## Tutu Tuesday in Bondy, Île-de-France, France: #tututuesday Bonjour mes amis! As an Aussie ballerina travelling the world, you know I’m all about finding those hidden gems in each new city I visit. And today’s gem? Tutu Tuesday in Bondy, just outside of Paris. I mean, how could I not be excited about Tutu Tuesday?! This event isn't just about a fashion trend. It's a whole vibe – a celebration of the art and craft of ballet in this small French town. Now, we all know the stereotype of Paris as a ballet hub, but don’t sleep on the rest of the Ile-de-France region. These small towns are where the passion for ballet truly flourishes, often in unexpected ways. So, Tutu Tuesday in Bondy? Let me tell you, this event was all about showcasing the local talent, giving back to the community and - of course - rocking those beautiful tutus! Imagine a marketplace full of stalls bursting with homemade tutu designs – everything from classic romantic tutus in dreamy pink and blush, to the bold and modern tutus with sharp lines and pops of color. Honestly, the amount of creativity here blew me away. There were so many different styles, and every single tutu felt like a piece of art! The stalls were a blur of bright colours and the atmosphere was buzzing. **Here are some highlights:** - I discovered the most gorgeous "en pointe" tutus. Imagine layers of soft tulle, but instead of the traditional bodice, they were designed with delicate straps that hugged the shoulders. Absolutely beautiful. They were so lightweight they could literally make you feel like you’re floating on air – like you’ve actually just jumped right out of the Bolshoi. - And of course, who can forget the traditional tutus?! This time though, with a little Parisian twist. Think soft blush pinks, a dash of sparkling sequins and the tiniest touch of ivory lace. These designs just oozed a classical charm. And I swear, the moment I slipped one on, I could almost hear the orchestra playing the famous "Swan Lake" music! - A definite must have is the "Bondy ballerinas" style. A contemporary take on a classic with bold designs, splashes of colour and a hint of edgy charm. - Speaking of bold designs – there was this crazy-good artist who hand painted each individual layer of his tutus. Each brushstroke was an abstract piece of art in itself – something both a ballerina and a fashionista could adore! I wish I could have brought it home, but let’s be honest, my suitcase was already bursting! This event was such a fantastic reminder of what ballet can truly be. It wasn’t about perfection or the traditional stereotypes of what ballet looks like. It was about passion, creativity and, most importantly, community. The most important thing is: Tutu Tuesday was about breaking the mould! The French people are famous for being avant garde when it comes to fashion, and this event just showcased it perfectly! I even spotted one little girl wearing a tutu adorned with macarons – which, frankly, just reminded me of just how creative and unique the whole thing was. Oh, and of course, no #tututuesday event is complete without a spot of dance. And I can tell you that I didn't come alone. The Bondy dancers were a real sight to behold. With their flawless technique and passionate performances, they absolutely blew the crowds away. And the crowds – a mix of locals, families, even some tourists – cheered, snapped pictures, and were all just truly mesmerized. **This isn't your average "Tutu Tuesday". Bondy's take on it felt authentic, inclusive, and above all, incredibly heartwarming.** And trust me, everyone was loving it. You could see it on the smiling faces and the pure joy in the air. The event itself felt like a giant warm embrace. This whole Tutu Tuesday experience, with its stunning costumes, talented dancers and enthusiastic crowd, was like nothing I've ever experienced! If you happen to be anywhere near Bondy next month, or anytime, check out the Bondy Ballet Academy, I hear they have classes in various styles including pointe and ballet fitness. You can even catch one of their public performances – there's usually a monthly calendar available on the local government website! So next time you’re looking for a bit of culture, something different, and something really special, I suggest checking out Bondy’s “Tutu Tuesday”. And you better believe I’ll be back next year. My wardrobe is calling for some more “Tutu Tuesday” fun!