Tutu Tuesday in Lons-le-Saunier, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! Your favourite Aussie ballerina, back with another Tutu Tuesday! This week, I'm trading the familiar Aussie sunshine for the charming cobblestone streets of Lons-le-Saunier in beautiful Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. As an Australian dancer, I'm always keen to soak up the ballet culture around the world and discover how tutu trends differ from the Land Down Under.
Lons-le-Saunier has been a real treat for the senses, and it's hard not to be inspired by the artistic heritage that fills the streets. It's like stepping back in time – stunning architecture, cobbled lanes, and even the smell of fresh bread wafts from little boulangeries, giving a comforting, almost nostalgic, vibe. And then, I walked into the beautiful Opera House. It's stunning. But we'll get to that in a bit.
As you can imagine, for a ballerina, exploring the world's tutu styles is a serious business! There's something thrilling about spotting those unique little details and patterns that say "I'm from France" in a way that a regular shopper couldn't. So, this week's #tututuesday theme is "Parisian Elegance meets Regional Flair", and here's the lowdown on the Lons-le-Saunier tutu scene:
First off, let's chat about the classics. This region has a strong tradition of ballet, and it shows. In the workshops I visited, there were still plenty of beautiful classic tutus: romantic, ethereal, and absolutely elegant. We're talking those soft, layered skirts, with tiers of silk or tulle cascading in delicate waves. They looked practically identical to the styles we wear in Sydney. I saw some in pale shades of lilac and peach, very feminine, very dreamy.
Now, onto the exciting bits – the regional flair! It's amazing how even tutus can reflect a region's character. Lons-le-Saunier is nestled in the Jura Mountains, and the area has a rustic charm. Think rich fabrics, traditional textures, and earthy colors – and the tutu styles reflected this beautifully! Imagine the elegant, airy lines of a classic tutu, but then instead of pure silk, the tulle might be embroidered with little vine-like patterns, giving a slightly rustic, almost folksy feel. And you'll see these beautiful rustic elements – little touches like embroidered wild flowers or lace - adorning the straps, and sometimes the bodices too.
The other cool thing I noticed was the colour palette – they’re often bolder in Lons-le-Saunier compared to other European towns I've visited. We're not talking blinding neon, but I saw a few bold jewel tones like deep forest green, ruby red, and sapphire blue, mixed with more traditional muted hues, making them stand out, yet still classic.
Now, if you're thinking tutu styles, I gotta give a shoutout to the *Opéra de Lons-le-Saunier*. A real treasure. They've got some seriously fabulous tutus for their performances, and not just for their main shows. The costumes for their *ballet de l’école* productions, designed by the renowned local artist Marie Dubois, were mind-blowing. They had a very contemporary, abstract feel with bold use of textures and bold colors, almost geometric, quite unexpected for this classically inspired area. I love how the tutus weren't about covering up but rather highlighting the dancer's movements, making them a part of the art, not just decoration. They’re a bit more edgy than what you'd expect from traditional classical styles but it just goes to show how tutus are a constantly evolving art form!
Lons-le-Saunier really does a brilliant job at honouring the traditions of classic ballet while still adding those uniquely local elements that make the costumes so special. They are, if you pardon the pun, a real “tour de force”.
Okay, confession time. I might've gone a bit overboard at the local dancewear shop, "La Boutique du Danseur" and indulged in some beautiful, handcrafted regional pieces – it's hard to resist! Now, I'm feeling all inspired to try out some new creative styles. Maybe even mix those intricate rustic details into a modern twist on the classic Parisian elegance – stay tuned!
Until next Tutu Tuesday, lovelies, have a fab week filled with dance and laughter! Oh, and don't forget to get your tutus on! You can even give me a follow on Insta at @Tutu_Tales for daily doses of tutudness, but most importantly, tell me about the fun and inspiring places you’ve spotted beautiful tutus. Remember, #tututuesday is for everyone! Share your finds, your tips, and let’s celebrate the world of tutus together.
Ciao for now!