Tutu Tuesday in Villers-lès-Nancy, Grand Est, France: #tututuesday
G'day, fashionistas! It's your girl, Chloe, back from the cobbled streets of Villers-lès-Nancy, where I'm soaking up the French flair and, of course, exploring the local ballet scene.
Now, I'm a bit of a tutu enthusiast – I mean, who isn't? It's the quintessential ballet symbol, right? And it's not just about the twirls, although that's a pretty huge bonus. It's about the history, the artistry, the sheer, frothy fabulousness! But as you can imagine, not all tutus are created equal.
Here in France, where ballet is practically woven into the national identity, I've noticed some particularly interesting styles. In Villers-lès-Nancy, they seem to favour the more classic romantic tutus. Think billowing tulle, layers upon layers, and a graceful, ethereal silhouette. It's almost like you're seeing a vision of ballerinas from centuries past dancing across the stage.
One thing I've noticed though, and it might be my Australian heritage talking here, but it's kind of fascinating to me – here they’ve embraced this classic style more wholeheartedly, with a level of reverence that’s truly special. The sheer attention to detail, the meticulous hand-stitching on the costumes, it’s just extraordinary. You know what they say, the French have a flair for the dramatic – and I guess ballet costumes are no exception!
Then again, there’s another side to this coin, and I’m not talking about the other kind of coin (that's an Australian thing, hehe!) but more like, this sense of…well…dare I say…a hint of “seriousness” when it comes to classical ballet in this area. You don't just waltz into a tutu here, you see, especially if you're hoping to see a show. And for those of you wondering, don't even get me started on trying to snag tickets to a performance in a classic romantic tutu, they're more coveted than front-row seats to Taylor Swift – or maybe that's just my Aussie experience talking!
Don't get me wrong though, because it's not about being stuffy or anything. They just take it seriously here, the art and the tradition of it all, you know? But thankfully, with the artistry, you get something that really shines. Like a freshly dusted antique, these costumes tell stories. There's something beautifully melancholic about those classical lines. Makes you think of lost kingdoms and forbidden romances, you know?
So anyway, I wanted to capture that feeling for #tututuesday. You know, how it makes me feel to see something so beautiful and so full of history in real life. It’s truly inspirational, and a testament to the ongoing artistry that continues to resonate through the ages.
To see some of these gorgeous tutus for yourself, head over to my Instagram! I’ve got some pics of the styles that I mentioned, as well as the other places I've visited in the city – some super charming spots, which will all be popping up in my Insta stories this week. It’s an Insta-worth location if I ever saw one!
As for now, I'm going to sign off and enjoy this delicious almond croissant I've been holding out for! Happy #tututuesday, and remember – it’s never too late to dance like no one’s watching (because that's how the pros get good! *wink*).
Au revoir!
Outfit details:
- Tutu: Classic Romantic Tutu style – gotta love a classic! This one was purchased from a local atelier – a beautiful little shop overflowing with vintage designs! They were amazing and even told me stories about their own family's ballet legacy, how they've been making tutus for generations. It was a true cultural experience!
- Top: Black Silk Cami top, from a Parisian boutique that sells exquisite hand-crafted pieces.
- Shoes: Pink satin Pointe Shoes - perfect for an evening at the ballet, just saying!
Some extra tips for visiting Villers-lès-Nancy, Grand Est, France:
- Try some of the delicious pastries: Like I said, those almond croissants! This town is brimming with amazing French bakeries, so if you’re a fan of bread and sweet treats, get ready for some seriously satisfying munching. You might find some pretty unique flavours too!
- Take a walk in Place Stanislas: This stunning public square was designed in the 18th century and it is a beautiful spot to wander around! The architecture here is fantastic - so much grandeur, it will leave you in awe.
- Check out the Musée lorrain, and see the treasures of local history: I've been meaning to go myself. With so much culture on show around this town, it's definitely worth taking some time to discover. And it’s only a short walk from that gorgeous square, Place Stanislas.
I’m planning a post about some of my experiences with French ballet - there are so many interesting traditions and ways that it has been celebrated here! Stay tuned!
Let me know what you're wearing today! And don't forget to tag me on your Tutu Tuesday photos – you might just be featured on my feed! #tututuesday