Tutu Tuesday in Le Grand-Quevilly, Normandy, France - #tututuesday

G'day from Le Grand-Quevilly, Normandy! I'm here in this gorgeous French city, and guess what? It's Tutu Tuesday! This fabulous town is known for its rich history and its strong connection to the arts, and what better way to celebrate this unique blend than with a little tutu-inspired adventure?

Today's mission, should I choose to accept it: exploring the world of ballet in Le Grand-Quevilly, finding the perfect tutu for my own collection (of course!), and getting some inspiration for my next blog post! I mean, who can resist the elegance and grace of a beautifully crafted tutu? The poofy layers, the intricate details, and that magical ability to transform any dancer into a vision of beauty. This Tuesday was calling for tutu action!

First up, I ventured into the charming historic centre of Le Grand-Quevilly, where I stumbled upon a little hidden gem – a costume shop called “Couture et DĂ©cors” tucked away in a quiet street. Imagine my delight! I'm talking an Aladdin's Cave of beautiful costumes – with tutus galore. And it wasn't just any old tutu-fest – I found a glorious range, from classic Romantic tutus in soft pinks and creams to dazzling modern styles, even a few in funky colours, perfect for my adventurous spirit. I'm pretty sure I was drooling with excitement, all while battling the urge to buy EVERYTHING! It's seriously hard to walk past those gorgeous creations without a pang of longing for a spot on a ballet stage. Luckily, I had good old fashioned willpower and just chose the perfect, absolutely beautiful, classic white Romantic tutu – you'll just have to wait for the Instagram reveal!

So, with a brand new tutu tucked safely away, I continued my #tututuesday adventure. As I was strolling through the heart of the city, I noticed an enchanting place with its windows beautifully decorated with dance-themed scenes – it was "La Petite Danseuse" – the local ballet school! My inner dance-enthusiast was beside herself with joy. It was as though it was beckoning me to take a peek inside.

Stepping into the warm and welcoming atmosphere of "La Petite Danseuse," I felt that distinct and utterly comforting ballet studio scent – a blend of worn wood floors, rosin and that lovely musky scent that hangs in the air in every dance studio ever created. They even had this gorgeous little vintage tutu in a display case, one of those classic pink designs, almost floating in the glass case, you could just imagine some lovely ballet student pirouetting perfectly with it back in the day.

Talking to the dance instructors was like unlocking the door to another dimension, especially as I shared my love of ballet and how I run a little blog and my excitement for Tutu Tuesday! The instructors told me about their dedication to their students and how the ballet program nurtures talent and inspires passion, something that truly shines through in the work they put in with each student.

But Le Grand-Quevilly had more than just the dance school! It seemed as though Tutu Tuesday had sparked a dance celebration throughout the entire city. Wandering down the bustling cobblestone streets, I noticed charming little shops bursting with life. There were stunning windows adorned with gorgeous ballet shoes – the dainty pointe shoes with those impossibly soft satin ribbons to the traditional canvas slippers for younger dancers, and the adorable pink baby ballet shoes! They just brought such a sweet, charming feeling to the shops, like something out of a French children’s ballet, oh la la. Every street corner seemed to whisper the name "ballet," a sweet melody swirling in the air, reminding me why I love Tutu Tuesdays so much!

I even stumbled upon a small museum - Le MusĂ©e d’Art et d'Histoire - which showcased several exhibitions that spoke of dance history, and the story of ballet's contribution to French art and culture over the years, which fascinated me to no end! The stories were told with exquisite illustrations, period photos, even a stunning collection of ballet costumes. My tutu-inspired walk through history continued to impress and inspire. This is France after all, the birthplace of many dance genres and one of the most celebrated regions in the world for ballet. It was all around me!

As evening fell on this perfect Tutu Tuesday, the air buzzed with the exciting rhythm of life in Le Grand-Quevilly. The town really came alive with music, laughter and of course, dance. I ended my night at a beautiful outdoor market square where a talented local ballet school put on an outdoor dance performance, sharing their talent with the community. It was the perfect end to the perfect Tutu Tuesday, the highlight being a gorgeous piece performed to a soundtrack from "La Belle et la BĂȘte," a timeless story filled with passion and beauty.

As I drifted off to sleep, the scent of flowers, delicious smells from a nearby French bakery, and that unique dance studio atmosphere mixed in a symphony of experiences. It felt magical. A perfect day spent in this historic French town.

Le Grand-Quevilly truly captured my heart, especially on Tutu Tuesday, with its vibrant spirit and enchanting embrace of the dance. And let's be honest – there’s nothing better than combining ballet with a French twist!

So if you ever find yourself in the charming region of Normandy, France, don't forget to make a beeline for Le Grand-Quevilly, especially on a Tutu Tuesday! Trust me, you'll be stepping into a ballet lover's dream world, filled with the grace of movement and the beauty of dance. You’ll definitely see me rocking that gorgeous new white tutu!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to plan my next Tutu Tuesday adventure. Perhaps, Paris next? Or perhaps I'll be discovering a hidden treasure somewhere closer to home? One thing’s for sure, Tutu Tuesdays are here to stay, reminding us all that the art of dance is both enchanting and oh-so-inspiring!

À bientît!

Follow along with me:

  • Instagram: @dancedivaaustralia
  • Website: www.dancedivaaustralia.com

#tututuesday