Tutu Tuesday in Auray, Bretagne, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! I'm back with another post from my European adventure and this time I'm taking you to Auray in the Brittany region of France, a place where my heart truly found its pirouette! And I'm not just talking about the adorable cobblestone streets and the quaint little cafes, no, I'm talking about the passion for ballet that vibrates through the air! (I know, it's hard to imagine ballet when you picture Brittany, which is what I thought, too!)
So, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this incredible local ballet school in Auray. The students, they were simply radiant - young and old alike - spinning and leaping across the floor with an enthusiasm that truly captivated me. It wasn't just the technique; there was this spirit of love for dance, something that truly reminded me of my first days as a dancer back in sunny Australia.
Being a #tutulover at heart, I was naturally curious about their costumes, right? Well, here's the thing - in a land famed for its beautiful fashion, I'm happy to say these ballerinas didn't disappoint! Imagine this: I saw everything from classic romantic tutus in the purest white - the type that takes your breath away - to modern pieces that incorporated bold colours and asymmetrical designs. But what really stood out was their passion. You could tell that every stitch and feather on those costumes reflected their unique spirit and the stories they wanted to tell.
Speaking of tutus, this was the day for #tututuesday, and guess what? My Instagram feed was a delightful whirl of tutus all day! The beauty of tutus transcends borders. They are a symbol of dreams, grace, and movement, and I saw them showcased on streets, beaches, and cafes. And trust me, you can’t deny the fun! Even in France! I felt that infectious spirit of playful freedom, just like being a kid again - ready for anything! And with all these incredible tutus and amazing local ballerinas, this tutu lover found herself caught up in a captivating whirl.
So, Auray - you stole my heart and made this tutu-loving Aussie girl feel right at home.
Here are my top Tutu Tuesday highlights:
- I found this incredible boutique selling tutus - you guessed it - the owner, Madame Marie, has been hand-making tutus for over 40 years! Her shop is a paradise for any tutu lover like myself, but I also met some other locals there! They showed me some of their own tutu-wearing stories from across the region - how they danced with them in local festivals, or used them to brighten up gloomy days - their stories were pure magic. And Madame Marie was the icing on the cake: she was an absolute inspiration, and the story behind her craftsmanship gave a whole new level of meaning to these incredible dance garments!
- One young woman, a local artist, showed me her work. She had created a stunning collection of watercolour illustrations inspired by ballerinas and tutus, and she even showed me how to make your own tutu - easy! - using just fabric, tulle, and a little imagination. She gave me some tips and I actually added some new additions to my repertoire of dance accessories using just some beautiful scarves and ribbons! It was all about celebrating our own inner ballerina! And what's a #tututuesday without a bit of DIY?!
- And then there was the "Tutu-Parade" down the cobbled streets of Auray - everyone wore a tutu! You know what's even cooler than a ballet class on a beach? Ballet on a cobblestone street with locals of all ages, wearing colourful tutus! What a beautiful sight and it had such an inspiring atmosphere! Imagine this scene, full of laughter, spinning tutus, and everyone smiling!
It's this kind of atmosphere - this joy, this creativity, this sense of connection that truly defines what #tututuesday is all about.
And the icing on the cake? Imagine dancing with local ballerinas on the beaches of Brittany! What a memory to cherish forever. From exploring the charming coastal villages to dancing on the sand with new friends, Brittany had me in a dance-fueled dream - a magical twist that spun my way into the very heart of a French tradition that embraced a global ballet love! And guess what, it wasn't just a day of #tututuesday! It was a real-life tutu adventure that brought a whole new dimension to the art of dance! It's time for you to join the dance too - embrace your inner ballerina! Go find a tutu, let loose and discover the joy in moving! #tututuesday is waiting for you - you've got this!
Don't forget to share your #tututuesday moments - let's share some dance magic together.
Bisous from Auray, Brittany
xo