Tutu Tuesday in Nogent-sur-Marne, ÃŽle-de-France, France
G'day, lovelies! This Aussie ballerina is taking a trip around the world, sharing my passion for ballet and all things tutus with you all. Today, I'm in the charming town of Nogent-sur-Marne, a suburb of Paris, and let me tell you, the Parisian spirit is definitely in the air – even on a Tuesday! #tututuesday
For those who don't know, Tutu Tuesday is my way of celebrating the most iconic piece of ballet attire, the tutu. Every Tuesday, I feature a different style of tutu and share some insights into the world of ballet. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let's dive into the fabulous world of tutus!
Today's tutu adventure is a bit of a history lesson. It was a delight to explore the “Le Ballet du XXIe siècle”, the ballet company based in Nogent-sur-Marne. The locals here are absolutely passionate about their art, and this troupe definitely reflects that energy. They perform at the stunning ‘Espace Pierre de Coubertin,’ a true gem in the heart of the city, a perfect place for ballet and all its magic.
While I'm not performing in the show this time around, I was thrilled to get a backstage peek at their costumes – particularly the tutus. And it was all about the romanticism for me. Ballet in France has a long and rich history and that’s very clear in their approach to the tutus, even today. We saw gorgeous tutus that looked like they came straight out of a classic ballet – the "La Sylphide" or "Swan Lake" - flowing, airy fabrics that created an ethereal beauty. I just loved how those classic styles were re-interpreted in a modern, yet very Parisian way – sleek, simple and absolutely elegant. There was even a stunning tutu for their version of “Giselle” - oh the details! The delicate hand-sewn tulle, and that lovely shade of soft pink – just perfect for the tale. And the “Swan Lake” tutus? Dreamy! You know what, there were several versions of tutus just for that ballet alone – that's what’s really special about the French way – exploring the artistry of the same piece in new and interesting ways!
So much has happened in the world of dance since I started dancing. The contemporary tutu - a style I wear often in Australia is becoming ever more popular here. I got a glimpse of one during rehearsal, but it's still all about those gorgeous French details that make it so unique – you know – think refined and graceful, not quite so bold as I see here Down Under. I’ve seen how it's becoming part of contemporary performances, and you can really see a kind of cultural exchange going on, a perfect balance of those classic tutu shapes, reimagined in modern fabrics and bold colours – it's beautiful, isn't it?
Here's the thing, lovelies, French ballet – and in particular their beautiful tutus – remind me why this is my absolute passion! This trip has been a delight and it makes me think that we all have something to learn from each other - that cultural exchange is vital in this world and for the art form of ballet.
I’ll share some more details about my trip next time, but right now I’m off to have a proper Parisian breakfast. Croissants and coffee and all things French. And to keep things light I’ve got ‘Le Cygne’ – by Camille Saint- Saëns in my headphones – a reminder of why it’s such an honour to be a ballet dancer.
Until next time, stay fabulous, and keep dancing!
#tututuesdayHere’s a peek into what I wore for my own ‘Tutu Tuesday’ here in Nogent-sur-Marne:
- Tutu - I wore a pretty pink tutu with layers and layers of delicate tulle - this one was inspired by “Giselle” which I love because the pale pink adds a kind of whimsical charm
- Shoes - a simple pair of pointe shoes - and these are so important in showing off the movements and shapes of your dancing
- Hair - a sleek and classic French bun – easy but classy. This style is pretty much ‘the norm’ for ballerinas here
If you're looking to get more into ‘The French Way’ when it comes to ballet - these styles really are what’s going on!
A little ‘About me’:
You can catch my posts every week on all things ballet here. I am a professional ballerina based in Sydney, Australia and this week’s adventures were inspired by the beauty I discovered here in Nogent-sur-Marne, France - a suburb of Paris known for its gorgeous trees and its vibrant arts scene. I am truly passionate about dance - I get to travel around the world, and meet beautiful and talented dancers. It's just a privilege! So if you want to be kept in the loop on my journey – follow me on @tutusandtravel on Instagram and Facebook for lots more!
Stay tuned for next week, darlings, for my next tutu-filled adventure!
Au revoir!
#tututuesday #tutusandtravel #ballet #dance #nogenetsurmarne #paris #australia