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Tutu Tuesday in Tourcoing, Hauts-de-France, France: #tututuesday

G'day, dance lovers! It's your girl, Sarah here, coming to you live from the cobblestone streets of Tourcoing, Hauts-de-France, France! Now, I know what you're thinking ā€“ France and ballet? Itā€™s practically synonymous, right? But even for someone who's toured all over the globe, seeing the passion for ballet in France has been something special.

As I stroll through the picturesque streets, soaking in the history and charm, I'm reminded of just how important the art form is here. Itā€™s woven into the very fabric of the city's soul. And I'm on a mission to find the perfect tutu for todayā€™s #tututuesday!

And where else to start than with a visit to the Conservatoire National SupƩrieur de Musique et de Danse de Lille? A grand old building, it's a treasure trove of stories, steeped in tradition and overflowing with talent. You could literally feel the passion emanating from the place. And oh, those costumes! The students were rehearsing for their next big show, their elegant tutus in soft pinks and graceful whites were simply breathtaking.

Of course, I couldnā€™t visit Tourcoing without experiencing some local ballet, so I headed to the Centre dā€™Art de Tourcoing, a modern, beautiful structure right in the cityā€™s heart. The atmosphere here was buzzing! And guess what? Today was the day of a contemporary ballet performance by the young dancers of Compagnie A Deux.

But my inner #tututuesday enthusiast had other ideas. Today, itā€™s all about those classic tutus. They hold a certain magic, donā€™t you think? Their lightness and fluidity, the way they swirl and float with every pirouetteā€¦ pure joy!

My next stop took me to the heart of Tourcoing's charming fashion district, where every store seemed to be overflowing with gorgeous tulle and fabric. The streets, a sea of colours and textures, beckoned me deeper. I finally stumbled upon a little, tucked-away shop, just bursting with possibilities. Now, this wasnā€™t your typical dance shop; think more bespoke couture, but they knew their tutus!

Iā€™m going with a vintage style, you guys. A soft, pale blue, it whispers secrets of ballet's glorious past. And it's perfectly fitted for that ballerina silhouette that we all adore! I might be on the other side of the world but a girlā€™s gotta have her tulle.

You know, they say that Paris is the fashion capital of the world. And, while it's true that the Parisian fashion scene is pretty darn fabulous, I have a sneaky suspicion that a little piece of fashion magic might just be lurking in the heart of Tourcoing. They might call this city ā€œthe town of weavers,ā€ but it seems that ā€œthe town of tulleā€ has got a pretty good ring to it too!

But my mission to find the perfect #tututuesday outfit isnā€™t complete until I've found that final touch. A little accessory to complete the ensembleā€¦ Itā€™s all about balance! I spotted a stunning brooch featuring an ornate, delicate floral motif in a little vintage store just a stone's throw from Place du General de Gaulle. Itā€™s almost an heirloom piece, and a fitting tribute to this charming cityā€™s rich history.

And as the day came to a close, my #tututuesday transformation was complete. My heart overflowing with the joy of ballet, and my inner fashionista perfectly satisfied.

Now, let me tell you a secret, thereā€™s a side to Tourcoing that you probably wouldnā€™t guess. While the French countryside is beautiful and idyllic, there's a modern urban energy in the city of Tourcoing thatā€™s incredibly exciting. Don't just think history and ballet, think of cool cafes, cool art and cool locals. This is the France beyond the tourist traps and its truly something to experience.

Well, there you have it! The story of #tututuesday in Tourcoing. You know, a ballet dancer never truly leaves the stage. Each new city, every encounter, each beautiful space is a story to be told and danced!