Tutu Tuesday in Mantes-la-Jolie, Ile-de-France, France: #tututuesday
G'day from Paris, my fellow twirling fanatics! As an Aussie ballerina who's taken a bit of a detour to the City of Lights, I'm on a mission to find the best tutus this side of the globe. And let me tell ya, Paris hasn't disappointed. Today's adventure? The picturesque town of Mantes-la-Jolie, a little slice of history nestled in the Ile-de-France region. I've heard rumours of a vibrant ballet scene here, and it was time to get my tutu-loving heart a-fluttering.
First up, I popped into "Les Petits Ballarins," a charming boutique tucked away on a cobblestone street. This place was a dream! Every tutu you could imagine was hanging there, like a symphony of tulle and silk. From the classic Romantic tutu with its billowing layers to the contemporary tutu with its clean lines and edgy designs, it was like walking into a ballet-lover's paradise.
They even had some fantastic tutu-related accessories – pointe shoes adorned with tiny bows, shimmering hairpins, and even some custom-designed tutu-shaped purses. Talk about accessorizing with an extra flair!
After browsing for what felt like an eternity (who knew tutus could be so addictive?), I scored myself a gorgeous pale pink tutu with a layer of sparkling sequins. It felt like magic as it swirled around me – I practically floated out of the shop. I knew I'd have to find a way to incorporate this beauty into my upcoming performance in a small local ballet in Mantes-la-Jolie.
I then stumbled upon "La Danse Enchante" – a stunning ballet school right in the heart of town. The studio was a sight to behold, with huge windows looking out onto the cobbled street, filling the space with light. It felt almost magical. And guess what? I found the perfect spot for my afternoon practice.
After my session, I couldn't resist joining in on a beginners class, getting a chance to learn some French ballet steps. It was fun to experience the unique approach to dance in France. It was slightly different from my usual routine, but that just made it more exciting. Who knows, maybe this might be the start of my ballet journey in the City of Love!
Overall, my #tututuesday in Mantes-la-Jolie was pure magic. It was a wonderful mix of vintage charm, modern style and a splash of that classic French ballet elegance. I'm officially convinced that there's no better place to celebrate the love for the tutu than in France! Don't forget to check out the local ballet school – you never know, you might just fall in love with French dance, like I did.
Remember, life is too short to not twirl. Until next time, happy dancing!
Stay stylish,
Olivia,
Xx