Tutu Tuesday in Plaisir, Ile-de-France, France: #tututuesday Bonjour from the City of Lights! It’s me, your girl, Lily from the land down under, bringing you some serious Parisian vibes this Tutu Tuesday! After rocking the stage with my mates from the Sydney Dance Company, I’m here to inject some Aussie charm into the world of ballet in France! Now, if you’re not already familiar with Tutu Tuesday, it’s a glorious global movement where ballerinas – seasoned, budding, or just a tutu enthusiast – celebrate the elegance, artistry, and pure magic of the humble tulle tutu! This Tuesday, it was all about embracing the joy and artistry of this iconic garment – the very essence of ballet, you know? Let me tell you, walking the cobblestone streets of Plaisir with my trusty tutu in tow, I was feeling a whole lot like a princess in her very own fairytale. There was something magical about it! This part of Ile-de-France is full of history, with beautiful architecture, cute cafes and charming markets. But it was a ballet class at the Ecole de Danse Plaisir that really caught my eye. I slipped on my beautiful, romantic, *en pointe* tutu, the one with the layered, floating, soft tulle that's just so effortlessly ethereal. It's the one that really makes you feel like you're gliding across the stage (even when you're just stepping onto a polished floor!). For this class, it had to be romantic – we were learning a *pas de deux* based on a classical piece. You know the feeling, a perfect combination of grace and strength! The delicate and refined silhouette of a romantic tutu just complemented the piece. At this local ballet school, there's a beautiful mix of classical techniques and modern influences, a truly lovely expression of the Parisian style. But there's still that emphasis on tradition – it’s something the locals really take pride in. Even with a whole host of exciting contemporary choreography, you’ll still see plenty of the classic romantic and *en pointe* tutus. As I stretched and warmed up, it wasn’t just about me, it was about these talented dancers sharing their love for ballet with a passion I haven't seen before! It was an inspiring, energetic environment – it reminded me of my ballet days in Sydney, just on a whole other scale. Then, during the *pas de deux* segment, it was all about precision, expression, and partnership – it's about making the movement a shared story! The dancers, they truly embraced their artistic side – their grace, agility, and passion, all wrapped up in the magic of that tulle tutu. They made every move so evocative! They’re living the Parisian dream of effortless chic, while keeping the heart and soul of classical dance close. We were dancing underneath the vaulted ceilings of the old, restored building – there was such a beautiful sense of tradition and a kind of understated opulence in the air, as if a thousand ballerinas have been dancing in this room. When I popped on my more modern *en pointe* tutu – you know the ones, shorter and more fitted to the body, they let you move with real freedom and athleticism! A lot more “powerhouse,” you might say! I just knew the next dance routine was going to be one where I could really *let go* and connect with my own creativity! We started moving to the rhythm of the music, our tutus billowing behind us like a cloud of white silk in motion! This contemporary piece required a *lot* of energy, you need a tutu that gives you freedom, strength, and expression! In between sets, I sat with my mates – a bunch of aspiring ballet stars! The whole #tututuesday thing resonated – they wanted to share the love of dance. They are truly inspired and just as committed to spreading the magic of ballet across this French state, bringing the spirit of Paris, Sydney, or whatever corner of the world to each graceful move! This trip to France has been such an enriching experience, one that has really reconnected me to the pure magic of ballet! Every time I slip into a tutu, whether it's for a formal performance or for a spontaneous dance party on the streets of Paris, it's an opportunity to embody my creative spirit. You’ve gotta experience this for yourselves! But until then, I’ll leave you with this message: #tututuesday is more than just a hashtag – it’s a global community united by the shared passion for the elegance and beauty of dance. From the iconic tutu designs that represent each stage, from Sydney to Paris and everywhere else in between, we share a connection to the enduring spirit of this art form! **Here are a few other highlights of my Tutu Tuesday adventures in Plaisir, Île-de-France:** * **Charming French Cafés:** No Parisian experience is complete without a *croissant* and a *café au lait*. * **Walking the Parisian Streets:** The beauty of Ile-de-France is in the charming cobblestone streets and local markets where you find something new around every corner. * **Local Parisian Culture:** Taking a ballet class in this historic part of Ile-de-France was a chance to delve into the cultural depth of this part of the world – something to really treasure! I know I've inspired you – embrace your inner dancer! Throw on your favourite tutu – even if it's just around the house. Make a video! Dance in the streets, on a hilltop, in your bedroom, and share your passion! And who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone amazing! #tututuesday