Tutu Tuesday in Moulins, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France: A French Flair #tututuesday G'day from sunny, stylish Moulins! It's a brand new week, and you know what that means? It's Tutu Tuesday! As a ballet dancer and blogger with a bit of a knack for fashion, I love to celebrate all things tutus - from the classic romantic styles to the contemporary, edgy ones that really make a statement. This week I thought I'd venture outside my usual ballet class in Melbourne and check out the local ballet scene here in France, right in the heart of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Let me tell you, there's a real Parisian elegance to the way ballet is presented in France. The French take it to another level of sophistication, blending traditional values with a modern flair. There's a certain air of mystery and artistic expression here that really captured my imagination.
From the Class to the Street First up, a ballet class. This was a classic French ballet class, in a beautiful old building with wooden floors and a massive, floor-to-ceiling mirror. The teacher was a tall, graceful woman with an intense yet encouraging style. She made everyone feel at ease, despite my broken French (sorry!). I couldn't understand a word of the technical jargon she was using, but I learned quickly! She had these amazing, precise moves I couldn't help but marvel at. The French girls (and a few brave guys) were truly talented! The movements were light and fluid, the postures impeccable. This wasn't just a regular class; it was a ballet performance disguised as a lesson. You could see the dedication and passion for the art in their eyes, and it was infectious. Now, a confession. I don't usually wear a tutu to class. Back home, I rock comfy leggings and a leotard. But here, in this elegant atmosphere, the allure of a traditional tutu just couldn't be ignored! It's like you’re embodying a timeless image of femininity and elegance. I went for a romantic, blush-coloured tutu - the kind with multiple layers of tulle, the softest fabric you've ever touched. It felt right to go with something a little fancier for the occasion! Plus, let's be honest, it just looked *stunning* against the classic backdrop of the studio. Even if I can’t understand French, there’s no denying that French ballet makes a great first impression.
The Artistic Elegance of French Ballet Next, I headed to a ballet performance at the grand Palais de la Culture in the heart of Moulins. It was the perfect Parisian evening, cool air and soft light reflecting on the cobblestones. I have to say, the French take on ballet is really captivating! They understand the importance of story, drama and emotion. The performance was beautifully set in a dreamy, ethereal backdrop, using the traditional pointe shoes and sweeping arm movements I’ve been enjoying from afar for so long! They were telling a classic love story set in a fantastical world – something we can all connect to. This was so far from what I’d been exposed to in the ballet scene back home, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing! French ballet had this sense of traditional elegance, a touch of whimsical imagination that captured a bit of Parisian magic in a modern performance.
Tutu Trends & The Parisian Style When it comes to tutu styles, I noticed a few Parisian trends I wanted to share with my fellow tutu lovers. - The classic tulle tutus, you know, the fluffy, billowing ones with layers of soft fabric, have been elevated. It was less about the sheer, almost ghostly transparency that you usually see. This season, it’s all about showcasing beautiful hues, maybe with a touch of beading, delicate lace embellishment, or a gorgeous color like ruby red or navy blue! - I spotted a surprising number of the chic "pancake" tutus in the audience - they’re tight-fitting, almost sculpted looking. They give off a really sleek and contemporary feel, making for a sophisticated modern touch. - And another cool thing? The classic colour palette seemed to have shifted this season! In place of traditional white and blush pink, they were playing with bolder hues, especially dark indigo blue and emerald green - something that really caught my attention! French fashion definitely impacts how the local ballet dancers present their styles, as it blends a traditional elegant aesthetic with a contemporary touch of edgy Parisian glamour! I could tell there was an artistic energy bubbling just beneath the surface. I could easily spend months exploring every corner of the French ballet scene and the styles it showcases.
Embrace Your Inner Ballerina! So, whether you’re in Paris or somewhere else, join me in embracing your inner ballerina! Put on your tutu, even if it’s just to dance around your living room, or enjoy the beauty of a local ballet performance - you’re already a part of the beautiful world of ballet. Don't forget to tag #tututuesday when you share your own ballerina moments, so I can see all your style inspiration and join in the fun! Now, time for me to soak in a bit more Parisian style - it's a pretty tough gig but somebody’s got to do it! À bientôt! (See you soon!)