Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Jean-de-Braye, Centre-Val de Loire, France: A Parisian Dream #tututuesday
G'day from the City of Lights, or should I say, the City of Tutus! It's your girl, Clara, here, and you know what day it is! Yep, that's right, Tutu Tuesday! I've been travelling the world, chasing my passion for ballet and spreading the tutu love, and this week I found myself in the charming town of Saint-Jean-de-Braye in the heart of Centre-Val de Loire, France.
This place is just brimming with culture and history. Every corner seems to whisper tales of the past. So naturally, I couldn't resist donning my most fabulous tutu for a stroll through the town. My choice for the day was a dreamy, powder blue Romantic tutu with tiers of tulle that swirled around me like a cloud. The delicate fabric caught the afternoon sun, making me feel like a ballerina straight out of a fairytale. I mean, you can't just *not* embrace the romance of French ballet, can you?
As I twirled through the cobblestone streets, I felt like I'd stepped into a classic French ballet. Imagine me, all grace and poise, surrounded by grand buildings and old-world charm. Every shop window displayed beautiful Parisian treasures, every street corner seemed to hold a secret. Honestly, it's like I'm living a dream here! And let me tell you, this tutu was the perfect companion for this adventure.
Saint-Jean-de-Braye itself is known for its lively cultural scene, and that includes its ballet community. Now, I wouldn't expect a Parisian-style grand ballet troupe in a smaller town like this, but there's a real energy for the arts, with a local ballet school called "Ecole de Danse de Saint-Jean-de-Braye" which seems to be putting out some top-notch talent. They hold regular performances and workshops, which is super inspiring for a dancer like me. Seeing passionate people dedicate their time to something they love really inspires you to keep on keeping on.
So, my #tututuesday adventure in Saint-Jean-de-Braye wasn't just about my fancy tutu and romantic walks. It was about experiencing the joy of dance and its power to connect people from all walks of life. This town, with its blend of history and modern flair, is a true testament to the beauty of the human spirit.
But before we jump to conclusions, I do need to tell you about the absolute **best** part of the whole day. You know how French people are about their coffee and pastries? Well, I stumbled across this little cafe with the most adorable outdoor seating area - like, cobblestones and floral planters and a white wrought-iron fence. And I ordered this *magnifique* croissant and *capuccino* - like the creamiest, frothiest, perfect cappuccino ever. I almost cried it was so good! Seriously, I am pretty sure my eyes glazed over.
My afternoon continued with some cultural explorations, and let me tell you, this town doesn't disappoint! From ancient Roman ruins to beautiful medieval architecture, Saint-Jean-de-Braye has so much history tucked away within its walls. It's like every building has its own little story waiting to be discovered. And of course, I had to pop into some of the cute little boutiques to try on some stunning French fashions. You know, for a little #TutuTuesday shopping.
But here's the thing, even though it's not quite as glamorous as the big-city ballets you might see in Paris or Lyon, I found that the passion for ballet was as alive here as anywhere I've travelled. The local dance school was bustling with enthusiastic students and the local theater was preparing to host an annual performance, so thereās a real sense of community spirit and shared appreciation for the arts here.
So, all this talk about tutus and ballet might be getting you wondering about the different types of tutus there are, right? There are a few iconic styles that have graced stages worldwide, and it's fascinating to learn how they've evolved over time, so let's do a quick fashion recap, shall we?
**The Romantic Tutu** : My personal favourite! A quintessential ballet classic, this light and airy tutu features layers of delicate tulle that create a billowing, dreamy effect. Iām basically wearing it 24/7 at the moment, you might even spot it in some of my Insta photos. The Romantic tutu is all about movement, flowing effortlessly with every gesture. I wore a powder blue Romantic tutu on my Tuesday trip around the town, so naturally, that means it's also featured prominently on my socials!
**The Classical Tutu:** These are more fitted at the waist, featuring a slightly stiffer bodice and multiple tiers of tulle, resulting in a shorter, more compact silhouette. Itās super iconic for dancers, a true ballet essential, and really embodies that classical ballerina style.
**The Contemporary Tutu:** Now we're getting more experimental! These tutus are designed to showcase contemporary dance styles with more fluidity and movement. They can be anything from simple and minimal to elaborate and daring.
**The "Justaucorps" Tutu** or **The Bodice Tutu** is super popular at local ballet classes, particularly the more relaxed ballet lessons like beginner or intermediate level classes. Basically, a bodysuit style, but with tulle, and I love them. I wore my own āJustaucorpsā Bodice tutu, paired with a simple, chic white cotton top. So cute for a summer's day.
No matter what style you prefer, a tutu is a powerful symbol of grace, elegance and passion for dance. It's also a really fun fashion piece. Honestly, who doesn't love a sparkly tutu and a fun photoshoot in a historical French town. There's a joy in expressing yourself through fashion. So if you're feeling bold, why not try rocking a tutu for #tututuesday? You never know, it just might inspire you to tap into your inner ballerina!
So, as I bid adieu to the enchanting Saint-Jean-de-Braye, I take a moment to reflect. My time in Centre-Val de Loire has been truly inspiring, showcasing the diverse spirit of the arts, both on the big stage and in everyday life. But honestly, my absolute favourite thing about my trip? It's a no-brainer. You all know. That coffee! And the croissant, I canāt forget that beauty.
Until next time, my friends, happy twirling and keep on following your dreams,
Love, Clara
#tututuesday #saintjeandebraye #centrevaldeloire #france #ballet #fashion #frenchfashion #dancerlife #tutulife