Tutu Tuesday in Leers, Hauts-de-France: A Parisian Ballet Adventure
G'day from the City of Lights! (Or should I say, the City of Light!) Today, I'm trading my usual Aussie slang for a bit of French flair, all thanks to #tututuesday. I'm in Leers, Hauts-de-France, and lemme tell ya, it's a whole new world of tutu magic.
As a ballet dancer who's been pirouetting around the world, I'm always on the hunt for unique dance styles and the stories behind them. So, when I heard about the rich ballet scene in this corner of France, I just had to check it out. And let's just say, I'm blown away. Itās not just the incredible talent, itās the history of ballet in France and its passionate supporters, that make Leers, and really all of France, so special.
I was lucky enough to visit a studio here called Ballet dāAcier ā (it translates to 'Steel Ballet') thatās actually a world-renowned, but local, contemporary dance company. This group isnāt afraid to get creative, Iām talking avant-garde, boundary-pushing, choreographies. They really give a fresh meaning to the word āmovement,ā and itās seriously impressive.
So, let's talk tutus! In this part of France, they're embracing all kinds of styles. We're not talking your typical, frilly, fluffy tutus here. The designers in Leers are all about pushing the boundaries of dancewear. They're experimenting with different fabrics and shapes, crafting tutus that are more abstract and expressive.
I spotted a stunning, asymmetrical tutu that would've looked right at home on the set of a contemporary ballet ā think sleek, modern, a bit edgy, and definitely not your grandmaās ballerina. They had another one with the most delicate and airy fabric that made the dancer look like they were floating across the stage, just heavenly. And then there were some tutus, completely unexpected and eye-catching that reminded me of street fashion more than classical dance. The whole thing was quite a wild, yet beautifully chaotic experience.
One thing that's become clear to me is that in France, a tutu is more than just a costume. It's a form of self-expression. Itās an artistic statement, a way to showcase your personality and creativity. They are also incredibly important to this community, so I have learned that even the seemingly insignificant, is actually symbolic and full of tradition.
On that note, one thing I picked up from my ballet buddies here is how they put together a traditional tutu. I am talking real ballet tutus that weād see in Swan Lake, but in a more contemporary take. There's a whole lot of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and meticulous work, like magic. These ballerinas start with a foundation layer (not just a piece of cloth!), and then hand-sew every layer of tulle with delicate precision. It's like art on fabric! This level of commitment just screams "Passion" - for their craft, their art, their history - the beauty, I tell you, is inspiring. That sort of dedication is definitely not as common back home, I feel so fortunate to witness this.
Today was a lesson in embracing newness, whether thatās dancing outside my comfort zone, or seeing tutus in a new light (no pun intended!). I came to Leers expecting classic tutus and came away with an entirely fresh perspective. What started as just #tututuesday became something far bigger, a glimpse into a cultural treasure that France has preserved and cultivated, and one that continues to amaze. This city really took the idea of tutus and gave it a bold, vibrant and truly individual spin - something that you might never expect. This is definitely a place that I plan to keep exploring in future trips.
Leers: A hidden gem for dance enthusiasts
This trip is really an affirmation of how diverse, passionate and culturally rich France is, but not only the large metropolitan areas that everyone already loves, places like Leers have something special to offer that I feel so lucky to experience. Leers, though small, offers its residents (and visitors like me) opportunities for growth and inspiration in ways that other communities around the globe might not - thatās pretty cool, Iād say.
Where to find the local ballet
- Ballet d'Acier: As a true pillar of Leers, this dance company's performance hall is one of the most beautiful I've seen. Not to mention, their productions are phenomenal.
- Leers Conservatory of Music and Dance: This institution boasts some of the best training available. Their performances are typically open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity to support and observe local talent.
- Dance studios and schools: In every corner of Leers, I encountered bustling studios and schools where young ballerinas (and ballerinos) were training with a zeal that truly impressed me. This demonstrates the true spirit of Leers and its dedication to the arts. There are so many dance studios with different types of styles that can really appeal to any taste.
Don't forget: #tututuesday
Whether you're a professional dancer, a casual enthusiast, or someone simply passionate about the arts, I highly recommend venturing into Leers, Hauts-de-France for a glimpse into a rich and beautiful ballet tradition. This little city truly understands how to bring magic and movement to life. This really gave me a new appreciation for the world of dance! Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some more inspiring local stories to share on this blog (and hopefully a dance performance to get my Aussie moves back on track!)