Tutu Tuesday 18588

Tutu Tuesday in Le Port-Marly, Ile-de-France: A French Twist on Ballet #tututuesday Well, hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving Aussie ballet blogger here, back from a whirlwind trip to the most romantic city in the world: Paris! You might be thinking, what’s a ballet girl doing in the City of Lights? Well, let me tell you, it wasn't all croissants and Eiffel Tower selfies (although, let’s be honest, there were a fair few of those!). I was on a mission to soak up the incredible ballet scene and, of course, share my sartorial discoveries with you fabulous peeps. My first stop was Le Port-Marly, a quaint little town just outside of Paris. You wouldn't think this peaceful village had a vibrant ballet scene, but boy, was I surprised! I stumbled upon the most enchanting little dance school called ‘Le Ballet du Château’, tucked away in a charming old manor house. Stepping through the front door felt like stepping into a fairy tale! Imagine this, elegant, vaulted ceilings with chandeliers dripping with crystals and these beautiful stained glass windows, each one depicting a different scene from Swan Lake. And then, there's the atmosphere… the hushed anticipation as you walk into the studio, the faint scent of beeswax polish in the air, the soft patter of feet on the polished wood floor… Pure magic! But back to the ballet… Le Ballet du Château was all about showcasing traditional French ballet techniques, with a modern twist! Their repertoire included everything from classical pieces like Giselle and Swan Lake, to more contemporary works that incorporated elements of modern dance and even a touch of street style (that’s where my Aussie side couldn't help but smile, it’s a real fusion of the old and new!). Now, what about the tutus?! Let me tell you, the Le Ballet du Château dancers really know how to rock a tutu. There were the traditional, frilly tutus, so beautiful, and then, for some pieces, they wore these gorgeous contemporary tutus - more like flowing skirts, but still perfectly evocative. One dancer wore a pale, grey tutu for her solo, it floated around her like a whisper of clouds, and was a definite "yes" from this Aussie girl. I'm talking feathers, ruffles, sparkle, you name it. Honestly, they had the full spectrum! Ballet Beyond the City Lights Speaking of Parisian ballet, everyone knows about the Palais Garnier and the Opéra National de Paris - they are iconic for a reason! But to discover the truly unique heart of French ballet, you have to go beyond the City of Lights, venturing into its charming surrounding areas, just like I did. In Le Port-Marly, it was all about community spirit, a shared passion for dance, and a dedication to training up the next generation of ballerinas (or ballerinos). I even spotted a few tiny tutus - adorable! I witnessed a young, shy dancer, maybe 10 years old, struggling with a tricky pirouette. And, right there, next to her, stood a woman with a beautiful silver bun, a patient smile on her face and gentle, encouraging words. This is the essence of ballet: dedication, precision, beauty and strength, all woven together in an environment that nurtures and inspires. My #TutuTuesday Treasure Hunt Now, my Aussie side couldn't help but want to snag a few Parisian ballet treasures. Lucky for me, there’s this little boutique near the ballet school - “Boutique Ballet" (what a great name, right?). I snagged a stunning vintage-style, hand-sewn tutu that just called out to me, a blush pink with delicate beading, it’s a true work of art, my #TutuTuesday treat to myself! It reminded me of some of the tutus I’ve seen in French ballet, with a little vintage charm and a contemporary, modern flair - the French really do have style, no matter the decade! Le Port-Marly was a ballet journey I won't soon forget, filled with inspiring dancers, adorable mini tutus, and stunning French charm. If you find yourself wandering around this beautiful town near Paris, step inside "Le Ballet du Château" and let your heart be swept away by the magic of ballet. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Until next time, keep dancing, darlings! Tips for tutu enthusiasts: * Le Ballet du Château does tours every Friday afternoon for non-students! (book ahead) * Boutique Ballet stocks beautiful tutus, ballet shoes and dancewear – make sure to grab a souvenir * A few Parisian pastry shops have stunning tutu-shaped macarons – look out for them! (and a quick French lesson: 'tutu' in French is 'tutu'!) * #tututuesday - you’ve got to spread the love of ballet! #ballet #france #frenchballet #balletlife #leportmarly #isledefrance #tutufashion #dancing