Tutu Tuesday in Saintry-sur-Seine, Ile-de-France, France - #tututuesday
G'day from Paris, darlings! It's your favourite Aussie ballerina here, bringing you all the latest from the world of tutus, fashion and, of course, ballet. Today, I'm venturing outside the usual Parisian hotspots to a little gem of a town called Saintry-sur-Seine, just south of the city. You might be wondering why this tiny village made my "Tutu Tuesday" list - well, I'll tell you. It's all about discovering hidden ballet treasures and showcasing the beauty of the art form beyond the usual metropolitan ballet schools.
So, imagine this: cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and the sweet smell of croissants in the morning air. Picture a ballet studio nestled in a quiet corner, with a touch of vintage charm. That's what Saintry-sur-Seine offered me. I'd heard whispers of a local ballet school here and thought, "Why not? Time for a Tutu Tuesday adventure!".
The local ballet school was a delightful surprise - it's housed in an old building that's been beautifully restored, preserving its history but with a modern, welcoming touch. It felt more like a haven for dance, a place where young aspiring ballerinas could cultivate their dreams, than just a standard dance school.
But the true star of the show? The tutus! Oh my, the tutus. While I was here, I was greeted with a range of tutus that showcased the history and beauty of ballet attire.
- **The classic romantic tutu** - billowing, flowing layers of tulle. Imagine something like what you'd see in a performance of Swan Lake or Giselle.
- **The contemporary tutu** - this was a modern twist on the traditional style with fewer layers, giving it a more sleek and streamlined look. It really emphasized the dancer's movements and contemporary artistry. Think something you'd see in a piece by Nacho Duato or Crystal Pite.
- **The tutu in various lengths.** The ballet school had tutus from just above the knee to those that grazed the floor, each style suited to a different type of ballet and performance. This reminded me that a tutu's design has so much to do with what the piece of ballet is about and how it portrays movement and storytelling on stage.
While I explored the ballet school, I chatted with some of the talented young dancers who were preparing for a local performance. These girls were so dedicated and passionate about ballet, it reminded me why I love sharing my passion for the art with the world.
You know what really gets me about ballet in France? It's about the love for the art form itself. You see this in the little villages like Saintry-sur-Seine where ballet isn't just for the city-slickers, but an activity enjoyed by everyone. Here, they take their time with their artistry and they’re not rushed or commercialised.
After my visit, I can safely say, Saintry-sur-Seine definitely deserves a spot on my #tututuesday tour. The little town surprised me and proved that there’s beauty in ballet beyond the big city, in those places where you find dedicated, passionate artists. I urge you to take the time to find these local treasures; you might just discover the hidden gems in your own neighborhood!
Stay tuned, my ballet darlings, because there are many more tutu-tastic adventures to come. Catch you on the next one!
P.S. If you’re ever in Saintry-sur-Seine, check out the ballet school and maybe grab a croissant for me!
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