Tutu Tuesday in Fleury-les-Aubrais, Centre-Val de Loire: A Tutu-tastic Adventure in the City of Lights
Bonjour from sunny (well, not really sunny today!) Fleury-les-Aubrais, France! As a ballet dancer and blogger with a serious tutu obsession, I couldn't resist a trip to the City of Lights to indulge in a bit of #tututuesday inspiration. After all, who doesn't love a bit of French flair and fashion?
The iconic French ballet scene is renowned worldwide. From the renowned Paris Opera Ballet to the smaller, more intimate ballet companies dotted around the country, French ballet embodies grace, precision, and a unique sense of artistry. But beyond the world-famous companies, I was determined to discover the heart of ballet in smaller cities like Fleury-les-Aubrais. This quaint town, nestled in the Centre-Val de Loire region, may not boast a major ballet company, but its connection to the world of dance is undeniable.
So, what did my Tutu Tuesday in Fleury-les-Aubrais entail? First up, a trip to the local dance studio. There, I found myself surrounded by eager dancers, young and old, all donning their most exquisite tutus. While most ballerinas these days seem to favour the classic, romantic tutu, I noticed a real mix of styles - from the dramatic, frilled tutus of the romantic era to the simple, modern lines of the contemporary stage.
I couldn't resist snapping a few photos with the friendly faces and passionate students. One thing I've noticed about French ballet dancers is their commitment to technical precision and beautiful line. Every step, every gesture, is infused with artistry and dedication.
- A must-have tutu style I spotted in Fleury-les-Aubrais was the "pancake tutu," so called because of its flat, circular design. Ideal for leaps and turns, the pancake tutu epitomises simplicity and elegance.
- Another popular choice among the younger dancers was the "poule tutu," a smaller, shorter version of the classic tutu. The poule tutu's lightweight design allows for easy movement and incredible flexibility.
Following my dance studio visit, I wandered the charming streets of Fleury-les-Aubrais, my eyes peeled for anything that sparked my tutu inspiration. As it turned out, tutu fashion is everywhere in this town! From vintage boutiques tucked away in side streets to the more modern, trendy fashion stores, tutus are a welcome addition to both casual and formal outfits.
- I found the most exquisite tutu-inspired dress at a local vintage shop. It was a soft, flowing lavender number with layers of tulle, reminiscent of the romantic tutus worn by ballerinas in the 19th century. Perfect for a dreamy summer evening!
- But if you're after something a little more modern, head over to the local fashion store. Their tutu-inspired skirt is just what you need for a night out. A mix of sequins, feathers, and tulle - you can't go wrong with a little tutu flair.
No #tututuesday in Fleury-les-Aubrais would be complete without indulging in the town's culinary delights. A plate of crêpes, a classic French delicacy, is a must. You can find crêperies all over town, offering a wide variety of sweet and savoury crêpes. If you're feeling adventurous, try the crêpe filled with cheese, mushrooms, and a drizzle of honey - a delightful mix of textures and flavours. As you indulge, consider the tutu-like delicacy of the crepe, its intricate layering of flavours echoing the layers of a tulle skirt.
A visit to Fleury-les-Aubrais, Centre-Val de Loire, proved that the magic of ballet extends far beyond the major cities. Whether it's a trip to a local dance studio, browsing boutiques for the latest tutu-inspired outfits, or enjoying the local cuisine, Fleury-les-Aubrais offers a unique and enchanting #tututuesday experience that's sure to make your inner ballerina twirl with joy! See you again soon, Fleur-les-Aubrais. I'm already dreaming of my next tutu-tastic adventure.