Tutu Tuesday in Haubourdin, Hauts-de-France: A Parisian Ballet Adventure #tututuesday
G'day, fellow ballet lovers! I'm so excited to be sharing my Parisian ballet adventure with you all. You know, the City of Lights is just as captivating as you imagine, and what better way to experience it than through the grace of ballet?
Now, before I delve into my Tutu Tuesday adventures in Haubourdin, I gotta say, France just oozes elegance, don't you think? The architecture, the fashion, the cafes, even the cobblestones! They're all about embracing sophistication and artistic expression, which perfectly complements the elegance of ballet.
So, I decided to make my way to Haubourdin, a charming town near Lille, to check out the local ballet scene. I was curious about the style and traditions of ballet here and, as an Aussie ballerina, I've always found a fascination with the differences in styles. The first thing that struck me was the variety of tutu styles here in France. From the classic Romantic tutu, with its delicate layers of tulle, to the sleek, modern variations like the "penché" tutu and the "demi-pointe" tutu, the options were endless.
Each style seemed to carry its own story, expressing a unique blend of classicism and contemporary flair. It reminded me of how versatile a tutu can be.
During my visit, I stumbled upon a delightful ballet class. Now, it's important to point out that my French is a little rough around the edges, but thanks to the universal language of dance, we got along famously! The class was held in a beautiful studio, lit by a single window and, of course, there was a full-length mirror, as any ballet studio should have. The other students were a lovely mix of ages and experience, all there with their passion for ballet burning bright.
What impressed me most was the emphasis on "placement." The teacher, Madame Dubois, explained how precision in your alignment, posture and overall movement is crucial for not only achieving elegant lines but also for protecting your body as a dancer. "Placement," she emphasized, "is the key to finding grace and beauty in movement. It's what distinguishes ballet from other forms of dance." It’s interesting, I realized that, despite being halfway around the world, the fundamentals of ballet remain universal. It's a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the art form, something we share regardless of where we are or what language we speak.
In the spirit of #tututuesday , I decided to add a touch of Parisian chic to my own outfit. Imagine this – my classic ballet shoes, but paired with a gorgeous floral print skirt I found in a cute little shop. Let's just say it had me feeling ready to twirl along the streets of Haubourdin!
The day concluded with a truly magical experience: attending a performance by the Haubourdin Ballet company. Now, it’s important to say that it's not a huge company - there’s always a beauty in finding gems in unexpected places, like a small regional ballet company, it reminds us that passion for art doesn't require grandeur, it just needs dedication. The company performed "Giselle," and they did an absolutely incredible job! The dancers brought the story to life with such expressiveness and technical precision.
After the performance, I couldn't resist catching a glimpse of the beautiful, billowing white tutus that the dancers wore - they're called Romantic tutus and, oh my goodness, they were just as breathtaking up close as they were on stage.
The entire evening left me in awe of the dedication and skill of the ballet community in Haubourdin, and I realised that it’s not just about the famous ballet companies; there are these gems hidden in places you might not expect. You just gotta seek them out.
Overall, my Tutu Tuesday in Haubourdin was a remarkable experience. It opened my eyes to a new side of ballet and left me wanting to explore the diverse dance scenes of other cities. I know I'll be returning for another Tutu Tuesday in the future, this time maybe Lille. I have the feeling that this charming city and it's ballets hold more dancing stories waiting to be discovered. And if you find yourself in the area be sure to check them out - the ballet in France is something else!
Au revoir! #tututuesday
Until next time!
xoxo
Olivia