Tutu Tuesday in Mulhouse, Grand Est, France: #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! So, here I am, back in the City of 100 Fountains, Mulhouse in the Grand Est region of France. This week's #tututuesday is all about a real gem – a tiny little ballet school tucked away in the heart of this vibrant city.
It's been ages since I had my tutu on for a full class. You know how it is, always on the go, travelling the world for those amazing opportunities. But honestly, there's something really special about putting on that perfect pointe shoe, slipping into a beautiful tutu, and losing yourself in the magic of ballet. And let's face it, every ballerina deserves a good #tututuesday once in a while. 😉
My friend Chloe, a fellow dancer, told me about this little studio. It's all about classic French technique and the most beautiful traditional tutus. I mean, seriously, some of the tutus they had there – it was like a ballerina's dream come true. I'm talking about the kind of tutus that make you feel like a princess – puffy and billowing with layers and layers of tulle. Just divine!
The studio itself had such a charming old-world feel, with a little bit of a Parisian touch. Chloe and I spent ages trying on all the different styles, from the classic romantic tutu with the shorter, tighter skirt and a graceful, sweeping shape – you know, perfect for that delicate Giselle character, to the larger, more dramatic tutus perfect for the bold and captivating Black Swan. Honestly, I just had to have them both!
One thing I noticed immediately – French ballet has its own special flair. There's an air of elegance and finesse in the movement and technique here that I absolutely love. And you know, those traditional tutu styles? They just seem to embody that elegant spirit perfectly. We also checked out some contemporary tutus. These are more fluid and minimalist, often made with modern materials like silk and satin, allowing for a freer expression of movement. It's so interesting how those different styles highlight different aspects of the art form. It really gets you thinking about how a simple change in design can totally transform the feel of a performance.
After all that tutu talk, let's get back to the #tututuesday thing. It was all about exploring my connection with ballet, remembering those joyful moments on the stage, and feeling that surge of passion again. And to be honest, it just reinforced that feeling of sisterhood with other dancers, that feeling of belonging to this amazing community, no matter where we are in the world.
The studio was brimming with enthusiastic dancers – from little ones just starting their journey to those who were seriously talented and already heading into their professional careers. There was even a group of teenagers, churning out a crazy, fast, and intricate contemporary piece that had me wondering if I even had enough limbs to try it myself. 😅
Honestly, watching those younger dancers – it reminded me just how special those formative years in ballet are. All the joy, the excitement, the hard work, the dedication, the community, the magic. Seeing it through their eyes, you get a glimpse of why so many of us end up spending our lives sharing that joy with others through dance. It's simply infectious.
Chloe and I then headed off to a little local café to grab a bite to eat. Now, French pastry is the best, right? Chocolate éclairs, pain au chocolat, those irresistible croissants... And you just gotta have it with a nice strong coffee. ☕ But guess what – those French people have a saying for when it's all about the little details... the "petit bonheur." It really resonated with me, that concept of finding happiness in those small moments, just like in a simple pleasure like a delicious French pastry. That’s the kind of sentiment I like to take away from my #tututuesday experiences. It’s not all about perfection; it's about finding your own connection to dance, to music, to movement – whatever that looks like for you.
It really was a perfect day for a little #tututuesday magic in Mulhouse. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever in the area – this is definitely the kind of little secret gem that keeps the magic alive. I can’t wait for my next #tututuesday adventure – and I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in ballet too. 🩰