Tutu Tuesday 18262

## **Tutu Tuesday in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, ÃŽle-de-France, France! #tututuesday** G'day from the City of Lights! Okay, so it might not be as bright as the sun shining down on my home town, but the lights of Paris still have a certain je ne sais quoi, wouldn't you say? This week I'm in the suburb of Villeneuve-la-Garenne, nestled right near Paris itself. It’s been a whirlwind, meeting dancers and exploring the vibrant arts scene, and what’s more exciting than experiencing ballet in a different culture? You might think I'd be all about the classic Parisian tutus – and I’m definitely digging the romantic lines and floaty silhouettes – but trust me, the local dance scene here has its own unique flavour. I stumbled upon a rehearsal at a studio that looked more like a grand old chateau than your typical dance school. The energy was infectious, like a little ballet family with a strong bond – the French know how to create those heartwarming atmospheres, don't they? They had these stunning costumes with intricate beading, the kind of detail you could stare at for hours. Not your traditional "fluffy" tulle you might imagine, oh no, this was sleek, sophisticated elegance, something more suited to the grand theaters of Paris. It felt more avant-garde, more modern – a fusion of French classicism and a bit of that French "je ne sais quoi" I mentioned. They’d take this gorgeous fabric and weave it into interesting patterns, creating shapes that looked both traditional and completely original. Think a hint of historical ballet costume, mixed with the bold design trends that are so hot right now. And speaking of trends, have you seen the new wave of ballet styles hitting the streets? Forget those clunky dance shoes - the ballet world is all about effortless grace now, and the dancers here were rocking everything from crisp white pointe shoes to contemporary sneakers that would look right at home in a runway show. It was an absolute treat watching these guys work those intricate moves and showcase their athleticism in these cool outfits. But the real standout for me? This absolutely divine, custom-made tutu – think the most gorgeous black silk, flowing gracefully down to the floor with a subtle shine, almost like a mermaid's tail, just stunning! Imagine that paired with a classic black leotard and statement earrings - absolutely fierce! What's really great is that the local scene is embracing its unique character. It's a mix of tradition and new-age styles that just works! For me, that’s the beauty of dance – it's about finding what moves you and celebrating it. And trust me, in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, the movement is strong and full of heart. I think the French have got their own unique way of expressing themselves through dance, just as much as I have my own. A bit more grounded, maybe, but still captivating and captivating in its own right. I can’t wait to learn more about French ballet. Now, you can bet I’m gonna be rocking a tutu on this #TutuTuesday - I'm thinking the classic, romantic tutu for this one, because Paris always brings out that soft ballerina inside me! What about you? Share your favourite tutu look in the comments below - I’m dying to see them!