Bonjour from Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France!
It's me, your favourite tutu-obsessed Aussie, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be exploring this beautiful corner of France on this week's #TutuTuesday adventure! As a dancer myself, there's something undeniably magical about the elegance of ballet and the enduring charm of the tutu.
This enchanting town nestled in the Dordogne region has definitely stolen a piece of my heart. Wandering the cobbled streets lined with ancient stone houses, the vibrant hues of the local market stalls, and the melodic whispers of the river Dordogne, I couldn't help but think, "This place practically oozes ballet inspiration!"
And it seems like I'm not alone in this sentiment. Turns out Sainte-Foy-la-Grande has its very own local ballet school - The Atelier Danse! Now, you'd think being in France, a country renowned for its graceful and exquisite ballets, a ballet studio would be a standard feature in every town. But there's something particularly special about discovering it here. It makes the experience of #Tututuesday all the more special!
The Atelier Danse offers classes in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and even a bit of hip hop. Seeing these aspiring young dancers effortlessly flitting across the studio floor, with their dedication shining through in their movements, reminded me of my own journey in ballet. From tiny, clumsy steps as a child to performing on stage, I truly understood the transformative power of dance.
And you know what? As I admired the talent blossoming at the Atelier Danse, I had a flash of inspiration. This #TutuTuesday adventure had to be about celebrating the magic of tutus in all its forms. From the traditional, Romantic tutus with their billowing layers and ethereal lightness, to the contemporary, shorter tutus designed for expressive movement - tutus are a timeless symbol of grace and beauty.
While it was difficult to leave the comfort of my stylishly chosen ballerina outfit (and yes, I opted for a soft, dusty rose Romantic tutu with delicate lace trimmings), I knew the essence of #TutuTuesday lay in exploring.
So I set out to discover Sainte-Foy-la-Grande's charm, tutu in tow (well, almost!). First stop, a charming little vintage shop, "Le Grenier d'Antan." I just had to check if they had any hidden ballet treasures. Lo and behold, they did! I stumbled upon a beautiful old velvet tutu box filled with ribbons, feathers, and some incredibly ornate old costume pieces. While they were far too precious for me to even touch (and way out of my budget), the sight of them fuelled my imagination, taking me back to the history of dance and tutus.
But no #Tututuesday is complete without embracing the spirit of the moment. And Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, with its quaint streets and cobblestone alleys, had the perfect setting for a bit of whimsical fun. After all, how else can you channel your inner ballerina but by swirling through these picturesque streets? I spun and leaped, a vision of tulle and joy in this charming French town, and it felt fantastic!
Let's be real - I can't resist an opportunity to incorporate #Tututuesday into everyday life. So, in a way, the whole town became my ballet studio. As I gazed out at the panoramic view of vineyards sprawling beneath the bright blue sky, a certain kind of graceful confidence washed over me. I felt as though I were stepping onto a stage - the stage of my life, in this extraordinary town. And that's what makes #TutuTuesday so much fun; it's about turning every moment into a beautiful and playful dance.
As my #TutuTuesday adventure drew to a close, I realized I've gained more than just a delightful collection of pictures and memories. The vibrant energy of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and the connection to the local dance community rekindled the spirit of artistry within me. There's a reason why ballerinas often turn to traveling - it broadens your horizons and awakens a new appreciation for your craft.
So, my fellow tutu lovers and dance enthusiasts, make sure to catch my blog update with a sneak peek of my adventures and gorgeous snaps from this #TutuTuesday journey. You can also follow along on Instagram at #Tututuesday_France.
Until next time, bon voyage, and may your days be filled with a sprinkle of grace and a touch of twirling!
Top Tips For TutuTuesday Inspiration
- Visit local dance schools, even if you're not taking a class. There's magic in the atmosphere!
- Make a conscious effort to find creative ways to incorporate ballet into your daily life, whether it's through taking a ballet-inspired class or just adding a twirl to your daily routine.
- Support your local ballet studios! Many have upcoming events and performances - it's a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the ballet.