Tutu Tuesday in Wattrelos, Hauts-de-France: A French Ballet Adventure
G'day lovelies! I'm Amelia, a bit of a tutu enthusiast from the Land Down Under. You know me, always chasing the next dance adventure! So, here I am, taking my love of tutus on a whirlwind tour of the French countryside, and this week, I'm bringing you all the magic from **Wattrelos, Hauts-de-France**! #tututuesday
I've always been obsessed with tutus. I've got a collection back home, from classic romantic to dramatic modern. They're my fashion armour – they make me feel like a fairytale princess, and I always love experimenting with them. You can tell me anything, but you'll always find me looking at photos of famous ballerinas in those elegant tutus. So imagine my excitement when I landed in Wattrelos, a little town tucked away in the north of France. This place has an extraordinary, untold ballet story waiting to be discovered. It's about time I brought it to the forefront, and it's happening right here on Tutu Tuesday!
Today's adventure began with a delicious croissant and coffee at a local patisserie. The air was crisp and smelled like warm bread, but I already had one thing on my mind – where to start my tutu journey! I quickly discovered the Wattrelos Ballet School, nestled amongst the cobblestone streets. They have been a cornerstone in this community, shaping the future of ballet dancers for over half a century. The building was a charming mix of vintage and modern. The exterior was quaint and charming – all yellow brick with climbing ivy – but stepping inside was like a ballet fan's dream.
There was a beautiful dance studio. It had these large, high ceilings that made the space feel enormous, and its soft lighting gave it a classic ballet ambiance. I wandered past mirrored walls adorned with posters of famous ballerinas, each tutu telling its own story. I even found some antique props from old productions! This place was clearly brimming with ballet history and a real love of the art. The feeling reminded me so much of the Ballet Schools I trained at in Melbourne!
Talking with Madame Sylvie, the school’s principal, I learned the story behind this ballet oasis. This vibrant school wasn't always just about dance. Its founders wanted to ensure that everyone in the region could access arts and culture. This passion resonates to this day, creating a safe and inclusive space for anyone with a desire to learn to dance. The ballet school has produced several amazing professional dancers, who have gone on to dance for the Paris Opera Ballet and the renowned New York City Ballet.
Now, onto the main event – tutus! Of course, the Wattrelos Ballet School wouldn't have one without its collection of breathtaking tutus. The workshop, which Madame Sylvie called their "secret garden," had enough fabric and lace to rival the Louvre. Madame Sylvie excitedly pointed out various tutus – from the romantic, floaty tulles with floral motifs that perfectly encapsulated that dreamlike feel. She showed me those with a more traditional structure, like the short, bell-shaped, classic "Giselle" tutu. Then came the bold, dramatic, contemporary tutus in more innovative shapes and fabrics. Some were even hand-sewn by the school's very own talented costumers! Each tutu was a story waiting to be told. The level of care and craftsmanship behind these delicate pieces is truly a sight to behold!
I had a quick peek at their practice sessions, where young ballerinas worked hard to hone their skills and build their dance foundation. They were learning to perform iconic pieces, with some of them even performing as "The Sleeping Beauty." These "petite danseuses," as they call them in France, were learning all the steps and grace of the dance, along with the history of ballet! I got to meet several adorable little ballerinas who wore matching, light blue tutu styles, giving their practice a touch of elegance.
One young girl, Claire, shined as a natural dancer. The teacher asked me to see her practice a specific ballet exercise, "penché." Claire’s form was flawless and, I kid you not, her soft, delicate tulle tutu swirled like a "petit paillette," which reminded me of those shimmery disco balls back in Melbourne! This kid was truly something special! The passion that Madame Sylvie has for training her students is truly inspiring. She really embodies the essence of dance. You can tell that she really loves seeing these little ballerinas perform. They radiate a passion for dance that reminds me of why I fell in love with the art all those years ago!
After my tutu tour of the Wattrelos Ballet School, I grabbed some fresh baguettes and a "goût" of the famous "Gaufres de Wattrelos". They're these delicate, delicious little waffles, just as charming as the whole town! My tutu journey led me through cobblestone streets, to a cozy park, where local children danced in a spontaneous flash mob! Now, it's been a while since I danced in public. It was just fun, easy, free! This park was alive with happy dance energy – so much so that I had to bust out a few "pirouettes" myself. (Sorry not sorry, people watching, for being that person!) It made me feel truly alive, even after my last ballet performance was, like, a million years ago. They weren't "tutus" as we know them. But they were definitely colourful dresses – definitely a great #tututuesday moment! I was inspired to dance freely!
As my day in Wattrelos, Hauts-de-France wrapped up, I felt a sense of satisfaction and joy that I’m always after with each new ballet journey. The story of ballet is often a story of family, tradition, passion, and the sheer power of self-expression, all wrapped up in a beautiful package called the tutu! It's not just about a simple piece of clothing – it's a testament to artistry, dedication, and a love for a dance form that's truly timeless and captivating.
My adventure is just getting started. But for now, I'm leaving you with a piece of the magical dance story from Wattrelos. Until next time, keep your eyes on the twirls and may your days always be full of graceful moments. Keep on dancing and let's bring on Tutu Tuesdays every week! #tututuesday.