Tutu Tuesday in Les Lilas, ÃŽle-de-France, France: A Tutu-ful Day of Ballet and Fashion
Bonjour mes amis! It's your favourite Aussie ballet blogger, Amelia, back with another whirlwind adventure from the enchanting city of Paris. Today's story is all about a day I spent celebrating **#tututuesday** in the charming suburb of Les Lilas, just a stone's throw from the capital. And trust me, you're gonna wanna hear about this one.
Now, I've always loved the whole concept of **#tututuesday**. It's basically a day dedicated to everything tutu-tastic, and I don't just mean ballet, although that's definitely a big part of it. I mean, think tutu-inspired outfits, makeup, home decor, even tutu-shaped food! The possibilities are as endless as a pirouette.
But, as a professional ballerina, I had to make sure I took this opportunity to do a proper homage to my beloved tutu. After all, this wasn't just any tutu. No, no, no, this was a *French* tutu. A real, bonafide, straight-from-the-Opéra de Paris, tututastic masterpiece! I was talking about those iconic **Parisian tutu styles**. You know, the ones that are basically just enough fabric to cover the essentials, but in the most elegant and graceful way possible? The sheer volume and movement? Breathtaking!
And believe me, I felt like a ballerina queen strutting my stuff through Les Lilas. Even the Frenchies seemed a little surprised at the sight of a bright pink, fluffy tutu gliding through their quaint streets, but it was all in good fun. The locals loved it! The kids thought I was a princess and gave me enthusiastic smiles and thumbs ups, and even the grandmothers stopped to give me approving nods.
So, let me give you a glimpse into my Parisian Tutu Tuesday adventure:
- Morning: First, I woke up, naturally, feeling as sparkly as a new pair of pointe shoes. After a cuppa, I decided to treat myself to a decadent breakfast of freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat. Because hey, gotta carb up before that next plié, right?
- Tutu Time: My first port of call was the nearby Centre Chorégraphique National (the national dance centre). Even though the Centre was built in the 70s and a little more "functional" than beautiful, it held a really rich history of dance in France and Les Lilas, and it truly was a dream for any ballet enthusiast, with its state-of-the-art studios and dance classrooms.
- Afternoon: Next up, it was off to Les Lilas' main street for a spot of shopping. Of course, it was essential to hunt down some cute little accessories to complete my Parisian #tututuesday look. After a bit of haggling at the market (my Mum's definitely rubbing off on me), I scored a stunning flower crown and a cute little broach with a dancing ballerina motif to pin on my tutu.
- Evening: I wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at a traditional French restaurant. I had a glass of wine and savored every mouthful of delicious cassoulet. (It was way more indulgent than just plain bread, and I just had to tell you all about it. Because, well, you can never have too much delicious French cuisine, right?). After all, what's a Parisian tutu-tastic day without some *good food*? And of course, there was no escaping the music, and as soon as we settled into our table, a lovely melody was flowing out of a street corner nearby! Perfect to sway my tutu to, and what better way to finish up a fabulous Parisian **#tututuesday**.
I'm so glad I spent my #tututuesday exploring the beauty and charm of Les Lilas. France truly has an inspiring and romantic aura, and it’s hard not to feel the influence of it's heritage in every move of its residents. It's a place where you can let loose and express yourself through all types of art. And who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to don your own tutu next #tututuesday, whether you're in Les Lilas or a place even further away. Bon voyage! Bisous, Amelia