Tutu Tuesday in Harfleur, Normandie, France #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your gal, Ellie, coming to you live from the charming little town of Harfleur in Normandy, France. You wouldn't believe the adventure I've had here so far. It's all been a whirlwind of cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and oh my god, the most amazing pastries you've ever seen!
But let's get real, my true love is all things ballet. And today, I'm channeling my inner ballerina in the most glorious way possible: with a #tututuesday outing. Let me tell ya, embracing this iconic piece of dancewear has become a tradition here, and boy, does it add a touch of whimsy to my French adventures!
Firstly, the choice of tutu. In my carry-on, of course, I brought two absolute classics: a romantic, soft tulle Romantic Tutu. Think dreamy layers and a graceful flow, perfect for twirling by the Seine River. But, if I'm feeling a bit more playful, my trusty (and dare I say, slightly naughty) Tutu a la Francaise. You know, the kind with the extra flounce and the sassy kick-highs, ideal for catching some eyes at a local boulangerie.
Now, I know you're all dying to know about ballet in France. Well, let me tell ya, the Parisian ballet scene is world-renowned, but did you know that Harfleur has its own ballet school? They call it the 'Ecole de Ballet d'Harfleur,' and it's an absolute treasure. While I haven't taken a class, I did get to meet a couple of the students practicing in the local church, absolutely magical, and with their teacher, Madame Sylvie. The whole thing was incredibly inspiring.
As a ballet dancer, there's a certain romance you find in these ancient towns, and let's be honest, a bit of French history. Imagine yourself in the same spot where Joan of Arc marched into battle, except instead of armour, you've got your gorgeous tutu. A bit of historical perspective right?!
Of course, no #tututuesday outing is complete without a sprinkle of local flavour. So, I decided to take a class at this tiny little ballet studio, I'm telling you it was on a back street, hidden away above a cheese shop. It was just divine. This was just a small class of women with the sweetest teacher named Madame Lucille. We stretched, we did pliés, we did tendu and it was absolute magic. I learnt more in that small intimate class than you can imagine.
Oh, and did I mention the bakery down the street? They make this divine pain au chocolat, it's the perfect complement to a ballet class, you'd just never guess. Honestly, every bite makes you feel like you're on pointe, even if you're just standing there eating a croissant. Now that's what I call French indulgence, isn't it?
My #tututuesday adventures in Harfleur wouldn't be complete without some amazing snaps for my Instagram, or TikTok for that matter. Picture this, me doing a fouetté next to the Seine with the romantic tulle swirling around me. I think I even managed to get a passing pigeon into one of my pics, talk about impromptu dance partners!
Honestly, if you're a dancer (or a dreamer) and you ever find yourself in Normandy, make sure you pop into Harfleur. Embrace your inner ballerina, put on a tutu, and dance through the streets like you own the place. Trust me, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.
Stay tuned for more of my French escapades. And as always, until next time, keep on twirling!
Love,
Ellie
Follow me on Instagram: @balletbelle_ellien for more fun and fashionable content,
#Harfleur, #Normandie, #TutuTuesday, #FrenchAdventures, #BalletLover, #Travel, #Foodie, #Dance