Tutu Tuesday in Marquette-lès-Lille, Hauts-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day from a little corner of France, where I'm absolutely living my best life exploring the culture, the food (hello, cheese and wine!) and of course, the incredible ballet scene! I've been itching to share some insights about the world of ballet outside of Australia, and what better day to do it than #tututuesday?
Now, I'm no stranger to a good tutu myself. Back in Melbourne, I was a dedicated member of the Australian Ballet Academy, and my love for these little fluffy masterpieces knows no bounds. Whether it's the classic romantic tutu with layers of tulle that create that airy, ethereal look, or the bold, modern tutu with its clean lines and contemporary flair, each design speaks to me in a unique way.
But today's post isn't just about tutus, it's about the energy of a tutu-loving ballerina in a new city, Marquette-lès-Lille, Hauts-de-France. Imagine it: Cobblestone streets, charming cafes spilling out onto the sidewalks, and a whole new world of dance to discover. The excitement is almost as contagious as the sheer joy that comes with twirling in a well-made tutu.
Marquette-l̬s-Lille might not be Paris, but trust me, the dance scene here is seriously something else. I recently popped into a class at the "Centre Chor̩graphique National" (CCN), which has a real international feel, attracting dancers from all over the world. From the very first pli̩, I felt the incredible passion and commitment to this art form. It's infectious, truly. The French seem to have an incredible understanding and respect for the beauty and artistry of ballet, which makes the experience even more special. I've also noticed some interesting influences here in France. I'm spotting some truly innovative designs in contemporary ballet tutus Рthey're taking inspiration from local craftsmanship and weaving in textures and patterns. The effect is truly magical.
Speaking of magical, my very first tutu-filled adventure in Marquette-l̬s-Lille was a visit to the beautiful "Le Grand Bleu", a local boutique that's basically a treasure trove for ballet dancers. Imagine walls stacked high with tutus in all shapes and sizes Рfrom those classic, frothy-layered beauties, to sleek and modern silhouettes with innovative fabrics and trims. I even found a stunning collection of tutus with floral motifs Рsomething you wouldn't see too often in my ballet class in Melbourne. This trip to the shop reminded me of the connection between ballet and the rich history and heritage of a city. In France, every seam and frill feels steeped in the legacy of generations of dancers.
But #tututuesday is also about more than tutus. It's about a love for this amazing art form, wherever it may be. Whether I'm back in my home city of Melbourne, or here in Marquette-lès-Lille, that love always shines through. This week I'm really getting into the "Opéra de Lille", the local ballet company. They have such a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation.
- I saw an amazing performance of “The Nutcracker” - they kept the classic elements but added some fantastic modern touches that I absolutely adored. They even had this cool scene with a "holographic projection" - like a combination of magical French tradition and cutting-edge technology! You could definitely tell they were inspired by their local context! It's super exciting to see what amazing choreography comes out of these dancers!
I’m not going to lie, the only thing I struggle with in Marquette-lès-Lille is saying "bonjour" properly (seriously, what is with that 'r'?!) but it feels so amazing to be surrounded by a community of dancers who are so passionate and so full of joie de vivre.
So yeah, #tututuesday for me is about being true to yourself and sharing your passion, whatever that passion might be. As I stand here, twirling in a beautiful French-inspired tutu, in this city where tradition and innovation are interwoven into the very fabric of daily life, I can't help but feel deeply grateful to be a part of something bigger than myself, something called dance. Until next #tututuesday, folks, au revoir!