Tutu Tuesday in Aucamville, Occitanie, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! Your favourite tutu-obsessed Aussie is back, this time reporting live from the charming little town of Aucamville in the beautiful Occitanie region of France! Okay, so let's be real, the "live" reporting is from the comfort of my Airbnb, but hey, this French gal needs her coffee and croissant before exploring the local dance scene. I'm telling you, there's no better way to experience a new place than by slipping into a tutu and hitting the streets! Or at least checking out their ballet studios.
I was feeling the romance of the French countryside this week so I chose a classic, dreamy, powder-pink tulle tutu with layers of gossamer fabric. It was definitely a step away from my usual sassy, black-on-black tutus – I guess you could say I'm feeling "je ne sais quoi" at the moment! I couldn't resist snapping a couple of Insta pics outside my Airbnb with a baguette in hand. (Gotta embrace the local culture, right?!)
Now, onto the real reason I'm here: the local ballet scene in Aucamville. There are a couple of studios here, but it turns out there's a real hidden gem – École de Danse Aucamville. The founder, a lovely French woman named Madame Dubois, has a real passion for the art of ballet, and you can feel it the moment you walk into the studio. It's a beautifully intimate space, with exposed brick walls and a light-filled atrium. I couldn't help but admire their dedication to classic technique, a stark contrast to the sometimes trendy, experimental movements I've experienced back in Sydney.
The class itself was delightful – imagine the classic bar work and graceful plies with a hint of French charm. These ladies take their barre work seriously! We had a great turnout, too, a mix of little girls with bright eyes and grown women seeking a bit of elegant escapism. There's something so empowering about watching women of all ages come together for the love of ballet, and the community in that small class room was undeniable.
My favorite moment came during a stretch routine. Madame Dubois gave me a friendly smile and said "Mademoiselle, your form is magnifique! I see you are trained in the Sydney style – it's very different but we have much to learn from each other." It was an honour to share some of my Aussie ballet techniques with a French ballet teacher and it got me thinking about the cultural nuances of the artform.
Speaking of cultural nuances, the tutu style in Aucamville seemed to be a mix of the classical and the modern. While I noticed the traditional tulle and pointed shoes were standard, they had some fun additions - think sparkly embellishments and colourful accents that gave a nod to the modern ballet scene. But, of course, the key was that they were worn with undeniable grace and sophistication that I think only French dancers can truly own.
Later, after my impromptu ballet class, I went exploring the picturesque streets of Aucamville. Let me tell you, it's the perfect place for a Tutu Tuesday stroll. The cobblestone streets, the vibrant street art, and the local boutiques made me feel like I had stepped into a French fairytale. I made sure to pick up a few traditional French scarves for my mates back home, a little souvenir to remind them of my time here.
I may be a bit obsessed with tutus, but there's something magical about discovering new places and the artforms that flourish in them. I can't wait to explore the local dance scene in another region of France soon. Until then, keep those tutus twirling!
Here are some more photos and insights from my tutu adventures on Instagram. Make sure to tag me #tututuesday, and if you're planning a trip to Aucamville, I'd love to see your tutu style!
My top tutu tips for your French adventure!
- Don't be afraid to embrace the "je ne sais quoi" factor. Add some sparkles to your look for that extra bit of French flair.
- Pack a few tutus in your suitcase - you never know when a ballet class will pop up!
- Be open to exploring different styles and techniques - after all, ballet is a global language.
- Snap those photos, tag me #tututuesday and let's keep the tutu magic going!