Tutu Tuesday in Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf, Normandy, France #tututuesday
G'day, darlings! It's your girl, Ava, here, back with another #tututuesday blog post, this time from the picturesque little town of Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf, nestled in the beautiful region of Normandy, France. This time, we're ditching the dusty studios of Sydney and embracing the charm of French ballet.
You might be thinking, "Ava, ballet in France? Surely that's all tutus and tiaras, right?" Well, you wouldn't be wrong about the tutus! This charming town boasts a beautiful ballet school, with classes for students of all ages, from tiny tots who dream of pirouettes to seasoned professionals perfecting their pliés. I was absolutely blown away by the talent and dedication I witnessed in these young dancers, it was seriously inspiring!
But hold on, because I’m not just here to gush over their incredible moves – I’m here to talk about something else entirely! This #tututuesday isn't just about showcasing these talented dancers, but also diving into the world of tutus themselves, the iconic, tulle-tastic staple of ballet, and the beautiful range of styles out there, right here in the heart of Normandy!
Now, we all know a tutu when we see one, right? The puffy, floaty, knee-length marvel that just screams, "Ballet!" But did you know there are heaps of different styles out there, each with its own special vibe? In fact, choosing the perfect tutu for a specific ballet piece can be like picking the perfect outfit for a night out – it’s all about finding something that looks and feels amazing!
From the classical romantic tutu, with its tiers of graceful tulle that shimmer and sway, to the dramatic, more modern "package" tutu, designed to be worn over a dancer's tights and bodysuit, there's a style to suit every personality and movement, a tutu to unleash every kind of ballet-loving goddess within!
- Romantic Tutu: This iconic style, usually worn in ballets like Giselle or La Sylphide, has the most tiers of tulle and the widest layers, making for a breathtakingly full skirt.
- Bell Tutu: This style, as you can probably guess from the name, has a bell-shaped silhouette that tapers at the knee and provides a more elegant and compact look compared to the full-on Romantic style. It’s often seen in contemporary and neo-classical pieces.
- Modern Package Tutu: Gone are the days of billowing skirts! Modern pieces often demand sleek lines and freedom of movement, which is where this tutu comes in. This close-to-the-body, one-layer creation creates a more streamlined look with a sleek and minimalist design.
- Fishtail Tutu: This beautiful style combines the elegant lines of the Bell Tutu with a delicate tail that trails behind the dancer, a touch of fantasy perfect for ballets with more dramatic choreography.
My trip to Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf opened my eyes (and heart!) to the incredible diversity of the world of ballet, a diversity reflected in its wardrobe! From the classically beautiful, to the stunningly modern, every type of tutu offers its own kind of elegance and magic! There’s no better way to see it for yourself than to attend a local ballet performance. Just remember to wear comfy shoes - you’ll be tapping your toes in no time!
So, that’s it from me, folks. But remember, no matter what style you prefer, the tutu, the essential garment of the ballet world, is more than just a pretty dress. It’s a symbol of grace, artistry, and pure, unadulterated creativity, which makes every #tututuesday, well, the best day ever!
Until next time, keep dancing and keep shining! xx Ava