Tutu Tuesday 18575

## **Tutu Tuesday in Fouquières-lès-Lens, Hauts-de-France** #tututuesday Bonjour from Fouquières-lès-Lens, Hauts-de-France! It's Tutu Tuesday and, you know, there's really nothing more I love than a classic, frothy tutu, especially when I can try one on against the backdrop of this charming little town. I have to say, my obsession with tutus is serious, I mean, just look at the incredible craftsmanship and the amount of detail that goes into each one. Even the simplest ones, like the classic "Romantic" tutu with its tulle layers, are a piece of art. I particularly love how the layers dance and move when you twirl - truly magic! This Tuesday I found the cutest little vintage shop hidden away on Rue du Château. This is my kind of discovery! The woman behind the counter was so sweet, her face lighting up as she brought out this magnificent tiered tutu with the most intricate beadwork. Honestly, it felt like I'd stepped straight into a classic French ballet. And speaking of ballet in France, did you know the origins of classical ballet go all the way back to the 16th century here? Imagine being one of the very first ballerinas wearing a stunning tutu in this country. Pretty wild, hey? But what really captured my heart was how this boutique had a little ballet studio out the back. You betcha I've always dreamt of getting lost in the grace of classical ballet. And in a way, I did, after I squeezed into that little tutu (that is one tight fit!) I'd found on the vintage rack, then ran to the mirror in that cute little studio and started twirling, and felt a sense of freedom like I’d never felt before. That’s right, the tutu really worked its magic! Okay, so let's be real, even though I’ve had my fair share of ballet training at home, I can't pretend to be a professional, not yet anyway. But the little space at the back of the boutique reminded me of the sense of wonder I feel whenever I’m in a ballet studio, even though I'm a world away from my home. And I’m in a very special place because this part of France has got a bit of a tradition for ballet, the history here in Fouquières-lès-Lens dates back to a very long time ago! **How French Ballet’s Past is Tied to Tutu Tuesday’s Present** Here’s a quick look at what I’ve found so far: * There are some incredible theatres with strong ballet history dotted across the Hauts-de-France region! Imagine what it would’ve been like to perform in one of those. * They have some truly amazing old buildings! In fact, some of the old houses I’ve found on my little strolls through Fouquières-lès-Lens are centuries old! What I find extra special, is that, the old world charm combined with the French ballet tradition just takes my breath away. * Imagine getting to take ballet class in such a beautiful space, especially when you consider it is surrounded by these old buildings with amazing architecture that adds a magical quality to the already magical ballet experience. * There is so much charm in all these different towns around this region! It's something you'd really need to experience to get the full sense of it all. **More Tutu Adventures:** * You have to check out the local bakeries in Fouquières-lès-Lens. You wouldn't believe some of the pastries, so delicious! * If you want to try your own ballet steps in a little town that's not a ballet destination, you’ll love this spot. It’s like going on a hidden secret adventure. * Don't be scared to take yourself out to a traditional French bistro and get a cuppa, it’s the French way, and who wouldn’t love that?! * It’s pretty easy to get a decent selfie for the Gram in Fouquières-lès-Lens. I can say this after hours and hours of snapping and scrolling through my images! **This is just a taste of what's in store for a Tutu Tuesday in Fouquières-lès-Lens. Who knows what amazing tutu discoveries I’ll stumble upon next Tuesday?! Stay tuned…** #tututuesday