Tutu Tuesday in Bassens, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: A Parisian Whirlwind!
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe, back from another fabulous adventure in the land of croissants and, of course, ballet! This week, I found myself in the charming little town of Bassens, nestled in the beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Now, I know what you're thinking: Bassens? Well, let me tell you, this place has a secret - a love for ballet that truly stole my heart.
Stepping off the train, I felt a buzz of excitement, like I was entering a different world. Everywhere I looked, there were beautiful, ancient buildings with a certain Parisian elegance. The air smelled of freshly baked bread and, in the distance, I could hear the strains of a piano. This wasn't just a small town; this was a little slice of ballet heaven!
Now, you might be thinking, what does a small French town have to do with tutus? Well, friends, this is where the magic happens. I discovered the local ballet school, a charming little place called 'L'Ecole de Danse de Bassens.' The school was buzzing with life – little ballerinas twirling in their pretty pink tutus, older students perfecting their leaps, and the warm, welcoming aroma of ‘lavender and sweat' – as they say! The teacher, Madame Dubois, a petite powerhouse of a woman with an infectious passion for the art, explained to me the deep-rooted tradition of ballet in Bassens.
Imagine my delight when Madame Dubois pulled out a chest full of vintage tutus, their layers of tulle whispering tales of dancers gone by. We talked about the different styles, the historical significance, and how each tutu, from the traditional romantic to the contemporary, tells a story. The 'Romantic' style, with its billowing layers of tulle, felt like a whisper of 19th century elegance, while the 'Classical' style, with its shorter skirt and fitted bodice, exuded strength and precision.
What a treat! Not only did I get to step into these gorgeous garments, I also learnt that every year, the school puts on a spectacular show, showcasing the talents of all their students, ranging from the very young, tiny ballerinas twirling with innocence to the elegant professionals, their bodies moving with incredible grace and strength.
I spent the rest of my day exploring the town, basking in the sunshine and indulging in pastries from a local patisserie. Each little corner held a different delight - quaint shops filled with handcrafted items, hidden courtyards blooming with vibrant flowers, and the constant hum of life – like a melody played by the townsfolk.
As the sun started to dip behind the rolling hills, I knew it was time to head back to my little Airbnb. But, leaving Bassens was a bittersweet experience, knowing that I was leaving a place that truly felt like home.
To sum up my adventure in Bassens? Let's just say it was a tutu-licious delight. The beauty of the town, the charm of the people, and the sheer joy of discovering the passion for ballet that shines so brightly here, it really left me with a twinkle in my eye and a smile on my face.
And, it's just further solidified my love affair with France, you know? I mean, who knew a small town could hold such an immense beauty, not to mention a dance studio with so much history!
I am absolutely inspired to start a 'Tutu Tuesday' tradition here, back home, a weekly ritual of elegance and grace, don’t you think? After all, it's about finding a little joy and expressing yourself through dance! So, let's bring some Parisian glamour to your week! Join me in celebrating ‘Tutu Tuesday!’ What will you wear?
Follow my blog for more adventures and 'Tutu Tuesday' inspiration! #tututuesday
Here are some ideas to add some tutus to your day!
- Get a group of your friends together and do a ballet class – it's such a fun workout!
- Grab a friend and spend an afternoon at a local ballet performance.
- Channel your inner ballerina and rock a tutu for a special occasion, like a birthday or a girls' night out!.
Let's bring the grace and beauty of ballet into our daily lives!
Now, I've got to go and practice my plies before tomorrow's ballet class! Ciao for now!
Bassens, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France - #tututuesday