuil, Ile-de-France, France - #tututuesday

G'day, lovelies! It's your girl, Mia, back from the City of Lights with a new post about… well, let's be honest, what else could it be but tutus?! It's Tutu Tuesday, after all, and I’m living my best life in France, embracing the elegance of ballet, and the magic of Parisian fashion. Today, I’m taking you on a whimsical adventure to the charming town of Montreuil, Ile-de-France.

I gotta admit, this town has got me feeling all sorts of nostalgic. Think cobbled streets, charming cafes that smell like freshly baked croissants, and historic architecture that's practically dripping with Parisian charm. But for a true tutu-loving soul like me, the main event was the local ballet school. And lemme tell ya, I was absolutely floored! It wasn't just any ordinary school. This was a haven for all things ballet, oozing with history and the passion for the art. I swear, I could practically hear the melodies of Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky dancing in the air.

As soon as I walked into the studio, I was greeted by an array of beautiful tutus, all arranged in the most impeccable way, a ballerina’s dream come true! It was like stepping into a vintage ballet costume shop – except with a much grander sense of history. We’re talking about some real classics, from the soft, romantic, and airy Romantic tutus of the early 19th century to the more structured, longer, and full-bodied tutus of the classical ballet, the tutus made famous by dancers like Pavlova and Fonteyn. And let's not forget the dramatic and modern-day tutus, bursting with contemporary flair and an unmistakable sense of liberation. These were my absolute favourites, so fierce and daring, but always, always with a hint of elegance and grace.

As I was inspecting a particularly eye-catching tulle confection (I swear, the craftsmanship was incredible!), a lovely instructor, Madame Antoinette, told me all about the history of tutus and the impact they’ve had on French ballet. I was spellbound, hearing her tales of how the tutus evolved, from their early iterations to the modern-day designs.

Let's talk tutu trends, darling! While classical tutus have a timeless elegance, the modern day tutus here in France are just something else. The designs are all about creativity and expression. I saw tutus made with vibrant colours, dramatic layers, and textures that were so playful and adventurous. It’s a celebration of freedom and imagination, and it totally blew my mind.

After my ballet fashion lesson, it was time for a bit of inspiration. I slipped into a dreamy, romantic, pale pink tutu with a layer of silk tulle and a beautiful white bodice. Feeling absolutely ready to prance around like a prima ballerina, I danced the day away through the streets of Montreuil. From charming shops and art galleries, to open-air cafes filled with locals, I took my Tutu Tuesday to another level, dancing in the sunlight, creating my own little Parisian fairytale. It’s not every day you get to prance around Paris in a beautiful tutu!

As I say "au revoir" to the stunning streets of Montreuil, my heart is full of the magic and inspiration I discovered here. From the graceful movements of the dancers, to the whimsical beauty of tutus, I felt so in touch with my passion for this elegant art. But most importantly, this journey to Montreuil solidified that true ballerinas are found everywhere, not just in the glamorous opera houses and glittering stages, but also in the quiet corners of this world, where their passion ignites the spirit and moves them to twirl through life’s journey with elegance, strength and grace. And you know what, you can be a ballerina, too! Embrace your inner dancer, find your own inner Tutu Tuesday, and make the world your stage!

But enough of my ramblings – here are a few tutu tips I've learned from my Parisian escapade.

  • Embrace your inner ballerina, darlings! A little tutu never hurt anyone, right?
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and designs, find what suits you! Be brave, be bold, be creative!
  • A little tutu is perfect for everything from a day of shopping, coffee and cake to a fun-filled weekend adventure! Be a bit dramatic and embrace your flair. But most importantly, wear it with confidence!
  • Don't be scared to show off your amazing moves! Maybe not cartwheels in the middle of the street, but remember the grace and elegance that’s in you, in each and every step you take!
  • Always end a #tututuesday with a photo for your socials!

So, go forth, darlings, and embrace your own Tutu Tuesday! Have some fun and spread the ballet love.