Tutu Tuesday in Denain, Hauts-de-France, France: #tututuesday
G'day, lovelies! This week, I'm trading the sun-drenched beaches of Sydney for the cobbled streets of Denain, France. And what better way to celebrate this European adventure than with a little Tutu Tuesday, right?
Now, Denain might not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of ballet. But trust me, there's a vibrant dance scene here, with a rich history and a passionate community. From the elegant, flowing lines of the romantic tutu to the sharp, modern silhouette of the contemporary tutu, Denain has it all.
It's true, it was a bit of a shock at first, going from the carefree spirit of the Aussie dance world to the structured elegance of ballet in France. The dancers here are incredibly technically proficient, and they seem to have this innate understanding of classical form.
But it’s so great to have a change of scenery and learn from a different culture. My Parisian ballet experience reminded me of what tutu tuesday is all about:
- Celebrating the art of ballet: It's about acknowledging the countless hours of dedication, the discipline, and the artistry that go into making every twirl, leap, and pose so effortless.
- Finding beauty in the everyday: Even amidst the grey stone and cobblestones, the architecture here has such graceful curves and lines, reminding me of the elegance of a tutu.
- Sharing our love of dance: Whether we're a seasoned dancer, a casual enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of movement, tutu Tuesday is our chance to connect, inspire, and spread the joy of ballet.
So, for my Tutu Tuesday post this week, I decided to take inspiration from the grand, romantic style of ballet tutus that have a certain fairytale elegance, almost like a vintage fairy in a classic ballet costume. It was a challenge at first because in Australia we tend to favour a sportier, more modern style.
Now, the key here is to remember: the perfect tutu for #tututuesday doesn't have to be a classic white, tulle-filled monstrosity. I’m a firm believer that the beauty of a tutu is all about the movement and how it interacts with the fabric and form. And let's be honest, any dance enthusiast will jump at the chance to wear one even just for the day!
To celebrate this special day, I chose to go for a vintage style inspired by the iconic 'Giselle'. It was more difficult to find something with an extra flourish here than in Australia. And then, the finishing touches - a pair of chic black pumps, a subtle touch of red lipstick, and a bright pink blush for a hint of Parisian glamour.
But wait, there's more! To truly immerse myself in the Denain ballet experience, I joined a local ballet class. What a privilege it was! Even the warm-up felt different, with this French sense of discipline and refinement. I'm actually learning so much from their technique and precision.
And you know what? After my class, the best part was sharing a pot of strong French coffee with the other dancers, swapping stories and sharing our love for this beautiful art form. That, to me, is what tutu Tuesday is all about: creating a community around a shared passion, and making even the smallest moments feel like something special. So here's to you, Denain! And to every dancer, and every lover of ballet around the world, keep twirling, keep moving, keep inspiring!
Sending you all love from France. Don't forget to share your #tututuesday outfits and adventures with me.
Bisous!