## Tutu Tuesday in Montfermeil, ÃŽle-de-France: A Whirlwind of Romance and Romance #tututuesday G'day lovelies! This week's #tututuesday sees me embracing the Parisian romance while also tapping into my inner dancer. It's a whirlwind of tulle, feathers and sequins, with a dash of French charm thrown in for good measure. This is my adventure in Montfermeil, ÃŽle-de-France. For those who haven't been initiated into the mysteries of #tututuesday, it's a global celebration of the iconic dancewear. We all pull out our most dazzling tutus – from the classic Romantic to the contemporary – and show the world the grace and magic these garments hold. Now, I know what you're thinking – "What's a ballerina doing in Montfermeil?". And to be honest, it was a total chance discovery! I was in the mood for a French adventure. But not just any adventure - one that offered culture, history, and something utterly unexpected. Montfermeil ticked all those boxes, with its fascinating local history, vibrant arts scene, and a certain bohemian allure. I decided to throw myself into the heart of this vibrant community, soaking in the local vibes and exploring its rich artistic landscape. And you know what I found? Ballet! A real gem tucked away in a quiet corner of the town, a local ballet studio - **Ballet Montfermeil**, radiating energy and grace, even in its small-town setting. The ballet scene here is just blossoming, full of heart and passionate dancers – they definitely deserve a standing ovation! They don’t just teach, they nurture dreams and push their dancers to reach their full potential, just like our legendary dance academies in Australia. My heart danced with excitement as I waltzed into the studio. Their classes range from classical to contemporary, and everyone is welcomed, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic beginners. They offer a strong foundation in classical ballet techniques, with a focus on grace, discipline, and musicality. But it's not all serious, mind you! They offer playful and expressive classes with modern techniques. These sessions allow for self-expression and embrace the power of movement, all while working those gorgeous leg muscles! And just imagine - a Parisian ballet studio! I simply couldn't resist trying my luck in their beginner class. Walking into Ballet Montfermeil's warm, wood-panelled studio was an instant charm offensive. The floor gleamed, mirrors shimmered, and there was this lovely, earthy aroma – I swear it was like stepping back into a ballet scene from one of those classic French films. The air crackled with anticipation as I prepared for my class. The studio's teacher, a beautiful Parisian woman named Camille, warmly greeted each dancer with a radiant smile. I couldn't help but smile back. She explained the lesson plan, emphasising precision, control, and the beauty of movement. And then, it began! We warmed up with slow and graceful exercises. From port de bras (arm positions) to graceful stretches, each move brought a sense of grounding and mindfulness. I must say, it felt fantastic! After our warm-up, Camille led us through some classical ballet exercises at the barre. There were steps like the grand jeté and pirouette (which reminded me of the elegance and artistry that defines ballet in France). Then it was on to center work, where we executed steps like the graceful arabesque and elegant chassé (some seriously gorgeous ballet vocabulary!). We even had some basic choreography to perform, which I was a little apprehensive about at first. You see, the whole “dance like nobody’s watching” saying didn't feel so natural to me. But then something clicked. My body, previously frozen with self-consciousness, flowed like water. And with Camille’s patient and supportive guidance, it turned out to be pure fun! In the final few minutes of class, we practiced combinations in preparation for our final ballet piece. The music, chosen specifically for its captivating beauty, filled the air, urging us to move in unison with grace and expressiveness. Let me tell you, this studio definitely holds a special magic. With its passionate staff, infectious energy, and commitment to artistic growth, it feels like a second home to dancers from all backgrounds. It’s also a beacon for the creative spirit of the entire Montfermeil community. I was in awe! But my #tututuesday adventure wasn't confined to the ballet studio! Taking my love of #tututuesday and all things glamorous, I made it my mission to find the perfect tutu for a Parisian photoshoot. The perfect tutu had to embody everything elegant, feminine, and stylish that we all associate with French style. And believe me, this was a much tougher job than finding the perfect barre combination! Let me tell you, my dear readers, it was a bit of a fashion scavenger hunt! After exploring boutiques and boutiques, I stumbled across this vintage shop tucked away in an enchanting, narrow street – so Parisian, I know! Inside, the racks overflowed with dazzling creations. It was pure magic. I felt like Cinderella stepping into the glass slipper room. And then I found it. My dream tutu! It was a vintage creation, embellished with delicate lace, swirling layers of soft, flowing tulle, and glittering sequins. It was definitely a standout in the elegant black tutu style – so romantic and timeless, and I absolutely adore this timeless Parisian charm! I’ll be posting snaps of my photo shoot later this week. So, be sure to watch this space! But hey, what’s #tututuesday without some insider tips on getting your own dance-ready tutu? Here’s a few gems from my Aussie adventures, specifically tailored to Montfermeil! * **Get your Parisian tutu fix!** If you’re searching for something timeless, a touch of classic French elegance, you gotta check out the **"Le Tutu Boutique" in Montfermeil.** They have a selection that ranges from simple to truly extravagant, and if you’re lucky you might snag some truly incredible vintage pieces. I also found this hidden gem online – the “Ballet Dreams” shop is well worth checking out too. They even ship internationally so you can capture the magic of Parisian dance wear right from your home! * **Think beyond the traditional tutu!** Let’s face it, the tutu isn’t all about ballet – think about all the tutu variations, from romantic and whimsical to sassy and fun. I even spied a few really cool neon tutus for those bold dance lovers. There are some super cute, colorful and fun, with options for modern or street-style lovers too! So many choices to explore and lots of opportunities to showcase your unique personality! In my short adventure to Montfermeil, I learned that true dance, in all its forms, transcends cultural boundaries. It’s a language of movement, passion, and boundless self-expression, a message of strength and grace that everyone can embrace! Whether it's your local studio in Montfermeil, or on the dazzling stage, you're sure to find your inner ballerina! Catch you next Tuesday, darlings! #tututuesday #Montfermeil #France #BalletLove #TutuFashion