Tutu Tuesday in Le Raincy, ÃŽle-de-France, France #tututuesday

G'day, lovelies! It's your girl, Ava, here, reporting live from the charming town of Le Raincy, nestled right in the heart of ÃŽle-de-France, France. I know what you're thinking: Ava, why are you in France? Well, it all started with a crazy dream... to dance in Paris! I've been obsessed with ballet since I was a little kid, twirling around in my bedroom in a homemade tutu (which, let's be honest, was basically just a pile of sparkly fabric!). I finally decided to chase my dream and landed a gig with a small ballet company here in Le Raincy. I'm absolutely loving it! It's been such an incredible experience.

But I'm not just here to dance my heart out; I'm here to bring you along on this journey. And what better way to share this Parisian adventure than with a special Tutu Tuesday edition, just for you? So grab a croissant, a cuppa, and settle in as I take you behind the scenes of my French ballet experience.

The ballet scene here in France is vibrant and exciting, bursting with both tradition and contemporary flair. It's a far cry from my home in Melbourne, with its laid-back vibes and penchant for "chilling out." Here in Le Raincy, the art of ballet is taken very seriously, with a long history of local companies and studios, nurturing budding ballerinas and professional dancers. The ballet studios are all so quaint and charming, and I find myself feeling incredibly inspired by the passionate energy that fills each space.

Now, let's talk tutus, the pièce de rÊsistance! In Paris, tutu styles are as varied as the styles of croissants you can find at any boulangerie. I mean, it's France, the home of fashion, right? They've got a tutu for every occasion, from the classic romantic, flowing romantic tutus in pale pastels and gauzy fabrics that just evoke the grandeur of a fairytale, to the sleek and minimalist modern tutus in sharp, geometric shapes and striking colors that showcase the dancer's power and dynamism. I'm lucky enough to wear them all, even the quirky, artistic tutus that blur the lines between ballet and modern dance. Oh, I forgot to mention, I even have a few cheeky tutus, the ones with some serious glitz and glam. These bad boys are all about embodying that Parisian flair, sparkling under the stage lights like a disco ball! I mean, who wouldn't love a little extra sparkle on a Tutu Tuesday?

Every day feels like Tutu Tuesday in this ballet world. Every performance, every rehearsal, even every coffee break with the girls at our local café – a haven for gossip and chai latte cravings – there’s a chance to rock our ballerina garb! Of course, on real Tutu Tuesdays, the excitement just goes up a notch, like turning a regular disco party into a full-blown glitter extravaganza. The ballet studio, especially during Tutu Tuesday, feels like a stage of its own, overflowing with laughter, giggles, and maybe a few “ooh, that tutu looks incredible!” moments! I swear, sometimes it’s a little hard to concentrate when you’re surrounded by all this swirling tulle and shimmering silk.

This Tutu Tuesday, our local dance company, is hosting a charity gala. So many wonderful dancers from different companies in the area are coming to perform, even a few Parisian stars from the famous Opéra Garnier! We’re doing this fabulous mixed-genre program showcasing the beauty of ballet in all its forms, including pieces choreographed by emerging local talents, a modern dance masterpiece set to electrifying electronic music, and a tribute to the classic romantic repertoire. Plus, my personal favorite, a powerful and emotional piece that just melts your heart, inspired by the everyday lives of ordinary people. The charity aspect of this performance really makes this Tutu Tuesday special, with all the proceeds going towards a local dance program for underprivileged youth. That’s what I call Tutu Tuesdays with a good cause.

As I slip into my shimmering pink tutu this Tutu Tuesday, it makes me feel incredibly lucky to be sharing this adventure with you. Stay tuned for more fun and glittery updates as I navigate this dazzling French ballet world. And if you’re feeling inspired, get your own tutu out of the closet (or make one yourself!), snap a photo, and share it online with the hashtag #tututuesday! Don’t forget to share your stories too! Because, in the end, we’re all dancing in the same rhythm!

Bisous,

Ava xoxo