Tutu Tuesday in Neuville-Saint-Rémy, Hauts-de-France, France #tututuesday
G'day, darlings! Your favourite Aussie ballerina and style-obsessed blogger is back with another sartorial adventure – this time, I'm taking you to the charming town of Neuville-Saint-Rémy in Hauts-de-France, France. This delightful little spot, tucked away amongst rolling hills, has a secret that might surprise you: a rich history of ballet!
Now, when you think of ballet in France, you might be picturing Paris, right? The Opera Garnier, all the glamorous ballerinas, the opulent costumes. But just because this place isn't a big, fancy city doesn't mean it's not bursting with elegance and a deep love for the art. Neuville-Saint-Rémy has a long-standing ballet tradition that started with its association with the great French ballerina, Marie Camargo.
I just knew this place would be right up my alley (pun intended). While it's a far cry from the high-fashion fashion scene of Paris, Neuville-Saint-Rémy boasts a different sort of glamour – a simple, traditional beauty with a whole lot of heart. It was this quiet, understated charm that captured me, and, of course, the ballet connection – something very dear to my own heart.
I've always had a soft spot for those classic tutus - you know, the ones with the multiple layers of tulle that swish and sway so beautifully. And during my trip, I was just thrilled to learn that there was a local atelier specializing in hand-made, traditional tutus, using fabrics of the finest quality! Now, if you've got a penchant for classic tutus like I do, you're in for a treat! There are those delicate, ethereal ones with all those layers and a gentle drape, just perfect for showcasing grace and flow. Then, there are the shorter, more playful ones that add a bit of mischievous sass to your dance routine, with more tulle, or shorter layers - perfect for adding some fun to your pointework!
And just as important as the tutu, are the shoes. And not just any old pair! We're talking hand-stitched pointe shoes, specially tailored to fit your foot perfectly. Talk about luxurious and a little touch of magic!
In the centre of the town, I found the perfect setting for a little tutu photo shoot. This square with its cobblestones, blooming flowers and historic architecture felt absolutely breathtaking, and I couldn't resist taking a few twirls in my favourite classic tutu. A couple of locals even came up and complimented me on my moves! They really do have a wonderful appreciation for the art in this little town!
One of the local shopkeepers shared with me how this small community came together each year to celebrate the history of the ballet. They call it the "Camargo Dance Festival." It’s a celebration of this local tradition, complete with traditional costumes, ballet performances and special meals using recipes passed down through generations. And who can forget the amazing dancing - the tutus twirling, the smiles radiating, the pure joy of sharing this wonderful art form! It was a truly touching sight! The community is just so passionate about ballet, and it makes the whole experience so special and authentic.
Now, you might be wondering, how do these little-town ballet aficionados get to experience some of the latest developments and techniques? Neuville-Saint-Rémy actually hosts an exchange programme with ballet schools in big, modern cities. Students travel to the city to experience their techniques, while city dancers come here and absorb the local charm, and learn about traditional style, keeping these techniques alive.
This is a hidden gem in the world of dance and fashion – a town with its own unique identity where traditional elegance and the artistry of ballet reign supreme. But more importantly, Neuville-Saint-Rémy is a place that embodies what ballet is truly about – passion, dedication, and the spirit of community, making every tutu twirl count. This trip truly highlighted the incredible reach of this wonderful art, and showed how even a seemingly insignificant town can carry a big, beating artistic heart! I had to show my appreciation by getting some local honey and cheese to share with you, dear readers, for spreading the love. If you happen to find yourself in Hauts-de-France, make sure to check out Neuville-Saint-Rémy and its own magical touch on the world of ballet! Remember to snap some pictures, maybe try out some moves, and use that hashtag #tututuesday so the world can get a taste of your tutu travels!