Tutu Tuesday 18059

Tutu Tuesday in Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France: A Tutu-tiful Day on the French Riviera
Bonjour, mes amies! It's your girl, Chloe, from Down Under, bringing you another instalment of Tutu Tuesday, this time with a touch of French flair. I've swapped my Aussie sunshine for the Riviera's stunning coastline, and let me tell you, this place is seriously dreamy! Antibes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, has a rich history, amazing food, and of course, stunning views of the Mediterranean. It's no wonder so many artists, writers, and now, this ballerina, have found inspiration here. Speaking of inspiration, I was utterly thrilled to stumble upon the Antibes Ballet School, which just happened to be holding a special open class dedicated to "Tutu Tuesday". Talk about a serendipitous find! Now, you all know my love for tutus. From the classic romantic, to the bold contemporary, and everything in between, I just can't get enough of these delicate masterpieces. It's more than just a garment; it's a symbol of grace, artistry, and storytelling, and it’s the essence of ballet itself. The Antibes Ballet School is truly a gem. I was welcomed with open arms and, you guys won't believe this, they even had their own Tutu Tuesday tradition! They had this fabulous display of tutus of every style imaginable: * **Classic Romantic tutus** in airy white and tulle with the classic shape - they’re light as a feather and graceful as a whisper, reminding me of Giselle and Swan Lake. * **Modern contemporary tutus**, those dramatic masterpieces of fabrics and textures, that have me thinking of the beautiful fluidity of Jerome Robbins or the edgy innovation of Mats Ek. There were tutus made of satin and velvet, leather and silk, even ones that were cut and torn for a very dramatic look. * **The ever-popular tutu "variations"** – we saw tutus of all lengths and colours: The "Demi-tutu" – those stunning skirts just above the knee that give you a freedom of movement - think Esmeralda and the famous Spanish “Adagio” * **The “French” Tutu** - they have that special air of Parisian elegance with all their soft pink hues and that slightly shorter and fluffier shape that allows for beautiful jumps and turns. Now, you might think that Tutu Tuesday was just a casual affair, but oh my, it was so much more than that! The school held an actual, full-on Tutu Tuesday Ballet Class. A delightful class led by Madame Dubois, an esteemed French ballet instructor who’s seen it all! She shared insights on how the French ballerinas wear their tutus and some history about tutus in French ballet, which I must say, was absolutely fascinating. Did you know that the tutu has actually evolved over time? Early ballerinas wore very simple garments made from silk, with minimal decorations - much less "fluff" and much more about revealing their movements. As times progressed, ballet technique evolved, and, of course, the tutu along with it! We talked about tutus in famous ballets, the iconic style changes throughout history - it’s incredible how this piece of costume can reflect cultural and social shifts. Madame Dubois’ class had me reminiscing about my own ballet journey, how it began as a tiny girl with dreams of performing in Swan Lake. It brought back memories of long hours spent practicing in the studio, perfecting those arabesques and pirouettes. The love for dance runs so deep! You guys, I truly was blown away by Madame Dubois and her knowledge of tutu history and French ballet. I left with a brand new appreciation for the tutu. This humble garment plays a much deeper role than simply showcasing a ballerina's elegance; it's a historical artefact! As for the Antibes ballet scene? It's vibrant, passionate, and bursting with talent. It seems everyone in this coastal town is connected to dance, and the locals have this certain appreciation for ballet’s elegance and art. It was quite the lovely sight to see. The French take their ballet seriously - just look at their rich heritage! From the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet to regional ballet schools all across the country, they hold the art of dance close to their hearts. And what a lovely atmosphere it created. It made me feel truly part of something special! It was all so lovely, and I really connected with the local community. For all the budding ballet lovers, there’s a plethora of events throughout France, you can easily find a ballet performance near you. Check your local papers and websites, but it seems like every weekend, there's a performance in Antibes, Nice, or Cannes. You’re truly spoiled for choice. Let’s face it, even if you’re not into ballets and are just here for the food, scenery, and sunshine, Antibes really delivers. But if you happen to have the time, I'd suggest you grab a ticket for a ballet. The French passion for dance is tangible. Until next time, stay twirling, Chloe. #tututuesday #antibes #provencealpescotedazur #frenchriviera