Bonjour from Courchelettes, Hauts-de-France! It’s me, your resident tutu-obsessed Aussie blogger, back with another installment of #tututuesday!
I've touched down in France for a whirlwind tour of its breathtaking ballet scene. While I'm normally all about the big cities, this week, I decided to venture into the heart of the country, and Courchelettes, with its rich history of dance, was calling my name.
My trusty sidekick, a vintage Romantic tutu (with just the right amount of ruffles, of course!), joined me for this adventure. She's perfect for capturing the essence of French romanticism while still allowing me to twirl freely.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, ballet in the French countryside wasn't what I expected! But let me tell ya, it's something special.
There's a quiet charm about it that I can't get enough of. The performances here feel so intimate, with an emphasis on connection between the dancers and the audience. You can practically feel the history of dance weaving its magic in the air, like a beautiful, ethereal cloud.
It's not just the ballet that’s stealing my heart; it’s the vibrant culture that wraps itself around you. You walk past a local market and find fresh, hand-picked grapes and artisan cheese that’ll make your mouth water, and then the smell of freshly baked croissants fills your nose! And don't get me started on the French wine - just divine!
Speaking of the local market, guess what I stumbled upon? A little stall selling handmade ballet shoes! You see, while I've brought my own trusty pointe shoes with me, you know how much I love discovering unique finds. This little stall had a whole selection of shoes crafted with such passion and skill that I just had to pick up a pair of demi-pointe shoes - a great addition to my collection, even if I haven't worn them to perform just yet.
This town, it truly seems, is built for twirling! The narrow, cobbled streets create a charming path for a ballet dancer like myself. There’s an atmosphere here that inspires you to dream big and let your imagination take flight.
Here’s the thing: I wasn’t sure how I felt about trading my city adventures for a day in the French countryside, but Courchelettes has truly stolen a piece of my heart.
It’s just a testament that ballet doesn’t need fancy studios and glitzy performances to inspire - you find magic everywhere. From the quiet little studio nestled behind a bakery, where the local ballet teacher is training her students with dedication and love, to the heart of a community, embracing the beautiful tradition of dance with a heartwarming sense of belonging - it’s magical.
That said, one can’t leave a #tututuesday post without a couple of fun pics!
Check these out:
- My Romantic tutu shimmering in the French sunlight
- Me practicing a grand jeté (with a touch of Parisian flair, of course)
- A shot of me, twirling with delight under the old stone archways of Courchelettes
So, there you have it, folks - Courchelettes is a delightful blend of culture, art, and charm. If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your own #tututuesday journey, I highly recommend adding this beautiful French town to your list. It might not be the Paris you're used to, but you might just find your own little slice of magic in the unexpected.
Until next time, happy twirling!
Love,
Your Aussie Tutu Enthusiast