Tutu Tuesday in Sète, Occitanie, France Bonjour mes amies! As a fellow Aussie ballet enthusiast, you know that #tututuesday isn't just a day, it's a lifestyle. And when you're in the beautiful and culturally rich region of Occitanie in France, you better believe I'm gonna flaunt my love for all things tulle! Now, I know what you're thinking: "What does tutu Tuesday even mean, and how is it related to ballet?" Well, it's all about celebrating the graceful and iconic symbol of dance - the tutu. And yes, tutu Tuesday is a big thing for dancers around the world, including myself. You can see why - it's basically a free pass to embrace our inner ballerinas and unleash our love for tulle! Imagine, if you will, the fluttering, the swirling, the sheer magic of a perfect twirl in a billowing tutu. Doesn't that sound simply delightful? So, for my tutu Tuesday adventure, I took a day trip to the charming little coastal city of Sète. Known for its charming port, the vibrant architecture, and oh-so-French atmosphere, Sète is an ideal place to capture the spirit of this iconic dance garment.
A Little Bit of History...
Okay, so it's not quite the Palais Garnier, or the famous Opera de Paris, but the Theatre de Sète, a delightful, historic venue tucked away in a tranquil corner of the city, is definitely worth a visit. They say it boasts a strong tradition of ballet and performance in the region, though the repertoire is a lot more varied and diverse than your usual ballet scene. They even hold a renowned film festival called 'Cinéma Méditerranéen'! As you may know, a tutu is much more than just a skirt - it's a symbol of elegance, passion, and of course, an iconic dance piece. And there are so many different styles and types of tutus! Here are a few of the most popular ones: - **Romantic tutu:** this one, as the name suggests, is usually crafted with lots of frilly, lightweight layers, which creates that flowing, effortless movement, perfect for conveying romantic feelings in dance. - **Classical tutu:** you might call this one the classic 'big' ballerina tutu. The rigid panniers used to support the stiff layers are what give it the bell-shaped, dramatically elegant look we all love. - **Contemporary tutu:** unlike its traditional counterparts, this one is generally less rigid and voluminous, allowing dancers more freedom and flexibility in contemporary dance. - **Pointe shoes:** these are probably the most essential piece of any dancer's equipment! And no tutu ensemble is complete without them! While I wouldn't recommend waltzing around in full ballerina regalia, Sète certainly has its share of opportunities for me to make the most of my tutu Tuesday celebration! The cobblestone streets and little cafes lining the waterfront provide an excellent backdrop for my "tutu Tuesday" adventure, which will be the star of my blog, and social media this week, #tututuesday Let me tell you, as a professional dancer, it's all about feeling empowered and confident in your own skin. And if rocking a beautiful tutu can boost that confidence, then I say, go for it, lovelies! Tutus can be anything from playful and casual to elegant and formal, they are totally versatile!
My Sète "Tutu Tuesday" Inspiration
It goes without saying that Sète has some absolutely gorgeous settings for a photo shoot, especially for a tutu Tuesday blog! I decided on three key locations for this photoshoot, inspired by the city's unique culture and architectural treasures: 1. The Port of Sète: With boats bobbing gently in the azure waters, I wanted to showcase the beauty of the Port with a fun, whimsical look. So I paired my light-blue tutu with a flowy silk scarf in complementary colours, giving the ensemble a playful, seaside vibe! Think a bit like a playful ballerina taking a vacation by the sea. 2. Le Canal du Midi: This magnificent canal runs for over 200 kilometres through Southern France, a marvel of human engineering and an absolutely spectacular setting to capture the essence of grace and tranquility! To celebrate this historic wonder, I went for a classic and understated ballet look, a white romantic tutu that complemented the surrounding architectural gems, perfectly capturing that traditional 'ballerina' elegance and beauty. 3. The Sète Market: Sète's central market is a feast for the senses, buzzing with locals selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to handcrafted souvenirs! It’s an authentic immersion in Sète’s vibrant culture. And you know me, I never shy away from colour. For this part of my photoshoot, I donned a gorgeous fuchsia-pink contemporary tutu with shimmering sequins! A total burst of energy, just like Sète! The photoshoot was a delightful adventure! There's something special about blending ballet, art, fashion and travel all into one big adventure. So I've added these to my personal style diary! They are now some of my favourite ballet outfit combinations - perfect for any "tutu Tuesday"!
Tips For Your Own "Tutu Tuesday"
Now, let me share some tips on how to create your own "tutu Tuesday" magic, whether you are in Paris, Sydney, or right here in Sète! -Find your style: Choose a tutu that matches your personal taste. A vintage tutu? A romantic tulle beauty? Or a classic ballerina style? Play around, try different styles and have fun experimenting! - Embrace your surroundings: Think about your surroundings and let them inspire your style choices. Are you surrounded by stunning architecture? Maybe opt for something bold and striking. A scenic natural backdrop? Choose something light and flowy to blend seamlessly with the environment! - Express your inner dancer: Take some stunning pics! And post them on social media, tagging #tututuesday! Don’t forget to have some fun and celebrate the love for this special dance garment! Well, my fellow tutu lovers, that's a wrap from me for my "tutu Tuesday" adventure in Sète. Now go out there, find your perfect tutu, and express yourself! It's time to turn the world into a dance floor! Remember, #tututuesday isn’t just a day, it’s a chance to let your inner ballerina shine! See you next Tuesday! xxx