Tutu Tuesday in Pfastatt, Grand Est France: #tututuesday
G'day from Pfastatt, Grand Est France! The sun is shining, the birds are singing (actually, it's more like the church bells are ringing, but you get the gist), and guess what? It's #tututuesday!
Now, you might be wondering what a ballet dancer is doing in this quaint little village in France. Well, let me tell you, this European escapade has been a whirlwind of inspiration, delicious croissants, and an abundance of tutu-wearing opportunities.
I'm here to learn from the best, immersing myself in the French ballet scene. It's so different from back home in Australia, with its own unique style and history. The classical precision, the dramatic flourishes, it's captivating! And you know what they say: "If you want to learn a new language, immerse yourself in the culture". So, I'm making the most of every moment, from attending rehearsals at the local ballet school to simply watching people on the street.
And what's more, it turns out that Pfastatt is a real hotbed for tutu lovers. Who knew? Every Tuesday, the town square transforms into a wonderland of frills and tulle. Think Parisian chic meets whimsical ballet – it's fabulous. I'm talking tutus in all shapes and sizes, from the classic romantic styles (think delicate, soft layers and romantic lines) to the more dramatic, contemporary designs (like bold, sculptural pieces with statement colours). Every tutu is a masterpiece!
Of course, I couldn't resist getting in on the action. I grabbed a gorgeous pink tutu with a beautiful, delicate design – just my style. Let me tell you, this little number has made my Tuesdays so much brighter! I mean, it's basically a guaranteed mood boost, and not just for me – the locals love it! People have been smiling, taking photos, even joining in a little dance party. The atmosphere is so joyous.
Now, before we get into the specifics of what makes this Tutu Tuesday in Pfastatt so special, let me take you through some of the things I've learned about tutus in general. They are truly works of art.
First up, the classics. There's the Romantic tutu – like a delicate cloud of tulle, flowing in gentle layers, usually with a shorter length, offering maximum leg movement and those iconic pirouette twirls we all adore. The ballerina feels light as a feather, ready to take flight in these iconic tutus. Then there's the Classical tutu. A bit shorter than the romantic version, with multiple layers of stiffened tulle creating the wide bell shape that really lets the legs shine in a dramatic, beautiful way.
And then we move on to those fabulous, dramatic contemporary tutus, often made with innovative, textured fabrics and colours, showcasing a more angular look, powerful movement and modern lines – think "Black Swan" level fabulosity!
But enough about tutus, back to Pfastatt! So, what's so special about Tutu Tuesday in this village? Well, it all began with Mademoiselle Genevieve. She's this incredible 80 year-old local woman with a passion for ballet. When her grandchildren took her to the Bolshoi ballet in Moscow back in the 90's, she fell completely in love with the grace and artistry. Now, she lives for tutu Tuesdays and all things ballet!
When she heard there was going to be a new community garden created in the heart of the village, she thought, “Why not create something really special?”. So, Mademoiselle Genevieve planted rows of colourful flowers and herbs in the garden, and then asked the villagers if they could dress in their favourite tutus to come celebrate each Tuesday! Her idea was met with enthusiastic support – who wouldn't want an excuse to wear a tutu?!
And so, it began. Every Tuesday, the garden is abuzz with life. Grandparents and grandchildren, families and friends, even couples and local ballet dancers come out in all their fabulous, whimsical tutus. There’s even a tea ceremony to celebrate each Tuesday, with exquisite, handmade pastries and homemade limoncello served by local families. And if you're lucky, Mademoiselle Genevieve will grace you with a heartfelt anecdote or two about ballet. She's got stories that would make your jaw drop!
This year, Tutu Tuesday has attracted people from all over France, even from neighboring countries. It's quite remarkable. A true testament to Mademoiselle Genevieve's spirit. It just shows, even a small village in France can become a hub of vibrant celebration with a little creativity and lots of tulle! It’s truly an inspiring example of how something so simple can become such a vibrant expression of community.
If you're ever in the Pfastatt area on a Tuesday, be sure to stop by and see for yourself! Don't forget your tutu! You can also find loads of information online. Just type "Pfastatt Tutu Tuesday" into Google and prepare to be amazed. Trust me, it's definitely a #tututuesday you don't want to miss.
And with that, I’m off to the garden for a dance session with the locals. It's hard to explain, but there’s a contagious joy in the air and a little ballet inspiration to be had. It’s the kind of experience you really have to witness for yourself.
Stay fabulous, my lovely tutu friends!
xxx
My tutu essentials for a #tututuesday extravaganza
It’s true, a good tutu can be a real conversation starter. For those of you who are thinking about creating your own #tututuesday magic here are my go-to items:
- The tutu: Obviously! Pick one that fits your style and personality, whether it's a soft, delicate romantic tutu or something more bold and sculptural.
- A statement top or shirt: A flowy blouse with a pretty design or a colourful tank top can complement your tutu beautifully. Just make sure the colours and textures work well together.
- Flat shoes: These are essential for dancing comfortably, and I'm a sucker for a classic pair of ballet flats. Or maybe you go with a trendy, colourful pair of Converse? There’s plenty of options.
- Hair accessories: I always add some beautiful flowers in my hair on a #tututuesday! But don’t be afraid to experiment with your hair. Maybe add a beautiful scarf, or some ribbons - the possibilities are endless!
- Confidence: Remember, there's no wrong way to rock a tutu. Just go for it and have fun!
Remember, don’t forget to snap some pics of your amazing outfits and post them on social media with #tututuesday – share your fabulous fashion sense with the world.