Tutu Tuesday in Le Mée-sur-Seine, ÃŽle-de-France, France #tututuesday G'day lovelies! It's Tutu Tuesday, and this week I'm stepping outside the usual confines of my Melbourne studio to share some truly Parisian-inspired twirls. I've been spending the past few weeks in the stunningly picturesque Le Mée-sur-Seine, a little gem nestled in the ÃŽle-de-France region, soaking up the incredible culture and, of course, experiencing the world of French ballet. Now, French ballet has a very specific, almost theatrical charm. It's a world of romance and grandeur, perfectly embodied in the tutu itself. While the Australian ballet world often focuses on streamlined, contemporary designs, the French embrace the romantic flourishes of traditional tutus. The big, billowing tutus are a true spectacle, reminding me of Marie Taglioni gliding through the air at the Paris Opera House in the 1800s. Talk about iconic! But here's the kicker - my favourite part of my Parisian dance adventures? Discovering hidden gems like the local ballet studios in Le Mée-sur-Seine. They are these cosy little spaces bursting with history and passion, full of dedicated dancers in all sorts of styles from classic ballet to hip-hop. The tutus they use might be simpler, sometimes even just a simple practice skirt, but the dedication shines through. I mean, who doesn't love a good dance, right? No matter where you are in the world, or what you're wearing! Here's a bit about what's going on in the Le Mée-sur-Seine ballet scene: * **A love affair with tutus.** It’s been fascinating seeing how local dancers embrace both the traditional and the contemporary tutu styles. In these studios, I see romantic tutus layered with shimmering fabric and bright colours. Even the most practical "practice" tutus often have a certain kind of flair. Maybe it's the Parisian flair, I don't know! What I do know is that they've got this innate sense of elegance. You just gotta love it! * **Local talent in action.** Le Mée-sur-Seine has a vibrant community of dancers. It’s heart-warming to see their passion, dedication, and unwavering energy at each practice. These studios are full of potential, from the littlest ballerina dreaming of sparkly costumes to the older, more seasoned dancers who have honed their skills through years of practice. You can feel their energy and it inspires you, even if you just drop in for a quick observation session. * **An art form for everyone.** French ballet, as I'm experiencing it, is a much more inclusive affair. Ballet isn't just for the "elite" - it's for everyone! I saw so many kids - a wide range of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds, stepping into the dance studio with this incredible enthusiasm. There was just so much love in the room, and it was truly inspirational! Beyond the tutus and the classes, Le Mée-sur-Seine is an absolute treasure trove for those who appreciate a good dose of art and history. I spent hours exploring the historic streets, browsing through charming boutiques, and sipping delicious coffee at sidewalk cafes. It was pure joy, like a scene straight out of a ballet, complete with picturesque moments. So, if you find yourself in the magical realm of France and you fancy a bit of tutu inspiration, I highly recommend taking a detour to Le Mée-sur-Seine. To sum it all up, let's give it up for Le Mée-sur-Seine - a true Parisian ballet heaven! Until next time, don't forget to follow your dreams! And, of course, wear that tutu with pride! Happy #tututuesday everyone!