Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Genis-Laval, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France #tututuesday

G’day, lovelies! It’s your girl, Chloe, coming at you live from the beautiful city of Saint-Genis-Laval in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. And guess what? It’s Tutu Tuesday! I’m so excited to be here exploring the rich cultural tapestry of this region, and of course, sharing my passion for ballet with you. Now, let’s be honest, tutus have had a bit of a makeover since their debut. Gone are the days of those massive, poufy numbers, although let’s be real, they’re still iconic for a reason. Nowadays, tutus are sleek, they're streamlined, and they're serving looks! They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes – from the traditional, Romantic tutus that feel like you’re floating on a cloud, to the shorter, more modern contemporary designs that scream power and precision.

But before we get into the fashion-forward side of things, let’s take a moment to appreciate the artistry of ballet in France. France has a rich ballet heritage, and it’s simply mesmerising. The Paris Opera Ballet is legendary, and it’s hard not to be blown away by the sheer elegance and technical prowess of the dancers. But I’m discovering that ballet has a vibrant presence beyond Paris. Here in Saint-Genis-Laval, I've been blown away by the talent and passion of the local ballet scene. I've seen dancers of all ages and skill levels, putting their heart and soul into every performance. It's a testament to the enduring power of this art form, and it reminds me that ballet is about more than just the tutu, it's about the emotion, the artistry, the sheer beauty of human expression.

Speaking of tutus, here are some of my top picks for modern, must-have tutu styles:

  • The ‘Athleisure Tutu’. Forget the stiff and scratchy material. This tutu is all about comfort and ease. Made of soft fabrics and fitted to your body like a second skin, it's perfect for warm-up classes and those casual ballerina vibes. You’re looking at the perfect combo of practical and stylish!
  • The ‘Modern Romantic’. Taking cues from the classic romantic tutu but with a more modern twist. Imagine that beautiful billowing tulle, but in newer fabrics with vibrant colours and intricate detailing. They scream contemporary elegance and sophistication.
  • The ‘Bold Statement’. If you’re feeling a bit sassy, embrace the bold statement tutu! Think sharp lines, dramatic silhouettes, and even a touch of metallic detailing to elevate those dance moves.

In my recent adventures here, I’ve come across some stunning tutus from local boutiques. They really get what dancers like myself are looking for in terms of quality, style, and that extra-special feel of owning something beautiful and uniquely crafted. One shop in particular, nestled on a cobblestone street, had the most amazing collection of hand-sewn tutus! Imagine delicate fabrics and custom-designed pieces with meticulous beadwork and sparkly detailing. Oh, my heart almost burst. The owner told me she learned her skills from her grandmother, and it felt like stepping into a little piece of ballet history.

And here's the thing: even if you don’t dance, you can definitely rock a tutu in your daily life. They make perfect accessories for any fashion enthusiast. Toss a black tutu over your everyday outfit to add a pop of drama, or pair a pale pink tutu with your favorite blazer and boots for a chic street-style moment. Get creative! Just remember to channel that inner ballerina and let the world see you strut your stuff in a way that is truly uniquely you! You’ve got this, darling!

Don’t forget to snap your fabulous Tutu Tuesday photos and share them with me on Instagram! Don't forget to tag #tututuesday! Now, let’s hit the streets of Saint-Genis-Laval and embrace the magic of this city, one tutu-filled adventure at a time! Stay fabulous!