Tutu Tuesday in Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France #tututuesday G'day lovelies! So I'm absolutely buzzing about this week's #tututuesday because I'm currently living the dream in the charming seaside town of Bayonne, nestled in the beautiful Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. It's been an incredible journey discovering the vibrant local culture, indulging in the delectable French pastries (because, you know, gotta fuel those pirouettes), and exploring the rich heritage of ballet here in France.
But first, let's talk tutus! Okay, so we all know the classic "Romantic tutu," with its billowing layers of tulle. It's an absolute stunner and makes you feel like a proper ballerina princess. But for a #tututuesday celebration in the French countryside, I'm leaning towards something a bit more whimsical. Think shorter, layered tutus with maybe a pop of colour or a bold print - something that reflects the carefree energy of the French Riviera. Now, I haven't found any amazing local vintage tutus (yet!), so I'm heading to a few boutique dancewear stores tomorrow, fingers crossed.
Bayonne, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, has this really magical atmosphere, and the ballet scene is, well, let's just say it's definitely got its own French je ne sais quoi. I’m pretty sure it's not just the stunning scenery and the quaint cobblestone streets - it's definitely got a strong sense of community here. The local ballet school has some seriously talented dancers, and the Bayonne Opera House, oh my goodness, it's straight out of a fairytale! I was completely mesmerised watching a beautiful rendition of Giselle last week, the sheer grace of the dancers, the rich tapestry of the music, it just blew me away.
My search for the perfect tutu for my Bayonne #tututuesday adventure is definitely on! I can already picture myself twirling through the streets of the city, past colourful houses, bougainvillea-draped balconies and stopping by a charming little cafe for a cuppa (or a glass of the local Bordeaux red - it's a must-try!). Oh, and of course, I'll be snapping lots of pics for my #tututuesday Instagram story – you wouldn’t want to miss the stunning sunset backdrop.
Let's talk about tutu styles that I love! This week, I'm experimenting with: A mix-and-match tutu! I've got a couple of different tutus in my bag – one with a delicate white tulle and a soft blush layer. And another, bolder one with a fiery red tulle and some black velvet trim, perfect for a touch of edgy drama. I might even combine some of the layers! (shhh don't tell the ballet teachers, but mixing and matching is surprisingly stylish, okay? *wink wink*) My trusty black tutu! You can't go wrong with a classic black tutu. I have one with multiple layers and some exquisite details like tiny pearls. I can jazz it up with a coloured leotard or some funky hair accessories. It's definitely a timeless option and always a crowd-pleaser.
Talking about France and ballet, the connection between these two has always been deeply enchanting. From the birthplace of ballet to its lasting legacy in France, there’s this beautiful dance that echoes through history. Ballet in France isn't just a form of art - it’s embedded in the culture and deeply loved by the French people. You see, there’s a spirit here that really honours tradition and pushes boundaries at the same time. It's a lot like the #tututuesday movement!
On #tututuesday in Bayonne, I'll be celebrating not only the joy of ballet and tutus, but also the magic of exploring new places and immersing myself in a culture that embraces elegance and art. The whole experience, from my first taste of Bayonne's Basque culinary delights to witnessing the local ballet performance, has made me see tutu-wearing in a whole new light! (Don't you dare call it cheesy! )
Anyway, I can't wait to share my Bayonne #tututuesday adventures with you all. Stay tuned for updates on Instagram, and maybe even a blog post featuring my own whimsical French countryside outfit inspiration (think beret and a touch of Parisian flair). À bientôt!