Tutu Tuesday in Thiais, Île-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! This week, I’m back from another adventure, and it’s time to celebrate the most beautiful garment in the world, the tutu! Yep, it's Tutu Tuesday again, and this time we're waltzing over to Thiais, Île-de-France, France.
Now, Thiais may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of ballet, but let me tell ya, this town’s got some serious steps! The local ballet scene here is seriously thriving. I popped in on a few rehearsals and let me tell ya, these French dancers have some killer moves!
I spent the morning at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris in Thiais. The vibe here was incredible! A blend of classical grace with a bit of Parisian flair. The students here, both young and old, were a true inspiration. And guess what? They love Tutu Tuesday as much as I do. We even got a cheeky group photo in our best tutus – the kind with all the layers and poofy skirts – absolutely dreamy!
One thing that struck me about ballet in Thiais was the diversity of tutu styles. It's not just about those iconic romantic tutu styles, you know, the ones that float around like a cloud. There are so many other types, like the classical "tutu à la russe" with the flat and stiff skirt, the "tutu à la francaise" that is a bit more relaxed, the whimsical "tutu pointe" designed for those impressive toe shoes, and even modern tutus that look more like a modern dance outfit. Talk about an incredible fashion spectrum!
While we were there, the director told us about a super interesting story: the ballet company in Thiais actually plays a crucial role in teaching the art of the tutu! This town boasts a whole atelier that designs and manufactures custom tutus for their performances. These artisans are incredible! Imagine the delicate handwork it takes to create those perfectly layered skirts. And each tutu tells a different story through its design, from its shape and colour to the embellishments. Simply breathtaking!
Here’s my #tututuesday tip for all you lovely dance fans: When you’re exploring Thiais, pop by the atelier, ask for a tour, and watch those amazing hands transform delicate fabric into something truly magical. And when you’re ready for the show, head to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris – you’re in for a treat!
The French have a certain je ne sais quoi about them, and their love of ballet definitely brings it out! Even the audience, from kids to grannies, embraced Tutu Tuesday, and there was a real buzz in the air! And guess what? They didn't even mind my Aussie accent. Haha, just kidding, they totally embraced it!
And here's the thing that really made my heart melt. After the show, we had the best chats with some of the students and dancers about Tutu Tuesday, our passion for ballet, and just life in general. I’m sure some of them were a bit nervous to chat with this cheeky Aussie who rocked up to their ballet class, but they were so welcoming! I'm always so humbled by the power of dance and the friendships that blossom from it.
I must say, France truly knows how to celebrate Tutu Tuesday! So much grace, so much beauty, and so much joy! They embraced the tutu with open arms and hearts. There were even a few people wearing their own tutus – how amazing is that?
So if you're looking for a truly magical Tutu Tuesday, don't miss out on Thiais! It’s truly a hidden gem, bursting with talent and an appreciation for all things tutu-licious.
This Tutu Tuesday, I am reflecting on the power of dance and the importance of sharing this incredible art form with the world! I'm reminded that even though tutus and ballet might seem like things from the past, it’s all about taking the stage, pushing boundaries, and celebrating those beautiful moves. From the pointe shoes to the elegant skirts, a tutu always inspires, ignites our imaginations and sparks creativity! And it's definitely something that all ages can connect with.
This #tututuesday is more than just a cute hashtag. It's a movement that empowers us to dance, explore, and embrace the magic of dance! It’s about celebrating that feeling of taking flight.
What will you be doing for #tututuesday? Show us your moves! Use the #tututuesday tag on all your social media platforms! Don’t forget to send us pictures of you rocking your favorite tutus or sharing your love for ballet. Remember, you're never too old to dance, and you can do it in a tutu wherever you are, even in your living room! Just unleash your inner ballerina and remember: “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."
See ya on the dance floor,
Your Aussie ballet blogger