Tutu Tuesday in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Île-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Lily from "Ballet Down Under" coming at you live from the cobblestoned streets of Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. I know, I know, who would have thought a little Aussie ballet chick like myself would be here in the City of Lights, soaking in the magic? But I’m not here to do some sightseeing tour, oh no! I'm on a mission – a tutu mission! And not just any mission, it’s a Tutu Tuesday mission.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that any dancer, even those who aren't French (like me!), has to visit Paris. The ballet scene here is something else, like stepping into a classic movie scene with those elegant moves and oh-so-fancy tutus. The French dancers are seriously the most talented people – their technique is just next level, I mean, even watching them warm up, I felt a rush of inspiration. Seriously, it was as if I had to relearn how to hold my hand.
For this particular Tutu Tuesday mission, I’m exploring a local Parisian ballet school tucked away in the charming, Parisian suburbs – yes, there’s ballet happening right outside the Eiffel Tower!
Okay, so the main reason I'm here? To hunt down some of the most iconic Parisian ballet schools to see if their tutu styles can top my very own. Now, if you've been following me for a while, you know that my favourite tutu style has got to be the classic Romantic Tutu. Imagine layers and layers of tulle, so soft and flowy, giving those twirls a majestic feeling. They just take the breath out of you, don't they? But for my French adventures, I have to up the game. So, I've got my eye on some stunning designs that scream "Paris" - a touch of that dramatic, classical Parisian style, that classic French flair. The styles here lean more towards the more rigid and symmetrical styles which has some appeal.
And speaking of Parisian styles, let's talk about those tutus. It's not just a tutu, it's an art form, right? Some dancers opt for a simpler style with minimal embellishments. That's their classic romantic aesthetic, minimalist yet with elegance in every detail. That's what you get at the Grand Ballet of France.
But if you want the whole package, Paris offers those elaborate, statement-making tutus, crafted with hand-sewn beads, intricate lace, and dramatic plumes – like you’ve walked straight into a show on Broadway. It's like wearing a piece of history, honestly. Even in the school, that craftsmanship in the tutu styles, it speaks to a heritage and a tradition, and it's amazing.
Today's Tutu Tuesday tour started off at this school. Their ballet studios were just like something straight out of an old-timey movie, all exposed brick walls, polished wooden floors and antique-looking barres that have felt generations of hands on them. There was this really quiet air about the place – it felt really sacred in there, the sort of place where a dancer gets to do a proper ballet workout without any distractions. So beautiful. The little ballet room with the small windows letting in a lovely sliver of daylight, it reminded me of ballet class back in Brisbane. A few hours spent there, observing classes, and I was definitely feeling the artistic vibe.
What I’ve found is the dancers here aren't just all about fancy movements, their movements have real heart and depth to them. I really enjoyed that. The tutus I saw, they felt both sophisticated and humble. I took some pics for the 'gram so make sure you go check it out! It really captures the energy of that beautiful school.
Then came the shopping spree! Because Tutu Tuesday is really about living life to the fullest, right? My French ballet mates took me to this beautiful store, this atelier really. All these gorgeous, intricately crafted tutus lined the walls, some were traditional styles and others were just something else. I walked into the atelier, I felt like Cinderella walking into a ballroom, I mean, my inner fangirl was seriously flipping out. I had to snag one of these amazing tutu beauties! And let me tell you, this one isn’t just going in the dance wardrobe, it’s hanging on my wall as a souvenir of my incredible time here. That tutu just makes me feel so powerful and unstoppable! Imagine stepping onto the stage feeling like a French ballerina? Dreamy right?
I learned so much today, I had my tutu and ballet history lessons, all on the same day! Honestly, tutu dreams do come true. And hey, don’t forget to check out my other adventures on the "Ballet Down Under" blog – and give my IG account a follow for my Tutu Tuesday style. And who knows, maybe one day we can take on a Parisian street together and capture a killer Tutu Tuesday photo! À bientôt, mes amis.