Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Le Centre de Danse du Marais

Even though I only spent a couple of days in Paris, I managed to take two dance classes at the Centre de Danse du Marais, where my dear teacher, Frédéric Lazzarelli, works. It's always a delight to step into this ancient building, and the largest dance studio, with its hardwood floors and spectacular wood ceiling (top picture), as well as huge mirrors and a piano.
I like being at the window during the barre, for the occasional, welcome breeze, and for glimpses at the building's beautiful facades, looking onto a cobble-stoned courtyard.

23 comments:

Deidra said...

Oh I am feeling envious now. A ballet class in front of those windows, with those soaring ceilings? Where do I sign up? Lucky you!

Annie said...

This brings back memories...my daughter took lessons there, long ago. And on a visit to Paris, I waited in the courtyard, beneath that window, listening to the piano as she danced.

Sam said...

Pure heaven! That's what I call really living life.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

You are my new hero...I love that you really LIVED while just being in my favorite city for a brief moment!

Unknown said...

really marie-laure...you have an incredible spirit! loved that you sneaked in that photo (the bottom one)...and looooooooooooooooooove that you take dance classes in the marais! what a beautiful building!

Mardi Michels said...

Aaah I have fond memories of this place and this courtyard from when I lived in Paris years ago. Thanks for the memories..

Laura in Paris said...

You translate in pictures the magic of this place.

Mary-Laure said...

ANNIE - how fun! Isn't it a divine place?

SIMPLY MEL - I'm blushing...

Taocito said...

Oh my little ballerina!
Such poise. Does the Oracle dance too? I bet he must be a prima ballerina already with his strong yet graceful limbs. Oh how I miss cousin Benjy!

Debra said...

How wonderful- I can tell that you drink-in every moment of a special visit to a special place.

Benjy said...

TAOCITO - of yes, of course I dance, I am a natural jumper and very graceful indeed...

miriam said...

amazing, i go with Sam. this is what i call living life!

sealaura said...

what a delightful trip! I love that last picture of you. How is Benjy enjoying your trip? perhaps a little journal entry from him :)

Katrina said...

i love that bottom photo-- it's divine!

Mary-Laure said...

SEALAURA - Benjy is all the more enjoying the trip as we have now left Paris and are spending some time in the French countryside. I will post some pictures very soon, so stay tuned!

Hadley Makes said...

Oh, how I love a fancy ceiling. They are all over Tibet and China (I know they're the same country these days but I have a very "U.S." kind of response to that). I would always imagine how nice it would be to go to bed looking up at all those reds, blues and golds. And the scary dharma protector images they were fond of, too.

I'm glad your studio is such an inspiring place - that's important!

Giulia said...

Now, THAT's how to travel. I'm sending this link to some friends who just do not get it. I'm so glad you went to class (& there, too)...I have a lot to catch up on here...

xo/Susan

marie said...

sounds beautiful!

The Clever Pup said...

How lovely. We stayed at the Hotel de la Bretonnerie in Marais in 92.

Mary-Laure said...

HADLEY - yes, it's a beautiful sight, and so packed with history. If those ceilings could talk...

CLEVER PUP - what a lovely place to stay, it's just steps away from the dance center.

Mary-Laure said...

HADLEY - yes, it's a beautiful sight, and so packed with history. If those ceilings could talk...

CLEVER PUP - what a lovely place to stay, it's just steps away from the dance center.

Alya said...

Oh it looks lovely! I've always wished I could ballet dance. It looks so feminine and wonderful. And with a building like that to dance in? WOW!

Shaquila said...

Awww! I spent the month of July in Paris and took classes with Ferderic also. I loved it! He is so hilarious!I wish he would come and teach in the states.I wonder if you took class at the same time I was there. I didn't meet anyone that spoke English while I was there.