Tutu Tuesday in Melun, Île-de-France, France #tututuesday
G’day from Paris! Well, not Paris exactly, but its stylish neighbour Melun, in the Île-de-France region. Today’s the day – Tutu Tuesday! And what better way to celebrate this delightful dancewear trend than by immersing myself in the rich history and contemporary culture of French ballet, right here in Melun? 🇫🇷
Now, before I get into the details, let me explain. I’m Ella, an Aussie ballerina with a penchant for fashion and a travel bug that never sleeps. I’ve always been drawn to the romance of French ballet and, for years, dreamt of dancing under the iconic chandeliers of the Palais Garnier in Paris. But here I am in Melun, embracing a different kind of Parisian ballet magic – the smaller, local scene, filled with passionate dancers and an appreciation for classic, yet undeniably stylish tutus.
I'm here to say, Melun definitely doesn’t disappoint. From the moment I arrived, I was mesmerized by the elegant architecture, the chic cafes filled with chatty Parisians, and a distinct artistic vibe – even in the local markets. This artistic energy naturally translates into their local ballet scene – and boy oh boy, are they passionate! The students here are incredibly dedicated and skilled, and the dance studios are brimming with energy. And where else would I find more inspiring tutus?
Speaking of tutus, did you know that French tutus, in their original forms, were more modest than the “romantic tutus” that became popular in the late 19th century, like those by Marius Petipa? They were simpler, more elegant, like those made famous by the dancers at the Paris Opera, during the early days of ballet. This evolution in tutu style reflects a change in the entire dance world. And let's face it, who doesn't love a tutu that allows the dancer to soar across the stage in effortless elegance? Those frilly, layered skirts have a history and an elegance that's hard to beat!
However, if you ask me, modern day ballet in France – particularly here in Melun – embraces a beautiful balance between classic elegance and playful modernity. I’m loving the fresh spin that local designers are putting on the classic tutu. These days you can find gorgeous designs that use fabrics like silk chiffon and velvet – making the classic tutu even more sophisticated! These are perfect for the delicate dancers here who embrace elegance, while adding their own unique modern touch to every pirouette.
One thing I’ve discovered here is that local ballet here in Melun, like any local art form, is really about connection and community. Today, I was lucky enough to participate in a tutu workshop held at a dance studio with views of the Seine. Imagine this! I spent the morning surrounded by French ballerinas as we each customized our own classic-style tutus. They weren't fancy tutus – they were simpler, but oh, so chic and with an artisanal charm. They used traditional French materials and craftsmanship to give them a timeless, almost magical quality. This workshop was definitely a highlight of my trip.
Now, I’m not just talking about how incredible these tutus are - but what these tutus represent! This sense of community extends far beyond the studios, too. From local artists who paint the backdrop of some performances to the bakers who make the delicious desserts at the after-show events - this small city truly embodies a spirit of artistic collaboration that really resonates.
I had a little tutu-tastic photo shoot. We chose the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Melun as a backdrop - talk about dramatic, huh! Let's be honest, it's all about those ballerina moves – the jetés and grand jetés. It was an opportunity to capture some amazing shots and showcase those breathtaking tutus we designed.
To all you ballerinas out there, let’s keep Tutu Tuesdays alive – and share those ballerina feels – no matter what! We should be encouraging those tutus for every opportunity - from picnics in the park to theatre outings, to spontaneous dances in the streets. It’s all about embracing our love for this beautiful art form and showcasing our own passion for ballet – and, let’s be real – how fabulous we look in a tutu!
Here's to keeping the dance alive, in all its glamorous tutu-filled glory. Until next time! #tututuesday #melun #france
Now, for those who wanna get a bit more techie, here are some more ideas for this tutu celebration:
- Go on, post those photos – #tututuesday is about getting that tutu selfie game on point. Whether you're rocking a new tutu from your ballet class, or just enjoying an evening with a vintage tutu.
- A tutorial time – maybe share some of your favorite tips on styling a tutu. From the ballet barre to brunch in the park – think creative!
- Share your love for ballet – what is it that draws you to this incredible dance form? Is it the storytelling power of the dance, the artistic expressions of the choreography, the amazing physique of a dancer - what inspires you?
There you have it - my take on tutu Tuesday, from the streets of Melun, France. Just another day of embracing my ballerina life in style, one tutu-tastic step at a time! And as I dance my way across Melun's charming cobbled streets, I’ll keep my eye out for the perfect tutu-wearing moment – after all, life's a stage, and there's a tutu out there for every occasion, right?