Tutu Tuesday in Orsay, Île-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your gal, Maddie here, coming to you live from the most magical city in the world - Paris! And yes, you guessed it, today is Tutu Tuesday! For those of you who are new to the party, Tutu Tuesday is a glorious global celebration of all things tutu. It's a day when we honour the beauty, grace and sheer awesomeness of this iconic ballet garment. I've always had a soft spot for tutus, ever since I first put on one as a little ballerina in good ol' Sydney. And trust me, the tutu scene here in France is absolutely next level!
Today, I'm stepping out of the studio and into the streets of Orsay, which has got to be the most charming town in the entire Île-de-France. I'm about to experience something really special – a traditional French market, all decked out in beautiful colours. I'm rocking a fab little tulle tutu, perfect for a bit of Parisian street style, a la mode and very on point with #tututuesday. And let me tell you, the locals are all eyes! I'm pretty sure they haven't seen a tutu quite like this before.
I'm not sure if it's the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the background, or maybe the baguette-toting Frenchies, but everything in Paris just feels a bit more dramatic and magical!
So, where can you find the ultimate tutus here in Paris? Well, it’s pretty obvious – the ballet studios! I spent a morning last week at the esteemed *École de Danse* in the 16th arrondissement. Oh, the tutus there! I felt like a kid in a candy store. They had everything – from the classic Romantic tutus, so light and airy they could float on a cloud, to the dramatic and voluminous Classical tutus, fit for a fairytale princess! And let's not forget the **contemporary tutus**. These beauties are a total revolution! Think daring silhouettes, interesting fabrics, and playful textures. These tutus push boundaries and create a truly captivating onstage presence.
It's not just about the tutu, it’s about the feeling! You’ve gotta have the confidence, and there's something about a tutu that gives you that extra sprinkle of fairy dust, you know? And here's something even better - everyone here is incredibly supportive! I walked into a couple of Parisian cafés in my tutu. People smiled, gave me thumbs up and even a few cheers! That's the thing about France, they embrace creativity, and it made me feel right at home. I know I wouldn't get away with that in Sydney. But hey, I'm just glad we Aussies are taking on the #tututuesday vibe, spreading it worldwide.
The ballet scene in Paris is HUGE! I'm talking **world-class performers** gracing the stages of **the Opera Garnier and the Palais Garnier**. These places are historical masterpieces, like straight out of a movie! It's just electrifying! The ballet dancers here are amazing. Every performance is like a visual masterpiece. There’s so much passion, finesse, and technical brilliance, it's truly awe-inspiring! I had the absolute pleasure of seeing "Giselle" at the Palais Garnier, the other night. The whole experience was like a fairytale!
**And here’s something to really add to your Tutu Tuesday checklist! **
Speaking of historical ballet experiences, I've been on a bit of a tour of these fabulous old theatres here. Let me tell you, it's amazing to be walking through the same halls as legendary ballerinas like **Carlotta Grisi** (whose dancing skills reportedly made the very famous **Victor Hugo** weak in the knees! Talk about a diva!). It's impossible to NOT feel the energy of those who danced there before me! I've even done some backstage touring, peeked at the hidden dressing rooms, and tried on some of the old costumes. I even snapped a picture of myself in the famous costume trunk of the **Opéra Garnier**. It's a bit spooky and awesome, to say the least.
I know what you're thinking - **"Can I buy myself a beautiful tutu, Maddie?"** Well, I'm so glad you asked! Paris is a shopping haven, but it’s not always cheap! But there’s a little secret. Just a little north of Orsay in a small town called **Maisons-Laffitte**, there's a place called **"Atelier Tutu"**. They have this massive vintage shop of costumes from the '60s, '70s, and '80s – pure Parisian vintage and quite frankly the most glorious treasure trove I’ve ever seen. They have incredible, hand-stitched tutu fabrics, handmade from lace and silk and other luxury fabrics! My inner fashionista was totally losing her mind! This place is absolute heaven for those with a love for history, ballet, and of course tutus!
But if you’re a bit more like me and your pockets aren't overflowing, here's my tip! There's a spot down by the river Seine in the 5th arrondissement, where there's an amazing **"flea market" ** open on Tuesdays (even better! Tuesdays!) And, every Tuesday it's pretty much a guaranteed chance to score a unique tutu from a little old Parisian lady. You’ll feel like you've stepped back in time!
But no matter if it’s vintage or new, it’s about the expression and the confidence! The tutus give us the power to embrace that playful, glamorous and sometimes dramatic part of ourselves. It's a reminder that no matter how tough things get, you can still put on your Tutu and twirl!
Ok, lovelies, it's time to take this Tutu Tuesday right back to Orsay! But before we go, remember! You can post your Tutu pics on Instagram using #tututuesday #OrsayFrance or tag me @MaddieOnTheDanceFloor. I can’t wait to see you all twirling in your fabulous tutus! Until next time! xx