Tutu Tuesday in Décines-Charpieu, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France #tututuesday
G'day, lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe, back from another whirlwind adventure in the world of ballet. This time, I'm taking you to the charming town of Décines-Charpieu in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, a place with a vibrant ballet scene, just waiting to be explored. You might be thinking, 'Décines-Charpieu? Isn't that a bit off the beaten track?' And you'd be right, but that's what makes it so special. Away from the glitz and glamour of the Paris Opera Ballet, we discover a whole new level of dedication and passion for ballet in the heart of France.
This little town boasts its own ballet company - Ballet de Décines, and what a fantastic little troupe it is! Filled with heart and spirit, their passion is infectious, and it's inspiring to see how ballet is woven into the very fabric of their community. There's something so beautiful about finding a hidden gem like this, tucked away from the big cities.
So, what makes Tutu Tuesday extra special in Décines-Charpieu? Well, it's all about the local vibe. Think quaint streets, cute cafes and some seriously amazing pastries. I found myself browsing a few charming boutiques, stumbling across vintage ballet tutus hidden amongst the local threads. I'm talking beautiful silk, delicate hand embroidery, and even some hand-painted patterns that were absolutely exquisite. Each piece had its own unique story and style, unlike anything you would find at the big chain shops.
I know some of you might be thinking, 'What? Vintage tutus? But don't they need to be sparkly and new?' To which I say, sometimes it's all about the character and story behind the piece, the heritage it carries. Trust me, these beauties still twirled beautifully on the dance floor, adding a touch of old-world charm to any performance. The local vibe and the unique vintage finds were something that you just wouldn't find in a city like Paris. It's the essence of Tutu Tuesday.
Now, a few must-dos in Décines-Charpieu for all you ballet lovers. If you are lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday, you gotta check out the ballet classes at Studio Danse in the town centre. There was this one petite woman, petite but mighty, and she could move in ways I never thought possible! I felt like I was watching a graceful dancer in a whirlwind of motion, a captivating sight in this beautiful space. It’s about experiencing ballet in its purest form – stripped back to just you, the dance and the space. You will also need to drop into "L' Atelier du Tutu". It’s a hidden gem, tucked away in a back street, but worth the effort to find! A tiny little store selling handcrafted tutus, and it really felt like entering a world where imagination meets beauty and the sheer craft and attention to detail that was in this place blew me away. It felt like an old world Parisian art studio and just by the quality of these tutus you can tell the artisans and dancers in Décines-Charpieu hold the tradition of ballet close to their hearts. These handcrafted tutus really felt like pieces of art.
Of course, my favourite bit is checking out the different tutu styles. In Décines-Charpieu, I was drawn to the simplicity and elegance of the Romantic tutu. They felt light and airy, just perfect for those graceful movements. I also spied a few variations on the classic, more structured tutu style that really stood out with their bold and dramatic lines, but still had that classic beauty about them. You could tell they were handmade with love and care and just seeing them displayed made me wish I could take home each and every one. You wouldn't find this passion and artistry in the standard tutus you get in most places. They are true treasures to find.
You're probably wondering, Chloe, 'Are there any amazing ballet performances happening in this quaint town?' And let me tell you, the Ballet de Décines puts on a seriously stunning show every month, each one celebrating the art of dance with unique flair and breathtaking artistry. Their love for the classics and contemporary ballet really shines through and even when I only knew a couple of words in French the passion and talent of these dancers spoke to me.
Remember my dears, whether it's in Paris or a small town like Décines-Charpieu, it’s about celebrating the art of ballet. So, grab a glass of wine (or a pot of tea!), settle into a cozy armchair and get ready to be inspired. Because Tutu Tuesday is all about discovering the beauty of ballet in all its forms.
Here's your #tututuesday cheat sheet for your next ballet adventure:
• Get a little adventurous and explore off-the-beaten-track locations, the small towns that truly embrace the beauty and grace of dance.
• Embrace the vintage style. You'll find unique treasures with incredible stories behind them that add extra charm and authenticity to your Tutu Tuesday.
• Support local dance studios and companies. Their dedication and passion will fill your heart and inspire your soul.
And that's a wrap from your little Aussie ballerina on Tutu Tuesday in Décines-Charpieu, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France! See you all next week for another exciting ballet adventure. Until then, keep twirling!
#tututuesday #ballet #france #travel #dancers #Décines-Charpieu #Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes #vintageballet #chloeballet