Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Martin-d’Hères, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: A Ballet Blogger’s Parisian Dream #tututuesday Alright, lovelies! It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means? Time to unleash our inner ballerinas! 💃 Today, I’m channeling my inner Parisian chic from the beautiful town of Saint-Martin-d’Hères, tucked away in the stunning region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This little town is radiating charm, and you’ll see why I’m in a serious case of tutu-induced excitement in a sec. But before we dive into the tulle and sparkle, let’s chat a little bit about ballet in France. This country is synonymous with ballet, after all. Just think: The Paris Opera Ballet, with its rich history and world-renowned dancers, is right on our doorstep! There's this incredible cultural energy and artistry here, that definitely flows into even the smallest ballet studios like the ones I found tucked away in the back streets of Saint-Martin-d’Hères. The Tulle and Twirls: Now, onto the real star of the show – my outfit! I’m rocking a beautiful romantic tutu in a gorgeous shade of dusty rose, its soft layers cascading to my knees. The fabric is a dreamy combination of delicate tulle and fine silk, with just the right amount of shimmer. This tutu is definitely an "En Pointe" piece, embodying elegance and grace. I've teamed this graceful beauty with a simple, yet stunning, black leotard that hugs my figure just right, a reminder that ballet is about strength as well as elegance. And because, let’s face it, we've got to jazz up those ballet shoes for a #tututuesday! I'm sporting these fab pointe shoes that are designed specifically for my foot arch. And when you've been dancing on pointe for hours, believe me, these bad boys are a dancer’s best friend! My accessories are simple but sophisticated - a gorgeous silver pendant that catches the light, a sleek silver watch, and a matching chain necklace that glistens just enough to add a bit of shimmer. I topped off my look with my go-to lipstick: a classic red. You know, I swear by that signature red lipstick. There's a reason red is the go-to for so many ballerinas - It makes the eyes pop and just brings the whole look together! Let's Get Dancing in Saint-Martin-d’Hères: Now, onto my favourite part – finding a great place to dance in Saint-Martin-d’Hères! I took a wander around the cobbled streets and was absolutely smitten by this cute little cafe tucked into a charming courtyard. A Place to Twirl and Indulge: This quaint courtyard cafe, with its bougainvillea cascading over the walls and whimsical charm, was the perfect setting for my tutu Tuesday twirl! They had the most divine vanilla macarons and decadent French chocolate to enjoy - my reward after my delightful, little dancing session in the courtyard. A Local Gem for Ballet Fans: If you’re a ballet enthusiast in the Saint-Martin-d’Hères area (or nearby!), you’ve got to check out their community ballet centre! You won't find more passionate dance instructors than here. They're teaching all ages, offering everything from basic technique classes to classical ballets and modern contemporary. They also put on a really wonderful performance in the Spring, with students showcasing all they’ve learnt. It's an absolute joy to watch! From Tutu Tuesday to Memories in the City: My Saint-Martin-d’Hères #tututuesday adventure has truly inspired me. It was a chance to explore a new city, delve into the ballet culture, and find the beauty in every step. If you are planning to visit Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, I definitely encourage you to add this town to your list. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast like me, a history buff, a foodie, or just want to experience a slice of French life, this is the place to do it! Some Local Tips for Your Parisian Adventures: * Check out the beautiful botanical gardens: A vibrant array of flora with pathways winding through fragrant flowers, a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. * Grab a coffee and a croissant: A morning stroll with a delicious croissant, truly one of the simple pleasures in life! * Wander through the local markets: A feast for the senses - vibrant fruits and vegetables, fragrant cheeses, fresh bread and flowers! It's the best place to truly connect with local culture. * Enjoy the artistic flair: Galleries, museums, street art, and theatre. Remember to capture it all for Insta: Whether you're posting on your social channels or documenting memories for yourself, it’s great to document all the things you've seen and discovered in a new place. I can’t wait to share more of my French adventures with you. Until next time, stay fashionable, and keep on twirling, lovelies! #tututuesday #saintmartindheres #auvergnerhonealpes #balletlover #frenchfashion #parisianchic #tutulove #dancingadventures #frenchballet #frenchlife