Tutu Tuesday in Béthune, Hauts-de-France, France
G'day lovelies! I’m Lily, a ballet dancer from down under, and you're looking at me in the most stunning little town you can imagine - Béthune, right in the heart of the beautiful Hauts-de-France. The cobbled streets, the charming shops, and of course, the incredible architecture just sweep you off your feet! But today, I'm not here to talk about the French countryside; I'm here for one thing - Tutu Tuesday!
You guys, seriously, I live for #tututuesday - it's my absolute favourite day of the week. Donning my tutu is like stepping into another world - it's freedom, it's magic, it's a beautiful dance with the spirit of the day! I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so, too. And, while I'm in France, where else better to indulge my inner ballerina than in the land of ballet itself?! #balletinfrance.
Now, I'm gonna tell you all about it! Let's jump right in. Béthune isn't just beautiful, it has a fascinating history - you can tell it's had some major ups and downs! You know me, a bit of an history buff and a bit of a sucker for all things historical - I've been fascinated by the area since forever! The story of the city, the historical context - I find it mesmerising. Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Let’s dive into today’s outfit, the outfit I wore to celebrate #tututuesday. I'm not even kidding, the weather has been brilliant - it was just the right temperature for me to throw on a gorgeous powder pink romantic tulle tutu!
- Oh, speaking of tulle tutus! Now, you can have a long, layered romantic tutu like mine. I have a secret! These ones are perfect for making a real statement, like my one today! It's definitely a dancer's classic! I'm not just talking about the layers! This style comes in all sorts of colours, with a touch of lace, which makes for the most fabulous look, as I was finding in this little town. Oh my god, just imagine me swishing through the streets in this fluffy, dreamy dress!
- So, it is just tulle? Not exactly! The main element of my #tututuesday dress is a tulle underskirt with some exquisite lace work on the hem! A tulle skirt really catches your eye, especially when it's billowing with all that air - like a magnificent balloon in the most wonderful way. This is another way to put your ballerina best foot forward on your own #tututuesday.
- But wait, there’s more! As well as my stunning pink tutu, my little ballet-inspired number was teamed with a beautiful soft grey cotton ballet bodice and my trusty little white ballet shoes. What's a tutu without the shoes?! No, don’t get me wrong, I do love a good ballerina flat, but you can't beat the grace and poise that ballet pumps give you.
Today, I took my love of ballet to a whole new level. We are talking a big ol’ statement – #tututuesday on the streets of Béthune, France, in my own signature style. It wasn't just about showing off my killer outfit, though, it was also about experiencing this amazing French town, the beauty, the people and a completely new style that I don't see often in my usual haunt, a little town in Victoria. What a fab experience! And yes, of course, I have some beautiful photos and some even better stories! It's not often I get to indulge my love for ballet so completely, wearing a tutu around an amazing European city, that's for sure. Oh and did I mention it is one of the most instagrammable towns ever! The pictures are stunning - especially with my tutu!
As you know, every good ballerina knows a few moves to impress - we are not just all graceful dancing around the streets here, you guys, don't think you have to just sit back and watch. Now I don’t have a whole lot of stage experience under my belt, but as far as I am concerned, #tututuesday is the ultimate way to bring your inner ballerina to life. Let’s embrace the tutus - they don’t get worn enough, even when you’re just doing a simple twirl!
To help me get those creative juices flowing and show off that Tutu Tuesday spirit I joined up with the Centre Choregraphique National (CCN). What an absolutely incredible opportunity - imagine - it's the local centre of dance and performance - all happening here, in this small little French town. In other words, I’ve been on the scene!
Now for the icing on the cake - and you guessed it! It has to do with a ballerina's wardrobe! My #tututuesday fashion show wouldn’t be complete without an extra layer of awesomeness! We've been chatting all about a little dance project which has been swirling around my head ever since I arrived. The inspiration comes from this cute little tutu - you guessed it, it’s been sitting in my suitcase waiting for #tututuesday! But how much more perfect could it get? This new project gives me the perfect excuse to explore everything this amazing city and area has to offer – it is a mix of local dancers from the centre, fashion inspiration, historical context and an array of colourful fabrics – you know I have a weakness for a good mix. There’s nothing like combining ballet and all things French!
You guys know that I'm all about getting you guys moving too! The French ballet vibe is such a huge thing here. They take ballet very seriously, but at the same time, there's an open heart for those who don't! I don’t think Béthune is only beautiful, but this place has so much culture, and, seriously, I need to do all the ballet and tutu related stuff possible while I am here! And what could be more fun and inspiring than putting my own little tutu stamp on it. The little town I call home, and yes, even my own ballet studio, is about to be totally inspired, that's for sure.
Ok! That’s it! #tututuesday is done, but the fun is just beginning! This #tututuesday experience was, I have to admit, something pretty special, I am very grateful to the dancers at the CCN who shared their enthusiasm. I am absolutely soaking up everything here.
So, there you have it, guys - my #tututuesday adventures! Béthune, Hauts-de-France - a truly magical city with beautiful history and vibrant life. And you know me, if I am lucky enough to come here again you know that this will be one tutu town on my must-see list! And just to keep those ballerina fantasies going, my little bit of #balletinfrance will live on with me! I promise I'll be posting lots of more French ballet pictures - until next time, stay happy, stay beautiful!