Tutu Tuesday in Liévin, Hauts-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Amelia here, fresh off the plane from a whirlwind trip to Liévin, Hauts-de-France, France, and ready to share all the fabulousness that was Tutu Tuesday in this charming little French town.
Now, I know what you're thinking: France and tutus? It sounds a bit… cliché. But trust me, this trip was anything but! Liévin is a place where ballet is woven into the very fabric of the community, and I was lucky enough to be there for their annual Tutu Tuesday celebration.
The streets were alive with tutus of all shapes and sizes. I saw everything from classic, romantic tutus with layers upon layers of tulle to sleek, modern styles in bold colours, some even sporting some intricate beadwork and embellishments! It was a veritable fashion fiesta!
One thing that struck me about Liévin's tutu scene was the diversity. I spotted some mums sporting adorable little tutus with their kids, while a group of teenagers rocked the most sassy, fierce tutus I've ever seen. It was inspiring to see people of all ages embracing the beauty and artistry of ballet. I even spotted some Frenchies sporting their tutus as part of their daily attire!
The heart of the celebration was the annual "Tutu Challenge" where local dancers and aspiring stars performed a showcase of dazzling routines. The talent was unreal! It's clear the Liévin Ballet School does an amazing job nurturing their local dance talent.
We saw everything from graceful and delicate solos to high-energy, synchronised pieces, each showcasing a different style and showcasing the diverse range of talent in Liévin.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Here are some highlights from my Tutu Tuesday experience, because this French fashion fiesta really brought the glam, girlie-ness and most importantly, the TUTU's.
- Tutu Types: The most common tutu on display were the traditional romantic tutus with many layers of tulle that created a very whimsical effect. And let's not forget about the more modern, minimalist tutus in sleek fabrics with bold colours, and I saw a handful of the contemporary, asymmetrical tutus - with sharp, angular cuts. All of these, showcasing the evolution of ballet costumes.
- Tutu Tales: It was an amazing sight to see generations gathered for a celebration of dance, a shared appreciation of this unique and elegant art form. Some families had made it an annual event to share their love of ballet with each other, creating special tutu outfits together, some matching their tutus to their outfits in a beautiful display of coordinated fashion. And the smiles on the kids faces? Pure, unadulterated joy!
- Tutu Take-Aways: There was a beautiful sense of community amongst the locals. The energy was so electric, it made me wanna tap into my inner ballerina and join in! One thing I learned is that Tutu Tuesday is a celebration of ballet for everyone! Not just dancers, but also for their community, friends, and family, it's an inclusive event, a fun event.
It's hard not to get caught up in the energy of this event and I can't wait to experience the vibrant, spirited, artistic energy of Tutu Tuesday in Liévin again! Let’s be real - Liévin was such an unexpected delight, I found a real connection to ballet and French culture here in this little town! I know what you’re thinking: French ballet? Maybe this is an overused cliche, but, in reality, it was so much more!
From the lively streets and breathtaking displays, I’m bringing a bit of Liévin's infectious charm to all my followers, so make sure you get your #tututuesday dance on!
Stay tuned for more travel tales from Amelia! #tututuesday