Tutu Tuesday in Hellemmes-Lille, Hauts-de-France, France: A Tutu-licious Adventure #tututuesday
G'day from your fave ballet-obsessed Aussie gal! So, as you all know, Tuesday is my fave day of the week. Why? It's Tutu Tuesday, of course! I love showing off my love for all things tutus, and today I'm taking you with me on a Parisian adventure – except we're not in Paris, we're in Lille!
Hellemmes-Lille, to be exact. It's a vibrant little city just a hop, skip, and a jump from Lille itself. And it's here, surrounded by the charming French streets and the scent of freshly baked croissants, that I'm embracing the magic of tutus in a whole new way. Let me tell you, France just does ballet different – there's a certain je ne sais quoi! (But what I really mean is that they have amazing pastries and wine, which, you know, never hurts!)
So, how do you do Tutu Tuesday in Hellemmes-Lille, you ask?
Well, let me tell you, I'm rocking a vintage tutu I scored from a vintage shop on Rue de Paris. You wouldn't believe the hidden gems they have in these small French towns! This one's a classic with layers and layers of tulle – it’s super fluffy and screams "romantic ballerina" (just what I'm aiming for). Think a mix between the traditional tutus we see in the Nutcracker and those graceful ethereal looks in Giselle. A little bit classical, a little bit ethereal, but totally my style.
But that's not all! I'm not one for doing things by halves, so I'm taking Tutu Tuesday to the next level by checking out the local ballet scene here in Lille.
Did you know Lille actually has a thriving ballet scene?
Turns out, there's a professional ballet company called the Ballet du Nord, who have been kicking ass in the ballet world since the 1980s. Now that’s some serious dedication! The Palais des Beaux-Arts even houses a gorgeous theatre where they perform – talk about an elegant backdrop. So naturally, I had to get my hands on tickets to their latest production. Tonight, I’m getting swept away by a world of movement and grace in an enchanting adaptation of a classical masterpiece, with a touch of contemporary flair. Oh, it's going to be spectacular!
You know how I love to be inspired by the city I'm exploring, right? And let me tell you, Hellemmes-Lille has so much to offer. Walking through the cobblestone streets, it’s hard to avoid imagining I'm in a Parisian film from the 50s. But I know there's so much more to this place, it's buzzing with a modern energy, a sense of community, and yes, some fabulous local dance studios too!
I decided to take a stroll through the city, letting myself get lost in its unique atmosphere. That's where I discovered my fave part of this trip. Strolling down Rue Gambetta, I stumbled upon a charming little studio with its windows open, revealing dancers in various stages of warm-up, their faces filled with a passion for their art. It just felt right, seeing those tutus fluttering around me as I made my way down the street, a feeling of kinship among the dancers, you know?
Now, you know I had to take a peek inside! And what did I find? Well, let me tell you – this place is more than just a studio; it’s a dance haven for those who are all about the expression, all about the story, all about the emotion ballet tells! And the passion was so clear! It made my heart sing!
Even if I can’t say much French yet, these ballet-lovers welcomed me with open arms and showed me the different styles of ballet classes they offer. I’m talking from classical, like the stuff they dance in a beautiful ballet production, to modern dance where dancers can experiment with movements. They even offered ballet fitness classes for anyone looking for a new and exciting workout! There’s even a class for beginners too! I couldn’t resist joining for a quick session, feeling all that tutu power bubbling within me!
Now, a bit about this French tutu style: There's something very special about tutus here – they are quite unique from the traditional tutus I usually see back in Australia. The fabrics used, the way they are designed, the emphasis on elegance – it's simply different! Here, they seem to play more with intricate detailing and embellishments. It’s just more… stylish and refined. But you know me, I love to experiment and find my own way to put a personal touch to my Tutu Tuesday style!
Here’s the thing though. Ballet here doesn't stop at the stage; it’s alive in the heart of this little French city. I mean, you see kids prancing around in tutus, families attending dance classes, street performers rocking the classic plié… even my crepe-seller did a graceful spin while serving me the tastiest buckwheat crêpe!
So, there you have it – my Tutu Tuesday adventures in Hellemmes-Lille! It’s been a fantastic experience seeing the joy and passion for ballet everywhere I go. This little town has taught me that a tutu isn’t just a garment, it’s a symbol of dedication, beauty, and community. And in France? Oh, in France, the community is certainly the most magnifique aspect of all.
Stay tuned for more Tutu Tuesday updates. Now, off I go, gotta practice those pirouettes before the big night!
Bisous!
Your Tutu-obsessed Aussie blogger.
#tututuesday #HellemmesLille #HautsdeFrance #balletinfrance #balletlife #tutulove #dance