Tutu Tuesday in Charenton-le-Pont, Ăle-de-France, France: A Parisian Whirl #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe, bringing you another edition of Tutu Tuesday straight from the cobbled streets of Paris. Today, we're heading to Charenton-le-Pont, a charming suburb just outside the city limits. Think quaint cafes, charming boutiques, and a whole lotta history, and you've got Charenton-le-Pont. Iâve got a feeling this townâs gonna be a bit of a stunner, both in terms of the architecture and, of course, its ballet scene!
Now, I know what you're thinking - Paris and ballet, it's like peanut butter and jelly, right? And you'd be absolutely spot on. It's practically a given. I've been on this grand ballet tour, checking out different dance communities around the world and I can tell you, the French really do take their ballet seriously. In a good way, of course. Like, seriously passionate. Every step, every pose, is practically infused with the cityâs rich artistic heritage. So, naturally, I had to don my favourite tutu (I'm talking a classic romantic, single-layered confection, with delicate hand-sewn flowers - oh, it's a dream!). You'll never catch me in a pointe shoe unless I'm onstage, mind you. This cityâs a catwalk for the adventurous - gotta have the right outfit to take it all in!
Alright, so, where to even begin with the ballet scene in Charenton-le-Pont? First, the **Ăcole de Danse de Charenton**, now, this is a true hidden gem, you hear? They're renowned for nurturing talent, giving young ballerinas (and lads, let's not forget them) a strong foundation in both classical ballet and contemporary styles. It's inspiring to see how much love and commitment these instructors have. I got to pop into a class and just watch those kids absolutely killing it. Honestly, they were incredible. Little, fluffy tutus, all perfectly prepped for some serious dance floor action - I felt like a kid again. Pure joy!
I must tell you about this cute little studio, **Ballet Bleu**, on Rue du GĂ©nĂ©ral Leclerc. Their style is all about flow and modern techniques, incorporating elements from hip hop and contemporary dance, perfect for my free-spirited flair, let me tell you! Imagine this - classic lines, a touch of urban, with some cheeky twists and turns thrown in. I had a chance to join a drop-in session with some locals (I might have shown off a few moves, no judging!). Honestly, it was invigorating! The instructors are friendly, the atmosphere is supportive and, importantly, itâs super welcoming even for a clueless tourist like myself.
Speaking of clueless tourists, lemme tell ya, this city is just buzzing with dance lovers. I spotted more tutus on the metro this week than I've seen in months back home in Melbourne. My Instagram was chockers with #tututuesday pics, it was absolutely mental! Even my little niece Lily back home posted a photo with her tutu! I am officially obsessed. Honestly, people here really know how to dress for a good dance! Think silk, classic colours, sleek styles. Not just for the stage, these are everyday outfits, so chic. Now, the streets are my stage!
What's a trip to France without experiencing a little local artistry, right? This trip wouldnât be complete without some serious ballet in my schedule. This town was lucky enough to have a performance at the **Espace Charenton** - it was this gorgeous auditorium tucked away on a side street, you wouldn't believe it's there unless you really know where to look. They hosted a contemporary piece with the most incredible staging, I tell ya. It was like a dream, using projections and light to take you on this surreal journey, just breathtaking! Oh, and there was the sweetest lilâ "Sleeping Beauty" themed production by **Ballet de Charenton** a community ballet company, where the little ballerinas got to shine (literally, their costumes were amazing). Seriously, you can feel the passion in this community, itâs electric!
You can't talk about a tutu and not touch upon the style! Parisian elegance just drips off everything. In this city, itâs less about showing off the moves and more about letting the elegance of your dance wear make a statement, you know what I mean? Itâs a totally different vibe from my Melbourne, where a bit more sass and flare is expected! I loved exploring local boutiques in the historic heart of the town, where you find gorgeous vintage styles. I found a divine silk shawl in a beautiful deep turquoise that, when I added my tutu, was my total Parisian moment.
Look, tutu shopping is a whole sport in itself, so, if you are a ballerinas or a lover of this dancewear (which, of course, you are, hello Tutu Tuesday!) you gotta come and see the little shops on the Rue du Général Leclerc. There was this shop with tutus of every size and colour imaginable, even a neon green, pink one! And just look out for the local ateliers. I spotted the sweetest workshop where I swear I saw some tutus made from recycled materials. Honestly, it blew my mind, a complete nod to eco-consciousness and the modern-day ballerinas! This whole city is just bursting with creativity.
Charenton-le-Pont has totally stolen my heart. A little history, a touch of that chic Parisian vibe, and a ballet scene that has got me saying âouiâ all day long. Seriously, this little French gem is giving a whole new meaning to Tutu Tuesday, and for that, it deserves a big, heartfelt merci beaucoup!
Don't forget to follow my adventures on Instagram for more Tutu Tuesday shenanigans! Keep on dancing!
Xx Chloe.