Tutu Tuesday in Schiltigheim, Grand Est, France! #tututuesday Okay, darlings, this French fashionista is in awe! I landed in Schiltigheim, Grand Est, just in time for Tutu Tuesday and oh, my god! The ballet scene here is truly magnifique! My first stop? The fabulous Centre Chorégraphique de l'Est, a real haven for ballet lovers. Now, let's talk tutus - I mean, have you ever seen so many?! From classic, billowing romantic tutus that practically float across the stage, to those sleek, modern tutus with razor sharp lines and incredible detailing. Every colour, every style, every shade of tulle you can possibly imagine - and I'm positively gushing! What’s so special about a tutu? Let’s be honest - it's pretty much a little, flouncy dress made entirely of tulle. However, I’m in complete awe of how they elevate these graceful garments to a completely different level in Schiltigheim, and how the artists can be transformed by wearing them. The sheer volume, the light, delicate movements - they create a feeling of freedom, power and artistry. They truly encapsulate everything about the passion, the strength and the grace that is ballet. So I’ve been watching these absolutely incredible ballerinas twirling through their rehearsals in tutus that are works of art themselves. I’ve got to say, there’s a different vibe to French ballet. It's just so expressive, so romantic, and there’s an undeniable passion that makes your heart soar! It's like they were born to wear those tutus! Here's what really blew me away: * **The passion!** Every dancer I met just radiated pure joy. You can tell that they truly love what they do. The sheer energy in every rehearsal is contagious! It's enough to make you want to leap into the middle of it all! * **The innovation!** From the gorgeous costumes to the inventive choreography, it’s clear that there’s a lot of creativity flowing through these talented souls. Even the tutu styles are super experimental - they’re like fashion statements. I’ve seen tutus that would make Coco Chanel herself blush! * **The history!** Did you know that ballet has been a massive part of French culture since the 15th century?! It’s deeply ingrained in their arts scene. And, well, the sheer quality of ballet here, from the iconic choreographers to the world-class performers, really brings that history alive. **It's all about #tututuesday!** Every Tuesday here in Schiltigheim, the Centre Chorégraphique de l'Est throws open its doors to anyone who wants to get a taste of the ballet life. I've got to tell you - if you’re in town, you just HAVE to come see the rehearsals and get lost in the magic of tutus, dance and history. Here's the inside scoop for you, my darling dancers, you've got to experience the incredible energy at these Tuesday rehearsals. **What makes these Tuesdays so special:** * **The warm welcome!** The staff and the dancers are truly welcoming and inviting. They’re more than happy to chat with visitors, answer questions, and give you a glimpse into their world. * **It’s a freebie!** The Tuesday rehearsals are absolutely FREE! It’s a great way to get a real sense of the French ballet scene without breaking the bank. Seriously, you're getting a taste of the magic of ballet for the low, low price of free. You just can't beat that. * **You can actually get your tutu on!** You can join the dancers in a warm-up session at the start of rehearsal. There are special warm-ups specifically designed for newcomers to learn the basic steps and routines, and I have to admit, the tutus make even the most awkward beginners feel a little more elegant! Tutu Tuesday at the Centre Chorégraphique de l'Est: This week, the Centre hosted a particularly special Tutu Tuesday. It was all about a tribute to the history of French ballet, and wow! The energy in the rehearsal room was practically crackling! I was absolutely transfixed watching these ballerinas perform traditional French dances, some of them going back hundreds of years. Their tutus - oh my god, you'd be dreaming about those intricate, lacy details for weeks - were the perfect contrast to their flowing, fluid movements. And then there was the ballet music! You could tell it was steeped in centuries of tradition! Here’s the lowdown, darlings: * **The rehearsals are a true peek into the heart of ballet!** The dancers give their all at each rehearsal, from the serious focus to the pure joy in their eyes. I’m still gushing over a beautiful moment when I saw a dancer absolutely nailed a perfect pirouette - the concentration on her face, the elegant flick of her leg - I can still feel it like a delicious shiver down my spine! It's really a true insight into what makes these ballet artists tick! * **It's an experience you'll never forget!** If you’re a dancer, it’s truly a must-see experience! You’ll walk away inspired and wanting to leap on stage. Even if you're a beginner, you’ll get that spark in your heart. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you for life! I was so lucky to be in Schiltigheim on a Tuesday and get the opportunity to get lost in the ballet world - this time with the beautiful, magical tutus - and see the beauty and the passion of the French dance tradition. It was the perfect way to feel the energy of #tututuesday! I hope to be back here next Tutu Tuesday, but until then, you’ll find me soaking up all that Parisian elegance, a little French fashionista embracing this vibrant ballet scene. Keep twirling, you beautiful bunch of French dancers, and I’ll catch you all next time I’m in Schiltigheim!