Tutu Tuesday 18347

## Tutu Tuesday in Cran-Gevrier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: A French Ballet Adventure #tututuesday Okay, so I know I’ve been a bit slack on my blog lately, but between all the rehearsals for the new season and trying to juggle life as a professional dancer in Paris, things have been a little crazy! But today’s post is all about making up for lost time. You know, as much as I love my little Parisian life, sometimes I just crave a bit of a change of scenery. A break from the hustle and bustle. So last week, I packed my ballet bag and headed off to the little village of Cran-Gevrier in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Why? Well, to answer that, I need to explain the big drawcard – Ballet! Now, you might be thinking “ballet in Cran-Gevrier? But this is a tiny town in the French countryside!” And you’d be right, but this small town has a huge, vibrant ballet scene that I’ve been wanting to explore. For starters, they have an awesome local ballet company, **La Compagnie des Étoiles du Lac**, who give performances every few months in a cute little theatre that's also a local arts center, all done up with chandeliers and red velvet seats! Just imagine the glamour! **My Tutu Tuesday Adventure** #tututuesday So, last Tuesday, after spending the morning sightseeing in the picturesque medieval streets, I rocked up to the theatre and just fell in love! The building itself was an architectural delight, with intricate carvings on the facade and a classic wrought-iron balcony. The real highlight though, was their **“Tutu Tuesday” event.** Basically, the local ballet company opens up the studio for a "meet and greet" type session for all the budding ballerinas in the community. It was a chance to catch up with some of the local dancers and maybe even pick up a few tips. There was an energy about the place that just made you want to kick off your ballet slippers and get into a little impromptu rehearsal! I was blown away by how talented these kids were. They ranged in age from like, six to eighteen. We had a few amazing professional dancers drop by from Paris who led a short class on different ballet styles, and I'm talking everything from classical to contemporary and a dash of street style for good measure. I can tell you this, you can tell the real difference between someone with raw talent and someone with serious training! The local girls were fantastic – you can definitely tell there’s a lot of potential in this area. I must admit, I even gave the younger girls a few little tips from my time on the Parisian scene, because I love a bit of pay it forward when it comes to ballet. But speaking of the little girls, one thing that was immediately clear is that ballet is as much a part of their culture as, say, a baguette and a pot of coffee. You just know these little dancers have spent countless hours practicing their pirouettes in the shadows of the beautiful ancient church towers that dominate the village square. **Tutu Time: From Classic to Contemporary** #tututuesday While I loved seeing the future of ballet blossom in Cran-Gevrier, the real reason I was there was to meet with some local costume designers. Now, for those who haven't been immersed in the world of ballet, you might not realise, but these guys are absolutely vital to a performance! The right tutu can make all the difference. Let's face it, ballet can get pretty dramatic. You’ve got swans gliding on the stage, ethereal fairies fluttering through the air, fierce, strong ballerinas, and everything in between. I'm a real sucker for a classic **Romantic-era** tutu, with layers and layers of tulle, but you can't deny that the contemporary tutus made from less fabric are a bit of a stunner too! **The Costume Designs:** As part of the "Tutu Tuesday" event, they set up a small exhibit to showcase tutus from different ballet performances in Cran-Gevrier over the last 20 years. Imagine the nostalgia! Seeing these tutus from productions from decades ago was amazing! There were simple ones made for basic rehearsals and then some incredibly elaborate tutus that must have been a complete nightmare to put on, but, let’s be honest, they looked totally worth it! I also chatted to one of the costume designers about the latest trends in tutu construction. There was a real focus on comfort for the dancers and also the impact that the tutu has on the overall production, you know the way the shape and the colour adds to the overall experience. We're talking, fabrics that are lightweight and move gracefully on the stage, and also, new innovative techniques in stitching that are really creating a more streamlined silhouette, all in keeping with modern interpretations of traditional ballet. **French Flair: My Parisian Perspectives** Of course, one of the biggest draws to ballet in France is the whole “French” element. The French culture in general really oozes elegance and creativity and it's totally evident in their ballet scene. My main impression from the “Tutu Tuesday” event was just how passionate everyone is about dance, from the young dancers to the parents who cheered on the sidelines to the seasoned professionals. I even saw some elderly ladies knitting away, and later on, discovered that it was part of a tradition where they made scarves and gloves to raise money for the dance academy. Anyway, my experience in Cran-Gevrier made me realize that sometimes the most beautiful things are found in the most unexpected places. Who would’ve guessed that this quaint little town would be home to a thriving ballet scene! And with this “Tutu Tuesday” tradition, it seems like there’s something exciting going on every week, so keep an eye out for my next post because I might have to get back there soon! So if you are in Cran-Gevrier on a Tuesday, and love ballet, you simply must go check it out! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to stay updated on my dance journey! #CranGevrier #balletfrance #balletlife #tututuesday #tutulove #dancelife #traveladventures