Tutu Tuesday in Poitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: #tututuesday

G'day lovelies! Your girl is back, fresh off the plane and straight into the Parisian (well, actually Poitiers) air! This time, I'm ditching the heels for the pointe shoes and embracing a classic dance tradition: Tutu Tuesday!

Now, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good tutu? It's the epitome of grace, elegance, and a bit of whimsical charm. But there's so much more to these fabulous frocks than meets the eye. And here in Poitiers, I'm diving deep into the history and artistry of the tutu.

I've been following the #tututuesday trend for ages, and I gotta say, this French city is living up to the hype. There's an energy here that resonates with ballet, a sense of passion for dance that simply bursts through.

My first stop was the **Centre Chorégraphique National** in Poitiers. I couldn't resist taking a few snaps in front of the stunning building itself - imagine a modern architecture masterpiece, but with a whimsical twist! They even have a dedicated gallery space for exhibiting the latest dance-inspired creations! My fellow tutu-lovers, this is where you need to be.

Next, I had the pleasure of taking a tutu-making class at **Atelier de Couture**. It was absolutely bonkers - the French sure do know their way around a sewing machine! I even had a chance to learn about different styles of tutus, which is like a whole world in itself:

  • The **Romantic Tutu:** Picture swirling layers of tulle, just begging to catch the light. This is the classic style, light and ethereal, like something straight out of a ballet dream.
  • The **Classical Tutu:** More structured, featuring shorter layers, giving that sleek, strong silhouette. This style has that elegant and regal air, like a true ballet star.
  • The **Modern Tutu:** This is where things get wild, from bold colours to abstract designs. It’s the rebellious style, breaking the norms and pushing the boundaries of what a tutu can be.

And let's not forget the **pointe shoes**, they're like the ultimate partner in crime to the tutu! So delicate and yet so strong. They need love and care, a real dedication to keep them in top shape, but the feeling of standing on pointe, it's just something else! I even popped into a few local dance shops and picked up some essential tutu-making tools. Trust me, this hobby ain't just about wearing a pretty frock! It's an art in itself.

This entire experience in Poitiers is reminding me that ballet is so much more than just a performance. It’s about storytelling, expressing emotions through movement, and challenging your body. It's about feeling the power of the music, the dedication of the dancers, and the awe-inspiring elegance of a carefully crafted tutu.

So, whether you're a seasoned ballerine, a tutu newbie, or just appreciate the beauty of dance, make sure you jump on this Tutu Tuesday train. And don't forget to share your pics with #tututuesday, let's create a worldwide celebration of dance, style and just plain fabulousness!

Oh, and one more thing - my biggest takeaway from #tututuesday? It's that France has this incredible connection with dance, it’s embedded in their culture. You just feel it everywhere. And with all this ballet inspiration swirling around me, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be stepping onto the pointe shoes in my next blog post! Until then, happy dancing!