Tutu Tuesday in Lucé, Centre-Val de Loire: A Parisian Dream
#tututuesday
G'day, lovelies! So, I'm in Lucé, Centre-Val de Loire, France. It's an absolute dream come true for a ballet nut like me. Today's all about Tutu Tuesday, so grab your pom-poms and let's get this show on the road!
Now, you wouldn't catch me in a tutu at a regular ol' Tuesday in Melbourne, but when you're in France, things are a bit different. This ain't your average Aussie sporting event. Here, even the locals seem to embrace a little theatrical flair – who am I to judge? They've got a love for the finer things in life – art, culture, and of course, ballet! And the tutu? Well, it's like the crown jewel of ballet.
For this #tututuesday adventure, I went for a classic. A classic tutu is the epitome of Parisian chic. Imagine a simple, yet stunning, design with flowing tulle layers that create a beautiful bell-shaped silhouette – I'm talking graceful, effortless, and just a touch whimsical. The sort of tutu you'd see in a classic ballet like "Swan Lake" or "The Nutcracker." It's timeless, elegant, and exudes pure grace, and trust me, you feel like a real-life ballerina! But remember, with the classics, there's gotta be a twist. I'm rocking this traditional silhouette with a modern, unexpected pop of colour. My favourite shade of blue - it adds a little bit of vibrancy without taking away from the classic feel.
Speaking of colour, this is the perfect place to talk about tutu styles! Did you know that there are different types of tutus based on the ballet you're performing? Here's the breakdown:
- Romantic tutu – Picture yourself floating across the stage like a gentle breeze, these beauties are all about softness. Think long, flowing tulle that reaches the floor – ideal for ballets like Giselle and La Sylphide.
- Classical tutu – This is what people usually envision when they hear "tutu." This tutu is a bit shorter and comes with layers upon layers of stiff tulle – perfect for creating the iconic bell shape. You'll find them in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and plenty of other classic productions.
- Plat du Jour tutu – Imagine a ballerina who needs to be nimble, the plat du jour is just what she needs! Shorter and stiffer than the classical tutu – think jumps, turns, and quick footwork, this tutu allows for ultimate agility. Ballet enthusiasts – you'll see these often in ballets that need a lot of dynamic movement like La Bayadère, or Raymonda.
- Modern tutu – Not to be outdone by the other styles, these tutus push the boundaries – think interesting fabrics, unexpected textures, and a more streamlined silhouette, You'll see them a lot in modern ballets like "The Rite of Spring," or "Agon." They're bold, they're creative and are definitely eye-catching.
Now, enough about tutus and ballet – let's get back to my Lucé adventures! I was wandering through the town centre – all cobbled streets, charming little boutiques and café terraces overflowing with locals – it felt like I stepped into a picture book. As I walked, I stumbled across the Lucé Centre de Danse – which, for any of you ballet enthusiasts, is a bit like a dream come true. This ballet centre is the hub of Lucé's ballet scene. They offer everything from beginner classes to advanced programs. So naturally, I had to stop by for a peek. It's always so exciting to witness other ballet cultures, it's like taking a deep dive into the artistry of the world.
And, let's be honest, even with all these stylish boutiques around, I can't resist a ballet studio when I see one! You know what I'm like – gotta see if they have any pretty costumes – for research purposes, of course! 😉 It’s interesting to see how ballet traditions differ around the world.
It was in this little town that I had the most incredible encounter. You wouldn't believe who I bumped into! Imagine me, walking out of the ballet centre, clutching a beautifully printed, colourful, "I Heart Lucé, Centre-Val de Loire" tote bag. This is what happens in my world when I visit a new city – shopping, cultural immersion – what else can I do! So, as I walk out and grab a bite of flaky, buttery croissant at the nearest boulangerie, a local resident stops me dead in my tracks and asks me, in impeccable English – “That’s a lovely tutu, Mademoiselle." And, guess what? It's the most elegant, Parisian woman I have ever seen! Turns out she's the local dance critic, and I'm told by the locals she has this sharp eye for style and this effortless grace that embodies Parisian charm. My kind of woman! It was just too ironic - me, a young ballerina from the other side of the world, finding an kindred spirit while rocking my little #tututuesday ensemble.
We're chatting about tutus and all things ballet while sipping French coffee and enjoying her exquisite pastry – there's nothing like a moment shared with a fashionista who knows their stuff. We bonded over a shared love for ballet. Turns out she knew of my little blog, “Down Under Dancing”! I’ve got to admit, I almost fell off my stool when she said my writing brought "a touch of sunshine" to her daily dose of arts culture, that it inspired her and "made her realise that we're all connected by this incredible art form”. That moment, lovelies, was pure magic.
Tutu Tuesday in Lucé, Centre-Val de Loire, was more than just a #tututuesday. It was a whimsical blend of fashion, art, and cultural immersion – it really got my heart pumping for all things ballet. The thing is, it's not just about the outfit – it's about the spirit behind it. I’m on the hunt to find those people that connect with me on the dance floor – it's like a little secret language we speak that's more than just movements, it's about pure passion and pure joy.
For me, tutu Tuesday in Lucé, Centre-Val de Loire, was about more than just putting on a pretty outfit and rocking the streets – it was finding a part of my own artistic spirit on a grand ballet adventure. It’s a reminder that it doesn't matter where you come from, if you love the art of ballet, you're always in the right place to share it. So, remember, it's not about following trends – it's about rocking your personal style – you do you and express that unique dance energy.
That’s it from Lucé! Next time, I’ll be heading off to another ballet haven, sharing stories and sharing a little bit of me and my ballet journey – stay tuned! Catch ya all soon lovelies – until then, keep dancing! 💖