Tutu Tuesday in Bezons, Île-de-France, France #tututuesday G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Clara, back from a whirlwind tour of the world, this time with my ballet shoes firmly planted in the chic city of Bezons, Île-de-France. This little Parisian suburb, with its cobbled streets and quaint cafes, might seem a world away from my usual Sydney stomping ground, but there's one thing that unites us - a deep and abiding love for all things tutu! That's right, my friends, today we're celebrating **Tutu Tuesday** in all its frilly glory! This week's theme? "Ballet By The Seine"! Think graceful arabesques with the river reflecting the sunlight, pirouettes with the wind in your hair, and elegant sautés overlooking the historic cityscape. Speaking of tutus, let's delve into some styles, shall we? I've been experimenting with some absolute gems: - The **classic Romantic tutu**, a tulle dream of a bygone era with tiers and tiers of fluffy layers. Perfect for twirling by the Seine, don't you think? - The **"package" tutu**, shorter and with a tighter fit, was designed for more modern choreography. Ideal for channeling that sassy Parisian chic. - And lastly, we have the **contemporary tutu**, a masterpiece of sleekness and modernism. This beauty comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, sometimes using a single layer of tulle and a touch of asymmetry for that avant-garde touch. Now, here in Bezons, ballet is flourishing, you know. The city boasts a thriving local scene, and I've been lucky enough to be part of some incredible performances. From youthful enthusiasm at the *École de Danse de Bezons* to the sophisticated beauty of *Compagnie du Théâtre du Centaure*, the energy is palpable. My Parisian adventure started at a **private ballet class** at the stunning **Palais de Justice** with a renowned choreographer, *Madame* LeClaire. It's breathtaking inside with its grand marble columns and intricate ceilings – talk about a ballet studio with character! We worked on a piece titled "L'Appel du Seine" ("The Call of the Seine"), a delicate and graceful piece that paid tribute to the majesty of the river, using gentle sweeps and elegant glides, just like the river's current. Madame LeClaire even gave us some local Parisian ballet history! Did you know the area was a center of opera in the 18th century, drawing in some of the most celebrated singers of their time? It was the home to *Château de Bezons*, once owned by the powerful Cardinal Richelieu, now sadly only ruins remain, though stories of balls and ballets still linger in the air! Speaking of *Madame* LeClaire, I've gotta tell you about the tutus in her collection! She has everything, from a **soft powder pink tulle for Giselle**, the quintessential Romantic ballerina, to a **stark black contemporary design with slashes of crimson red**. It was a tutu lover's paradise, truly! **Tutu Tuesday** here in Bezons has been an experience I'll never forget, from the stunning locations to the local talent, it’s been pure bliss! As I head out, I'm leaving you with a little bit of my Bezons ballet inspiration: * Take inspiration from your surroundings. Embrace the environment around you, whether it’s a sprawling countryside or a bustling city like Paris. * Try something new. If you haven't tried contemporary ballet, go for it. It's exciting and challenging, and it can really broaden your horizons as a dancer. * And most importantly, be your own choreographer! Dance with your heart, embrace your individuality, and never let go of your passion for all things ballet! Now go out there, loves, twirl your hearts out, and remember: even in the suburbs of Paris, tutu dreams come true! #TutuTuesday #Bezons #Île-de-France #ballet #balletlover #France #balletbytheSeine #tutus #balletinparis #Dance #ClaraDownUnder