Tutu Tuesday 18475

Tutu Tuesday in Avranches, Normandy: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition #tututuesday Bonjour, mes amis! This Tutu Tuesday takes me to the charming town of Avranches, nestled in the heart of Normandy, France. A city of cobblestone streets and medieval history, Avranches surprised me with its rich ballet heritage. Stepping out of my Parisian apartment, my trusty carry-on suitcase (stuffed with, of course, my collection of tutus for every occasion!) in tow, I felt a distinct sense of excitement bubbling up within me. It was like a ballet dancer's dream, only with more croissants! Before arriving, I confess, my knowledge of French ballet extended to just the greats: Nijinsky, Diaghilev, and, of course, the legendary ballerina, Marie Taglioni. Little did I know that Avranches, this quaint and adorable town, had its own dance legacy. My journey into Avranches began with a visit to the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire. Tucked away on a side street, this historical gem houses a surprisingly extensive collection of costumes and props. The sheer artistry and detail on display had me in awe! Amongst them, a tutu stood out – a breathtakingly intricate masterpiece from a 19th-century performance, seemingly frozen in time. A little gem tucked away in the back, its pale pink silk, delicately hand-stitched with silver beads, embodied the essence of French ballet: a confluence of elegance, grace, and technical mastery. Walking along the cobbled streets of Avranches, I found myself drawn to the graceful lines of the buildings, which, to my eyes, resembled a dancer's perfect arabesque. Every curve and spire was like a perfect pose frozen in time. And speaking of time, I can't forget the local dance academy, "Académie de Danse d'Avranches." A vibrant space bursting with the energy of future stars, this charming institution provides a much-needed space for Avranches' youth to learn and discover their passion for ballet. Their training schedule was a delightful mixture of French tradition and contemporary techniques, making it a truly unique dance experience. Their dedication was a sight to behold. Of course, no trip to France is complete without indulging in their rich culinary culture. But my true passion lies in exploring local food through a "tutu-tinted lens" – I mean, wouldn’t it be a culinary sin to NOT have a French pastry inspired by a ballet performance? Luckily, a little café by the market square called "Le Palais de la Tulle" presented me with the perfect opportunity to combine my two loves: food and ballet! With a backdrop of local produce and delicious breads, they offered me the "Pas de Deux", a dainty and beautifully crafted dessert named after the ballet duet. Layers of flaky puff pastry were adorned with a smooth custard centre and delicately drizzled with the most decadent raspberry sauce. A testament to the marriage of ballet and cuisine, this delicious little creation stole my heart. I spent my afternoon roaming the market squares of Avranches. It was like stepping into a painting. The stalls overflowed with local delicacies, from fragrant cheeses to artisan breads, with the charming, animated conversations of local merchants weaving their way through the vibrant colours and aroma. Everywhere I looked, I was reminded of the beauty of this town, and it wasn’t just the pastries. Now, let's talk about the tutus: * In Avranches, the classic tutu, with its short, multi-layered skirt, is quite the favourite. This iconic tutu style is a symbol of tradition, its short, stiff tulle layers creating that iconic wide shape that we all know and love. Imagine swirling and twirling in a tutu as you take in the scenery, just like you've seen on the silver screen! The beautiful historic architecture provided the perfect backdrop for capturing this ethereal design. * But, oh boy, did I discover a unique tutu creation here. Local artist, Juliette Leblanc, is changing the way we think about ballet in her creative workshop, Atelier de Tulle. Her avant-garde creations were unlike anything I'd seen before. She is experimenting with textiles and combining different types of tulle with contrasting fabrics – silk, satin, lace, and even denim! Imagine an ethereal white tulle tutu accented with hand-painted patterns inspired by local lore, such as the legend of St. Michael and the Dragon. * For my photoshoot, I had a little photoshoot around the iconic Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, standing sentinel over the breathtaking scenery of Avranches, which was absolutely divine. Here, my tutu had to be something elegant, graceful and ethereal, like the timeless history of the place itself. * I chose to wear a flowing white tutu. Its soft and delicate layers created the perfect contrast with the rough stonework of the abbey. A symbol of ethereal beauty, the delicate white tutu moved with me, whispering softly in the wind, and captured the essence of French history, grace, and architecture in one glorious sweep of tulle! Let’s face it, the "Tutu Tuesday" spirit thrives in this vibrant town. Here, ballet isn’t just an art form; it's a way of life, a celebration of grace, and an invitation to discover the unexpected, whether in a hidden market square or the artistic beauty of a handcrafted tutu. And I don't think my "Tutu Tuesday" adventure will ever end. Thanks for joining me on this journey through Avranches. Au revoir!