Tutu Tuesday 18057

Tutu Tuesday in Mérignac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: A French Frolic
#tututuesday G'day from Mérignac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France! It's Tutu Tuesday, and I'm feeling like I'm living a dream. Let me tell you, French ballet is a whole vibe. It's got this incredible sense of history and tradition, but at the same time, it's got a modern edge that's just electrifying. Now, I've been a bit of a tutu fiend since I was a wee lass, back in the land of Oz. There's something about those airy, ethereal layers that just makes you feel like a graceful ballerina, even when you're struggling to walk in those pointy shoes! I've got a pretty impressive collection of tutus back home - think classic tulle, sparkly sequins, and even a few cheeky feather boas thrown in for good measure. But, to be honest, even my biggest, poufiest tutu can't compete with the charm of a vintage Parisian design. Here in Mérignac, I've stumbled upon a few little vintage shops that have an incredible selection of tutus from back in the day - we're talking long, flowing skirts, exquisite embroidery, and pastel hues that make you feel like a sugar plum fairy straight out of a classic ballet. I'm talking Tchaikovsky, Chopin, the works! You can see, I've got the tutu bug bad! And the good news is, #tututuesday in Mérignac, is practically a national holiday. - Morning Ballet Buzz: Forget your morning latte! The real way to start your day here is with a trip to the **Ballet School** (École de Ballet) in the heart of town. I reckon you wouldn't find a more gorgeous space. The ballet school itself has a real touch of vintage chic and the teachers, they've got this kind of quiet passion that's just infectious. I even popped into a beginner's class (with a lot of clumsy grace, might I add) just to feel that French energy. - The "Grande Dame" of Tutu Stores: It was hard to pick just one favourite tutu shop but there was this incredible place called **La Belle Ballerine.** They've got all the classics: the **romantic tutu**, the **ballerina tutu,** the **classic tulle tutu**. There's even an **extra-wide tutu** that would fit even a size-10 ballet shoe. (I have a thing for tutus that make a statement! Just me?.) I also got my hands on a vintage ballet book from La Belle Ballerine, it was a little treasure - some incredible black and white photos of dancers in their prime. The thing about Mérignac that's really captured my imagination is the dedication to ballet. I reckon this town has ballet in its DNA. Every street corner seems to have some little detail about it - you know, those old ballet posters, antique dance studios, and the way the whole place seems to vibrate to the rhythm of the music.
- Tutu Chic: For #tututuesday, I decided to try out some classic Parisian style: a black turtleneck sweater, a leather jacket (to keep that chill out, this Parisian air can get crisp in the evenings!), and, of course, a classic tutu, with a splash of crimson-red to make it pop. It felt right to complete my Parisian look with some French baker-style shoes (they're called espadrilles for all you non-Aussie fashionistas). I'm thinking of creating a look book - maybe my readers back home in Australia would be inspired by my French flair!
If you're a tutu fanatic, you just have to add Mérignac to your list! Let's be real, even the most jaded fashionista can't help but smile at the sight of a ballerina twirling in a fluffy tutu, it's like a dose of magic. It's a celebration of grace, of beauty, and of just plain having fun. And if there's one thing this Aussie ballerina knows, it's how to have fun in a tutu! So, cheers to all of you out there rocking your #tututuesday style. Let's dance!