Tutu Tuesday in Neuville-lès-Dieppe, Normandy, France: #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Olivia, back with another instalment of #tututuesday. This week, I'm bringing the tutus to Neuville-lès-Dieppe, a charming little town in Normandy, France. Now, if you've been following my blog for a while, you know I have a penchant for exploring the world of dance, one tutu at a time. And, trust me, the French know how to dance in style!
As I stepped off the train, the air was crisp and the cobbled streets echoed with the gentle chatter of locals. The quaint boutiques displayed hand-crafted pastries and locally sourced cheese, and a delightful scent of fresh bread drifted from nearby bakeries. My feet, though, had a different kind of craving - they longed to twirl!
Being in Normandy, with its rich historical tapestry and romantic landscapes, felt like stepping into a classic ballet scene. The soft hues of the surrounding countryside reminded me of the muted tones of a Degas painting. Every twist and turn of the streets hinted at hidden stories, much like the graceful movements of a ballerina telling a tale with her body.
As I strolled through the heart of Neuville-lès-Dieppe, a sense of anticipation buzzed within me. Where would I find the perfect tutu for my #tututuesday photoshoot? Now, my inner ballerina knows a tutu is more than just a garment, it's a statement. A classic tutu, like a wispy, white pancake tutu, symbolizes innocence and pure elegance. But in a place as sophisticated as Normandy, I was on the hunt for something with a touch of French flair.
After much searching (and perhaps a croissant or two), my lucky break arrived at a tiny atelier tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. Inside, rows upon rows of vibrant fabrics and lace winked at me like secrets. I was greeted by a woman with twinkling eyes and a love for all things frilly, and with a sweep of her hand, she beckoned me closer. She showed me a collection of hand-crafted tutus, each more exquisite than the last.
"Cherie," she said with a warm smile, "here you will find the perfect tutu to unleash your inner French ballerina."
Now, I'm not one to shy away from a challenge, so with the help of this charming atelier owner, I embarked on a thrilling adventure through the world of tutus. I tried on a variety of styles, from the traditional white pancake tutu, to a bold, scarlet-red tutu with intricate beading, all the way to a breathtaking, black, tulle tutu that shimmered under the sunlight like a star-studded night sky.
Choosing one wasn't easy. Each tutu spoke a different story, each radiating a unique personality. Ultimately, I chose a classic French tutu. A light blue tulle tutu with intricate, hand-painted floral designs. The shade of blue reminded me of the azure sky above Neuville-lès-Dieppe, the florals whispered stories of the charming gardens I had wandered through earlier. It was a perfect harmony of classic elegance with a touch of whimsical charm - the epitome of French ballerina style!
As I twirled in my French tutu, I couldn't help but notice how much I loved the local style. The ballet scene in Normandy felt very different from the bustling streets of Paris or the grand opera houses of Marseille. The Ballet School of Neuville-lès-Dieppe, with its cosy studio and charming staff, offered a personalized learning experience, unlike anything I'd witnessed before. There was an undeniable warmth and community vibe amongst the dancers, a love for the art form that resonated through every movement.
Here, in Neuville-lès-Dieppe, the love for ballet was evident in the way local businesses proudly showcased pictures of dancers and how the townsfolk readily embraced the artistic performances that took place within the city's charming courtyards. Ballet, in this beautiful French town, wasn't just an art form; it was woven into the fabric of everyday life, adding a touch of graceful elegance to the rustic charm.
As the day drew to a close, I bid farewell to Neuville-lès-Dieppe, carrying with me not just memories of beautiful scenery and delicious croissants, but the inspiring spirit of ballet in a French town that embraced the art form with a genuine love and an unmatched joie de vivre.
So, lovelies, this #tututuesday I encourage you to unleash your inner ballerina, embrace your creativity, and find your own version of joy in the everyday. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a curious novice, or simply someone who loves to twirl, remember: every day is an opportunity to discover the beautiful world of dance, one graceful step at a time.
Until next #tututuesday,
XOXO
Olivia