Tutu Tuesday in Gradignan, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France - #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your gal, Lily, here, fresh off the plane from Sydney and straight into the heart of French fashion, or as I like to call it, "Tutu Tuesday" in Gradignan, Nouvelle-Aquitaine!
Now, I'm not just here to eat croissants (although I will, don't worry!) I'm here to explore the vibrant ballet scene in France, and let me tell you, it's a world away from the Aussie dance scene.
First things first, the tutus here are something else! Imagine, if you will, delicate, handcrafted tutus, each one a masterpiece. You've got your classic, romantic tutus with layers of soft tulle, and then there's the more contemporary, edgy designs, like this one I saw at a workshop, with bold geometric patterns and shimmering fabrics - talk about eye-catching!
It's not just the tutus that are a bit different though, it's the whole ballet culture. In France, ballet isn't just a performance, it's a lifestyle. People are obsessed with it! It's like their national sport, and you can feel it everywhere, from the cafes bustling with dance conversations, to the shopfronts adorned with ballet posters. The sheer passion and love for ballet is truly infectious, and it's hard not to get caught up in it.
Now, I wouldn't be a proper dance blogger if I didn't talk about some of the local talent, and Gradignan is bursting with it. I just saw a performance at the Théâtre du Gradignan and wow, I'm seriously impressed. These dancers have such a beautiful style, so effortless and graceful, and their technical prowess is just next level.
The most interesting thing I found though, is the way they approach the performance. It's less about technical perfection, and more about story-telling. The dancers use their bodies to tell a narrative, and they make you feel every emotion, every heartache, every triumph.
Speaking of heart, you know what truly warmed my Aussie heart? The way the community embraced me. I popped into a ballet store and the owner was so friendly, we talked for ages about tutus and different styles. She even gifted me this amazing book on the history of French ballet - so thoughtful!
I can't believe my luck to be experiencing this, and honestly, the inspiration for this whole blog post came to me while I was sitting here in a Parisian cafe, with a coffee and a croissant, sketching out some tutu ideas. And what's better than a little tutu-inspired inspo on a Tuesday, am I right?
Anyway, lovelies, this is just a taste of what I'm discovering here in Gradignan, so stay tuned for more updates on my adventures!
Oh, and for all my fellow dance lovers, let's get this trending! Don't forget to snap those tutu pics and share them with the world using #tututuesday!
Now, off I go to find the best boulangerie in town, and see if they have any tutu-shaped pastries... (Hey, one can dream, right?)
XOXO
Lily