Bonjour from Vichy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes! #tututuesday It's Tuesday, which means it's time for #tututuesday, my favourite day of the week! And this week, I'm taking you on a whirl through the elegant city of Vichy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. I can’t wait to tell you all about the incredible time I had experiencing ballet here, exploring its history, and, of course, snapping some seriously stunning #tututuesday pics. Vichy is a place that takes you right back to a bygone era of grace and sophistication, much like a classic, flowing tutu. It's full of beautiful parks, stately buildings, and a lingering sense of history. It's also home to a thriving ballet scene. Vichy's ballet companies seem to revel in the romantic atmosphere of this beautiful region, their dancers twirling in graceful interpretations of traditional French ballet. I felt like I was walking into a scene straight from "La Sylphide". A Cultural Oasis for Dancers: I was fortunate to be able to catch a performance of the “Ballet de l'Opéra de Vichy” performing the ballet "Giselle." Watching the dancers gracefully navigate the intricate choreography while the delicate melodies floated through the grand old theatre transported me back in time to a place where ballerinas danced under crystal chandeliers. Their movements were so precise, so expressive. They made the tutus, whether romantic, with layers of tulle or the shorter and more athletic classical tutus worn by the “Wilis” in the ballet, almost an extension of their own bodies. The romanticism of ballet was palpable in the theatre, an incredible feeling. Their technique is quite distinctive – the emphasis on graceful line, a lightness and elegance which feels so very French! Tutus Galore! Let's talk tutus! Oh, the glorious world of ballet tutus! They’re an absolute must-have for a #tututuesday outfit. Here in Vichy, there's a whole culture built around tutus. From the stunning tutus worn in the classical ballet performances at the Opera de Vichy to the delightful dance stores, you find a rainbow of colors and styles, a visual feast for any dancer's eye! **Finding Tutu Magic:** During my stay, I couldn’t resist visiting some of the dance stores where local dancers and dance teachers go to find the perfect tutu. They told me, you've got your romantic tutus for classics like “Swan Lake” and "Giselle," and your athletic tutus for more contemporary pieces, like “Romeo and Juliet." Here are my tips for scoring a winning #tututuesday look: * **Classic is always a win:** It’s pretty tough to go wrong with the iconic puffy, multi-layered classical tutu. They make any ballet dancer feel like a true ballerina! * **Be Bold With Colour!** It’s all about having fun on #tututuesday. Think beyond the classic white or pink tutus – the possibilities are endless. * **Let your creativity take the lead:** I’m seeing a trend towards combining tutus with more street-wear-inspired pieces, for a bold, stylish twist! You can do anything, from incorporating it into your everyday look for a tutu-inspired vibe, or just rockin’ a full-on tutu with confidence and sass. Vichy's Ballet Legacy: My journey took me further than just the local ballet studio and dancewear boutiques, it lead me to learn about the incredible legacy of dance in Vichy. I found myself mesmerized by the elegant theatres and old dance studios. There's a history here that is just palpable, whispers of grand ballets and talented dancers that have graced these very stages. It’s like the spirit of ballet itself has left a mark on the place! It's a reminder that ballet is a living art form, passed down through generations. So much more than tutus!: Look, #tututuesday is all about the love of dance, but it’s also about exploring new places, new cultures. * **Thermal Baths for Rejuvenation:** One of the main draws of Vichy is its renowned thermal baths, perfect for some serious post-ballet relaxation. These historical thermal spas are the perfect antidote to those long ballet rehearsals, known for their therapeutic and restorative properties. I love a little pampering, and the soothing waters and the elegant atmosphere of the spa certainly took me out of the world for a little while. * **Indulgent Dining in Style:** You can't talk about Vichy without mentioning its gourmet restaurants. And what goes better with a tutu than a fancy feast? You've got some beautiful restaurants offering classic French dishes in these beautiful historic buildings. This town truly has something for everyone. It’s got this gorgeous old world vibe. * **Bonjour Chic! Fashion is King!: Vichy is all about effortless elegance and sophistication, and that’s very much my kind of style. My #tututuesday takeaway: My time in Vichy was magical, an unforgettable combination of art, culture and an amazing experience of French charm and beauty. There's something about the elegant buildings and lush parks, and that vibrant cultural scene which really enhances the #tututuesday spirit. It was like walking through a fairytale. Whether you’re a seasoned ballerina, or just a lover of beautiful things, this town is for you. I can't wait to go back and immerse myself in the grace and magic of ballet in Vichy, maybe for another #tututuesday!