Tutu Tuesday 18583

Tutu Tuesday in Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France #tututuesday G'day, darlings! It's your favourite Aussie ballerina, Elle, here, bringing you another fabulous installment of Tutu Tuesday! Today, we're trading the bright lights of Sydney for the quaint charm of Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or in France. This little village nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is known for its stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes, and surprisingly...its vibrant ballet scene! Who knew, right? I've been exploring France for a few weeks now, soaking up the culture, indulging in delicious pastries (oh, the croissants!), and of course, dancing my heart out! Today's Tutu Tuesday takes on a unique Parisian twist - because while the rest of the world may think of Parisian chic as all about fashion, there's a beautiful world of ballet hidden in this city. I stumbled upon this lovely little ballet studio tucked away in a charming courtyard. Stepping into the studio felt like stepping back in time. Its worn wooden floorboards creaked with each plié, and the warm sunlight filtering through the high windows bathed the space in a golden glow. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the rows of meticulously-made tutus hanging along the walls – each one a piece of art in itself. The variety was incredible: classic Romantic tutus with their billowing layers of tulle, streamlined neoclassical tutus with their sleek lines, and even some contemporary tutus, edgy and bold with their unexpected textures and cuts. I couldn't resist trying them on! Each tutu brought out a different side of my ballerina self. I felt like a fairytale princess twirling in a dreamy Romantic tutu, a powerful warrior in a structured neoclassical tutu, and a sassy street dancer in a daring contemporary piece. It was like stepping into different roles with every change of costume! What I found even more amazing is the level of skill of these dancers in this seemingly small French village. Every dancer exuded an effortless grace, each pirouette precise and elegant. There was a quiet intensity in their movements that was truly captivating. The pas de bourrée and grand jeté sequences were executed with flawless precision. It reminded me of why I fell in love with ballet in the first place - the sheer beauty, power and artistry. The studio had an intimate atmosphere, with a sense of community that was heartwarming to witness. The dancers supported each other, offering encouragement and constructive feedback. They were clearly passionate about their craft and had a contagious enthusiasm that filled the space. Even though the French language was a bit of a barrier, we communicated through a shared love of ballet. My broken French combined with their attempts at English somehow managed to build a connection, transcending language differences. My Tutu Tuesday experience in Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, reminded me that ballet truly is a universal language, a language of grace, beauty, and strength. Wherever I am in the world, ballet is a language I speak and understand. It connects me with other dancers, regardless of culture or nationality. It's truly incredible how something so seemingly simple as a twirl or a leap can create such a strong connection between individuals. This little ballet studio in this small village reminded me that the joy of dancing is not about the stage or the lights, but about the passion, the commitment, and the community that thrives within the art form. Speaking of passion, what are you doing to celebrate Tutu Tuesday? Share your pics with me on Instagram! #tututuesday #champagneaumontdor #auvergnerhonealpes #balletlove #ballerinalife Here's a fun fact I learned in Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or - the first ever documented tutu was a "pancake tutu", which was a very short, round tutu, resembling, well, a pancake! How cool is that? It seems like fashion and dance have always been intertwined. More Tutu Tuesday Musings: Here are some more thoughts I have about ballet, French ballet, and my experience: * **French Ballet Culture:** It's safe to say, there's a certain *je ne sais quoi* to French ballet. The French have a rich history of dance, and you can feel that tradition in every move. Their dance vocabulary, style, and the passion they exude on stage, just feels different. There's a certain level of finesse, and sophistication to it that I'm really enjoying learning. * **Finding your own Style:** In the world of dance, style can really define you, even if you're not a star performer on a huge stage. Every dancer I meet seems to find their own style and have their own interpretation of movements. You can find it in the way they stretch, the way they turn, or even how they warm up. It's a little piece of themselves that adds something unique and captivating to their performance. I like finding that little bit of *je ne sais quoi* within myself. * **Tutu Styles - A Blast from the Past:** The tutu, for me, is a piece of art and an instrument. It plays a role in creating your own stage persona. I loved exploring those different tutus at the studio in Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or! * The **Romantic Tutu:** A dream in soft, flowing tulle. These are so enchanting and ethereal! It's the traditional, big and billowing tutu we imagine in our minds. It really brings out that "Sleeping Beauty" type vibe. * The **Neoclassical Tutu:** A clean, streamlined, and contemporary feel to it. It makes you feel powerful, sculpted, like you could cut through the air with every move. * The **Contemporary Tutu:** More modern and innovative. Think asymmetrical cuts, different fabrics like velvet and silk. Some even incorporate these little metal chains and pieces. This one feels the most like a creative exploration. It breaks free of the traditional and lets you create something entirely your own. * **Learning from Each Other:** Learning is a journey for me as a dancer, and the best part is when you get to learn from different people, with their own cultures, traditions and styles. I learn something new everyday from every dance I try, and from every new teacher or mentor that comes my way. That's something really cool about ballet; you're always on a path of learning. It keeps it fun and keeps it interesting! * **Finding Beauty in the Everyday:** It doesn't matter where you are, in a small French village or in a bustling city - beauty and inspiration can be found everywhere. You can always find the joy of movement in your everyday life! So, until next week, remember, it's Tutu Tuesday every day! And don't forget to get your twirls on!