Tutu Tuesday in Lys-lès-Lannoy, Hauts-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! I'm so excited to be writing to you from the enchanting city of Lys-lès-Lannoy in Hauts-de-France, France. Today is a very special day, it's Tutu Tuesday, and you know what that means! It's time to embrace the elegance, the grace, and the sheer beauty of the tutu, that iconic symbol of ballet, right here in France.
As an Aussie ballerina who’s always had a bit of a soft spot for tutus (who doesn’t, really?), I had to take advantage of being in France, the heart of classical ballet, to do some tutu exploring.
And let me tell you, Lys-lès-Lannoy did not disappoint. As I strolled through the charming streets, I was instantly mesmerized by the quaint ballet studios, tucked away like little jewels amongst the picturesque buildings. Every single one of them was filled with the sounds of little feet tapping out a happy rhythm as aspiring young ballerinas pirouetted their hearts out.
It's a bit different from my usual scene back in the bustling dance studios of Sydney. The studios in Lys-lès-Lannoy ooze a timeless elegance. I’m talking, classic wooden floors, gorgeous vintage barres, and windows that look out onto the beautiful French countryside. A true ode to the grace and heritage of ballet in France.
And what better way to soak in this atmosphere than with a bit of tutu spotting! My first stop was the Atelier du Tutu, a treasure trove of handmade tutus of all shapes and sizes. They had the most incredible variations on the classic styles;
- Romantic tutus, with layers and layers of delicate tulle that fluttered like a whisper of a dream
- Classic tutus, straight, elegant lines, a stark reminder of the precision of this dance
- And the oh-so-extravagant Neoclassical tutus, with a unique combination of sharp angles and layers that creates a modern and exciting feel.
There were also tutus in a dazzling array of colors. My personal favorite? The sapphire blue tutu. The shade reminded me of the clear sky on a beautiful Aussie morning.
My heart was truly filled with ballet bliss, not to mention tulle, after a couple of hours exploring the shops, and I wasn’t done yet. I wandered on to the heart of the French Ballet scene, the historic Lannoy Opera House. A stunning structure from another era, with a gorgeous chandelier hanging low over the grand staircase. It was like something out of a movie!
Even if it wasn’t show day, I knew I just had to peek into the magnificent theater. The smell of the velvet seats, the soft glow of the lamps, and the whisper of anticipation hanging in the air, everything was a reminder that this space was truly sacred to the art of dance. The atmosphere was incredible.
My Tutu Tuesday adventure was definitely one for the books! A huge highlight of my French escapade. Lys-lès-Lannoy’s dedication to ballet, both its classical traditions and its new directions, truly made it an unforgettable place to celebrate Tutu Tuesday. If you’re ever in the area, do yourself a favor and go take a peek inside one of its stunning ballet studios.
Just don't be surprised if you get caught up in the magical atmosphere and feel an overwhelming desire to start doing a pirouette. Don't say I didn’t warn you.
Until next time,
Your tutu loving ballerina
Xx