Tutu Tuesday in Deuil-la-Barre, Île-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe here, straight from the cobbled streets of Deuil-la-Barre, Île-de-France, France. I'm so excited to share my latest adventure with you all - a proper #Tututuesday in this beautiful corner of the world. Now, if you're not familiar with #Tututuesday, it's a weekly tradition (at least in my little ballet bubble) where we celebrate the magic and sheer beauty of the tutu. And let me tell you, I've been embracing this glorious tradition wherever I travel.
Firstly, can we just take a moment to acknowledge the *vibe* of Deuil-la-Barre? I mean, seriously, the quaint streets lined with shops selling freshly baked baguettes, the little cafes where you can sip on your café au lait and watch the world go by, and the gentle, *almost-audible* buzz of French conversation - I'm absolutely smitten. But I digress - back to the tutus!
You know how much I love a classic, traditional tutu, and the romantic charm of a "Romantic" tutu (the classic one with the multiple tiers of tulle) just screams Parisian chic. Imagine those soft, flowing layers, billowing with every pirouette - absolute ballet magic, I reckon. And I was lucky enough to find a gorgeous little boutique here that specializes in bespoke balletwear, and the "Romantic" tutu they made for me was beyond stunning.
But I also went a little bit modern this week with a "Modern" tutu. You know, the one that embraces a more streamlined, less voluminous silhouette, usually with layers of flat, stretched tulle. Now, a modern tutu might not have the same billowing layers as its romantic counterpart, but there's an incredible sense of power and structure in its design. Imagine this graceful line, defying gravity and showcasing every flick of the foot. I'm feeling very "ballerina meets modern art," which I absolutely love. The simplicity of this style really let the beautiful detail of the stitching and design shine. It's the kind of tutu that demands your attention, but then just as quickly captures your imagination.
It wasn't all about finding the perfect tutu, though. Deuil-la-Barre has a truly beautiful local ballet scene. I took a class at a small, intimate studio tucked away on a side street - the kind where you could feel the passion for dance in every move, every whisper of a "chassé," and every whispered critique. These dancers, young and old, were a testament to the enduring love of ballet in France. The level of technique was astounding, and the artistry... well, let's just say it gave me goosebumps. I was lucky enough to catch a performance at the local theatre. They were doing a piece by a young French choreographer, and it was all about the interplay between light and shadow. The tutus, both romantic and modern, played an essential part in highlighting the different moods and emotions of the dance.
Honestly, I felt a connection to the dance world here like I've never felt before. And as the final bows were taken, I realized that ballet is a universal language, spoken with equal grace and power whether you're in the heart of Paris or in my little ballet studio back home. It's about that shared passion for art, the magic of movement, and the power of stories told through every twirl, every leap, and every whispered plié.
Speaking of stories, there's nothing quite like the magic of a tutu to inspire your inner storyteller, and I can't wait to share my #Tututuesday experiences with you all. And if you ever find yourself in Deuil-la-Barre, take a moment to explore the local ballet scene - you might be surprised at what you find. You'll probably find yourself swept away in the enchantment of ballet and, who knows, maybe even discover a whole new love for a particular tutu style or a particular ballet piece. It happened to me, and now it's your turn! #Tututuesday
Don't forget to follow me for more stories from the world of ballet and, of course, all the fun of #Tututuesday. You can also find me on all the socials at @chloe_ballet! Keep on twirling, lovelies! xx