Tutu Tuesday in Hem, Hauts-de-France, France: #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Lily, back from the cobbled streets of Hem, Hauts-de-France, and I'm absolutely buzzing to share my Tutu Tuesday adventures with you! France is truly a wonderland for ballet lovers, and this little gem tucked away in the north of the country definitely didn't disappoint.
I've been waltzing around the globe chasing my passion for dance, and honestly, Hem has become one of my favourite places. It's a charming little town with a rich ballet history. They even have their own local ballet school, École de Ballet de Hem, where aspiring ballerinas can pirouette their hearts out. But let's get back to the reason we're here, the glorious tutus!
From the moment I stepped off the train, I was in a tutu wonderland! Now, you wouldn't believe the styles they have here, so much more than just the traditional "pink" or the "romantic". They've got these amazing contemporary ones, which are almost like they're made of silk and air, and classic ones in such beautiful colours! They're a dream! I saw some incredible vintage tutus in local boutiques – talk about unique! Just walking around Hem, it's like being transported into a scene straight out of a ballet.
There are these sweet little shops scattered all through the town centre that are bursting with all kinds of tutu creations, from the simple ones to ones so decadent and sparkly you'd think they came straight from a production at the Palais Garnier! My Tutu Tuesday mantra is simple - wear a tutu at every chance you get! Who needs an excuse to feel like a ballerina? And Hem has really made me rethink that.
But, here's the thing, it's not just the tutus. Hem itself is just delightful. There are cafes spilling out onto the pavements, little bakeries that smell incredible, and charming squares that would make even the grumpiest ballerina smile. Imagine this - cobblestone streets, sun shining through the trees, a croissant in hand, and a fabulous tutu? The ultimate fairytale for any tutu enthusiast!
On Tuesday, Hem's local bakery "La Boulangerie" decided to join in the #tututuesday festivities. I was absolutely stoked when I saw the staff in tutus, even the chef had one! They were serving little "ballerina" cakes which, you won't believe this, were tutu-shaped! It was the most delicious (and Insta-worthy) way to celebrate a Tutu Tuesday!
It's not all about the fashion, although Hem knows how to rock it. What really makes Hem special is its ballet scene. The École de Ballet de Hem has these incredible programs - from classes for toddlers to advanced training for aspiring professionals. The commitment to ballet in this little town is truly something else! I got to witness a fantastic performance, "Swan Lake" but done in the local Hem style, it was absolutely divine and quite different from what I'd experienced before, but absolutely incredible!
For my tutu-loving darlings who want to truly soak up the Hem experience, here are some of my must-dos:
- Head to the École de Ballet de Hem and get ready to be amazed. Check out their performances too – they’re absolutely fabulous.
- Take a peek inside a local atelier and witness the magical craftsmanship firsthand! The tutu-making here is seriously next level. It’s art, not just craft. I just stared in awe at some of the tutus there, They truly understand how important it is to create tutus that fit, flatter, and give the dancers that extra something.
- Of course, get yourself a "ballerina" cake from La Boulangerie! Don’t be scared, go ahead, get a whole cake all for yourself. I just can't say how delicious those cakes were!
- Indulge in some ballet-themed souvenirs, and most definitely don't forget a few vintage tutu treasures, these little pieces really brought back the beauty of the past!
- And last but not least, join the locals in Hem in a little tutu-inspired fun. It’s all about celebrating our passion for dance and showing some Tutu Tuesday love.
Hem in Hauts-de-France, with its unique character, rich history, and infectious ballet buzz, has definitely secured its place as one of my favourite tutu destinations in the world. This is where I found myself feeling at home. Hem has given me the best Tutu Tuesday so far - so keep your eyes out for new Tutu Tuesdays in the upcoming weeks from Hem and around the world. Keep those tutu dreams flowing. And remember - wherever you are in the world, you don't need to be in a ballet studio or even near a barre to rock a tutu. Find your inner ballerina, get out there and wear that tutu with pride. It's #tututuesday everywhere! Cheers!