Tutu Tuesday in La Garde, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your gal, Ellie here, back with another dose of ballet-infused fashion from the cobblestone streets of La Garde, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. Today’s theme? You guessed it - #tututuesday! It’s a day for embracing all things tutus, and I couldn't resist taking advantage of the French charm to channel my inner ballerina. This place has an air of elegance that just makes you want to twirl, and I reckon I've been doing a fair bit of it today.
Let me tell ya, finding the perfect tutu for a #tututuesday photoshoot in a place like this isn't as easy as it seems. You want something that's a nod to the traditional, classic French ballet scene, but also with a modern twist, ya know? Luckily, I stumbled upon a vintage boutique near the charming town square, overflowing with vintage tutus in all shapes and sizes. The sheer fabric was like silk against my skin. It's an incredible feeling knowing that I'm wearing a piece of ballet history! You could practically feel the ghosts of dancers past floating around. It's no wonder France has such a rich ballet history. After all, it's the birthplace of some of the greatest ballet stars. The elegance of their moves - a bit of a dream.
Speaking of elegant, the tutu itself - ah! A dream! Picture it - a soft, delicate pastel blue. I felt like a princess! The layers were perfectly draped to accentuate my movements, and the length hit just right, a bit longer than a traditional ballerina tutu, adding that modern touch. A perfect fit for the streets of La Garde, which have a little more of a relaxed feel. The shops are brimming with artistic flair, with their pretty pastel hues and intricate window displays. Makes for a stunning backdrop, doesn't it?
Now, I'm no stranger to the art of tutu styling. For this #tututuesday, I kept it simple, elegant and French, just like the town. The tutu is the star, and a star it is! But we do need a little extra flair, right? A delicate, crocheted white top, a hint of romance, a nod to classic ballet costume styles. Then, for a pop of colour and a hint of playfulness, a pair of bold red flats. Simple and sassy. I think that adds the right touch, a little bit of Parisian chic for a #tututuesday. No need for a tonne of jewelry. The less is more approach to #tututuesday!
But let's not forget, the beauty of #tututuesday is all about embracing your unique style and having a bit of fun. I've spotted so many ladies around La Garde rocking tutus of all kinds today! From a vibrant, sunshine yellow number at a cafe in the heart of the town to a sparkling sequined black tutu catching my eye near the market. So if you’re on the lookout for some tutuing inspiration - look around. I promise you, you'll find some stunners!
We just know how to bring the sparkle wherever we go, and La Garde is definitely adding a touch of extra magic! What's not to love about this gorgeous French city, you know? They’ve got these quaint little cafes and bistros all tucked away in picturesque alleyways. The air is alive with the sweet scent of freshly baked croissants and blooming lavender. Perfect for an afternoon of #tututuesday adventures!
Speaking of the croissants, let's get down to some Parisian breakfast! Now, don’t think that I don’t also go for the local delicacies - think hearty pastries, oh, my goodness. I’m totally in love with this place. I swear, there are pastries to die for just around every corner! What makes it so special, is they aren’t your average supermarket pastries. Think of the best bakeries you’ve ever been to in the world – it’s like they got all that local tradition and experience wrapped into each buttery flaky mouthful. It's pure Parisian bliss.
And there's nothing quite like sipping a warm latte on the terrace of a local cafe. Watching the world go by with the perfect #tututuesday look on! As much as I love tutus for ballet, I have a feeling they might be trending for the cafes in La Garde too - I can practically hear those cafe goers going ‘Oui, Oui’ to more tutu adventures in the local markets.
Let’s talk local, huh? There is just something special about these French regional ballet troupes. Not your big, big-city troupes. What’s so beautiful about the smaller ones, like the ones in the French provincial areas, is they just exude an energy that’s different. It's like they're bringing their whole community together, and it really shows on stage. They just bring so much raw talent and emotion to each performance, ya know?
You know how much I adore these regional dance studios and ballets - and they're absolutely abundant here. So if you find yourself wandering these streets of La Garde on a #tututuesday, look out for any performance notices or local ballet troupes. Trust me, you'll want to be in the audience! It’s one thing to strut your stuff in a tutu, but there’s a whole different level to watching those passionate performers grace the stage.
I can’t resist popping in. It's all those little details that just make the experience special, huh? In fact, it’s almost become a bit of a ritual for me! As soon as I land in a new town I go exploring to find those hidden little gems, those independent ballet studios that are the backbone of any ballet community.
Of course, I do my fair share of ballet at those bigger, more traditional venues in France. It's fascinating to watch their interpretation of classic ballet – how the choreography’s always evolving, but always keeping its essence intact.
But sometimes, I find the joy is in the simplicity, those studios that you never really know are tucked away, sometimes even behind the old bakery shop fronts – in fact, those little gems have brought a different perspective. They might not be as glitzy as the city centres, but I've been struck by the raw talent that shines from each and every student and dancer - it’s what truly elevates the artistry. It’s almost magical, that kind of devotion and skill!
Anyway, as you know, #tututuesday is about more than just dressing up. It's a way to connect with the ballet world. The culture. To share the passion that unites all of us. And for a blogger and a dancer, that connection can be truly powerful - as I feel it’s what links us to everyone, the world over. From the big cities like Paris and London, to La Garde!
Of course, the French countryside is a bit of a departure from the bustling city, where most dancers do their big performances. The smaller dance schools in the countryside provide a very special opportunity, they are these havens for learning, they help people stay connected to this art, so they can pursue this passion wherever they may live! So to the French dancers of La Garde, thank you! And for my Aussie followers, you don’t have to be in Paris or some world-famous ballet studio. Embrace it - be proud, show your love of dance no matter where you live. And go rock those tutus.
As the sun starts to dip below the horizon and paints the sky in a breathtaking blend of orange and pink, I can’t help but feel a touch of nostalgia for the day’s adventures in this French haven. My #tututuesday in La Garde has been an experience that’s bound to leave its mark. This place has given me some unique perspective on my ballet life, but also the beauty of this quaint town.
For me, it's the small details. A quick smile from a local as you pass by, the way the light filters through the old trees lining the streets. The energy of the local French ballet troupes - how the spirit of dance resonates in their steps!
So thank you, La Garde, for the inspiration, the French elegance and the beauty of ballet. Until next time, I'll be keeping those tutu dreams alive! And to you, my amazing followers, don't forget to embrace your inner ballerina wherever you may be!