Tutu Tuesday in La Montagne, Pays de la Loire, France #tututuesday
G'day, lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe, coming to you live from the picturesque La Montagne region of Pays de la Loire, France. It’s not every day that a gal from down under gets to waltz into a whole new world of elegance and artistry, and that’s exactly what’s happening right now! For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been living out my dream, dancing with the incredible French ballet company, Le Bal Moderne. And wouldn’t you know it, today just happens to be the glorious day of the week – **Tutu Tuesday!**
I gotta admit, even a seasoned ballerina like myself can’t help but get a little flutter in her heart when those shimmering, fluffy layers of tulle embrace your legs. It’s a whole vibe, you know? I'm talking a serious mix of classic beauty and dramatic, ethereal enchantment. Like, just picture it: a perfectly sculpted tutu in the iconic white, a classic style that is undeniably a timeless masterpiece. It brings back memories of watching Swan Lake as a kid, all those pirouettes and grand jetés, the sheer elegance. Honestly, every time I step onto the stage, I get chills just thinking about all the ballerinas who’ve graced these very stages in the past. And guess what? The whole tutu experience goes beyond just the fluffy tulle – it’s the little details that really take it to the next level, from the perfect blend of silks, chiffons, and even feathers that create layers upon layers of textured movement! Oh, and those sparkles! They don’t call it "magic" for nothing, hey! You can almost see those lights shining a little brighter every time those tulle layers catch them.
Speaking of tutus and details, I’ve got to give a shoutout to the unique designs here at Le Bal Moderne! While the classics are always going to have a special place in my heart, it's those little deviations that make each tutu even more enchanting. You'll find playful accents, maybe a little pop of color here, a bit of embellishment there, you name it. This really reflects the vibrant artistic spirit that’s so deeply rooted in France. Take, for instance, our next show, a breathtaking interpretation of the classic story "La Belle au Bois Dormant" – (Sleeping Beauty, for my Aussie friends!). This show, which opens next week in Nantes, is literally going to have audiences blown away! There’s a new tutu in this production that’s got the whole company buzzing! It’s a soft blush pink tulle, with exquisite embroidery, it’s ethereal yet so elegant – definitely one that will be turning heads and making a serious impact.
I have to say, being immersed in French culture has truly ignited a fire within me. French ballet, unlike what you might see down in Australia, is filled with a deep passion and intensity that’s just electrifying. The way they approach the classical pieces, the technique, the precision - it’s truly captivating. It’s amazing to experience the unique take on the art, with its unique nuances that really showcase the rich heritage of dance here. Even more importantly, they truly embrace every emotion – the joy, the despair, the longing. It's something I admire deeply. It's like they truly allow themselves to disappear into each piece, each pirouette telling a story.
Now, back to Tutu Tuesday, my favourite day of the week! The other day, I caught a glimpse of my fellow dancers all in their elegant tutus in the studio. It’s almost as if we’re all these delicate little fairies prepared to soar into a world of dance. But don't be fooled by the ethereal look, the preparation for these shows is no walk in the park! There are long hours in the studio, endless repetition, sweat and tears (don't judge! it’s all part of the art form) to create these beautiful stories onstage. It’s hard work but trust me, when you see those dancers effortlessly pirouette across the stage, it’s pure magic.
Even with a demanding schedule, I make it a point to explore everything this region has to offer. I'm lucky that the quaint villages here, like St. Julien-de-Concelles and Vertou, are practically walking distance from our ballet studio, each brimming with little art shops, adorable cafes and beautiful cobblestone streets. Oh, and the bakeries – you simply cannot escape the divine smells wafting out from their doors! That French sourdough – yummo! It’s so easy to wander through the local markets here in La Montagne. These are definitely the best for spotting those cute little handcrafted goodies, like artisan cheeses, colorful pottery, and of course, that freshly-baked bread – that’s non-negotiable, I’d eat it all up every time. You know what? Just as those villages hold these artistic treasures, the French people here are filled with that same artistic passion, a sense of community, a genuine appreciation for life. Every encounter feels like a conversation waiting to happen, like you’re connecting with history, with passion. And there’s a certain joie de vivre about them, a vibrant energy that reminds you to enjoy each moment. You’d never hear that in a cafe back home!
It’s truly a privilege to live and work in this captivating region, it's no surprise it is considered a "Pays de la Loire", a region of castles and beauty, as much as it is about the ballet. You can feel the history in the air, just as you feel the emotion on the stage, the passion for art, culture and history is alive and thriving here. And the people, they truly have this undeniable charm – kind and warm-hearted with a hint of mysterious grace.
But you know what? That charm goes beyond just the people – it’s the rolling hills and those sun-drenched meadows. I mean, come on! Every day feels like an Insta-worthy landscape! So yeah, I might be far from my homeland, but you know what? I wouldn’t trade this for anything. And if there’s one thing that I’ve learnt here, it’s that a little bit of passion can really take you far. It’s about making the most of every opportunity and letting that joie de vivre just flow through you, whether you’re exploring a hidden village in La Montagne, France or getting swept away in the magic of Tutu Tuesday on stage! Au revoir, lovelies, stay stylish!
And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @chloetheballetgirl for all the latest from my life here in La Montagne!
P.S. You guys wouldn’t believe what I stumbled upon on one of my village exploring days: this gorgeous vintage tutu shop nestled on a quiet lane! It was like stepping back in time. The owner, Madame Marie, is just as beautiful and graceful as the tutus themselves – she’s a true ballerina in spirit. Let's just say, I walked out with a vintage number in the most exquisite lavender shade, and my purse was significantly lighter. #Tututuesday finds. You can see a photo of it on my Instagram, come check it out! 💃