Tutu Tuesday in Beaumont-sur-Oise, ÃŽle-de-France, France - #tututuesday
G'day from Paris, darlings! I'm Livvy, your Aussie ballet chick living the dream in the City of Lights. Now, you all know that Tuesday's my favourite day of the week. Why? Because it's #tututuesday, of course! And today, I'm taking you with me to Beaumont-sur-Oise, a charming little town in the ÃŽle-de-France region. Why Beaumont? Well, it's the birthplace of French ballet legend, Auguste Vestris - talk about a ballerino who had some moves! But even more than that, this week, Beaumont is showcasing the magic of tutu's.
Let's be real, you can't talk about tutus without a bit of history, right? Now, tutus started out as practical wear for dancers, back in the early days of ballet. Think a long, flowing skirt to show off those graceful moves. Over time, designers got creative and started experimenting with styles and fabrics, and that's where the real magic started. We've got the romantic, fluffy tulle tutus we see in classic ballets like Swan Lake and the more streamlined, modern tutus for contemporary works.
My all-time fave? Well, I can't go past the traditional Romantic tutu. Just imagine layers and layers of soft, flowing tulle, It's all about that ethereal look. There's just something about a Romantic tutu that makes you feel like you're floating on air! But don't think for a minute that tutus are all about elegance. The modern tutu has really shaken things up, you know. Think minimalist designs, interesting shapes, and sometimes even, gasp, a bit of ripped tulle, which adds that extra edge to any contemporary dance piece.
Here in Beaumont, the locals are really embracing the #tututuesday spirit, and I gotta say, it's been amazing! There were heaps of people sporting tutus, everywhere I went - the local bakery, the market, even the guy selling newspapers had a tutu tucked into his bag! I can tell you right now, it was seriously adorable.
Now, before I get ahead of myself, let's rewind for a sec. Beaumont is all about celebrating their local talent and a big part of that is their ballet scene, right? I visited a local ballet studio - The École de Danse de Beaumont - and those young dancers were simply sensational! From classical ballet to contemporary pieces, they were moving with precision, grace, and tons of heart! This little town sure does know how to cultivate their artistic talent! It's been inspiring me to take classes again. It's been way too long.
We popped into a local art gallery where they had a fabulous display dedicated to French ballet. You know how much the French love their history and heritage! From photos of iconic French ballerinas like Marie Taglioni to sketches of breathtaking ballet costumes, it was pure artistry at its best. And there it was, my beloved romantic tutu! All fluffy, light and beautiful.
Even though I was travelling around Beaumont I didn't want to forget about #tututuesday. So, we gathered some friends, put on our best tutus, and had a mini ballet performance at the park, right there on the town square. Everyone, even the dog, was super-into it and we had a blast! It just goes to show, it doesn't matter if you're a professional dancer, a budding ballerina, or simply someone who loves a good twirl, a tutu can really bring a community together!
- I love the #tututuesday movement because it allows everyone, regardless of their age or dancing ability, to celebrate their love for dance and their connection to their community.
- There are heaps of creative ways to celebrate #tututuesday, whether it's putting on your favourite tutu and heading to the park, baking tutu-shaped cakes, or even writing a poem about your love for the dance! The possibilities are endless!
To all the tutudians out there, keep twirling, keep celebrating, and most importantly, keep spreading that #tututuesday love. Remember, there's always room for a little bit of magic in this crazy world, and a tutu can be the perfect way to bring it out! I'm off now to practice my grand jetés in a park near the Seine. Stay tuned for more #tututuesday fun. Au revoir!