Tutu Tuesday 18351

Tutu Tuesday in Soisy-sous-Montmorency, Île-de-France, France: #tututuesday
G’day, lovelies! It's Tutu Tuesday, and this week, I'm taking you on a trip with me to Soisy-sous-Montmorency, Île-de-France, France! I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Why France?". But hear me out, love. France is home to some of the most beautiful ballet, the most passionate dancers, and the most stunning scenery (not to mention some amazing pastries!) As a ballet dancer from down under, I’ve always dreamed of experiencing the magic of French ballet, and I was stoked to get a chance to check out Soisy-sous-Montmorency this week.
A Trip Through the City
We kicked things off with a leisurely walk through the streets of Soisy-sous-Montmorency, stopping to admire the charming architecture and quaint shops. It was just so Parisian – and I had to stop for a few pics to post on Instagram, of course. The place really is a dream! It’s like stepping into a time capsule. We popped into a charming local bakery, and I got to try a slice of the most divine raspberry tart – yum! You know I had to buy a couple to take home! After our bakery stop, it was off to the heart of Soisy-sous-Montmorency - the gorgeous Théâtre de Soisy! We checked out their website, and they had a diverse program, including modern, contemporary and classical ballet! I was absolutely in awe of the history behind it – they told us the theatre had been around since the 19th century, with a beautiful neo-classical design! The architecture was definitely worthy of some more snaps, and I snapped away, with my little French fashionistas. We made a beeline to a classical ballet production, 'Giselle.' And the costumes!
Costume Close-Up
I was so lucky to score a close-up glimpse of the dancers and their stunning costumes! So much detail went into each one! The costumes for the peasant girls were amazing – they used lace, tulle and satin. They’ve used some really interesting techniques! Some of the skirts were made in the 'bell' shape. They flowed around the dancer’s ankles. So glamorous! And then there was the amazing, delicate costumes for Giselle and the ethereal fairies - soft, flowy tulle! Such a magical effect. You know I had to grab some inspiration for my next ballet piece. I have to say, this tour was worth its weight in gold. So many stunning tutus in all different colours, shapes, and sizes! There were even some tutus made with some new materials like velvet! And don’t get me started on the embroidery – it’s something I plan on adding to some of my designs!
Getting Creative in Soisy-sous-Montmorency
We were lucky enough to catch a couple of the dancers preparing for the production – they had some interesting stretching and training techniques, that I’d definitely never seen before! You just can’t go wrong with ballet training, right?! The production itself was stunning. From the way the ballerinas moved in their perfectly flowing tutus to the breathtaking choreography, there was an air of professionalism that reminded me how lucky I was to experience this – not everyone gets to witness ballet history in the making, so I am very grateful for this opportunity.
From Stage to Studio
Feeling inspired, we took a ballet class at a studio in Soisy-sous-Montmorency. We definitely had a bit of fun. We warmed up our muscles and did a few stretching techniques to get ready for some intense practice. It was challenging, but it was also very fun and relaxing! I loved that the local studio provided a great sense of community and fun, and we learnt some techniques that I hadn’t seen back in Oz. I think they’re some great tips I can incorporate into my own practice! I also have to say – you know how much I love taking snaps to upload to my Instagram – they even have an Insta-worthy wall, and you’ve never seen so much pink and tulle in one space! They even have the iconic pink barre – you’ll know if you’re a ballet aficionado! It was totally my cup of tea. We also explored the beautiful town of Soisy-sous-Montmorency in our ballet gear.
More than Just Tutus
You know I had to pick up a few new bits of gear for my dancing from one of the local shops! The fabric shops around Soisy-sous-Montmorency really impressed me. It seems they know how to put together beautiful materials with quality craftsmanship. My heart felt happy! And as I often say - it’s the details, guys! The little touches of detail in French fashion really show. After some fabulous shopping – I am ready for more fashion adventures, so stay tuned for future Tutu Tuesday adventures in France and beyond!
#tututuesday
If you're a ballet fan or just want to experience some French charm, I highly recommend adding Soisy-sous-Montmorency, Île-de-France, to your travel list! Stay stylish, babes, xxx