## **Tutu Tuesday in Les Clayes-sous-Bois, ÃŽle-de-France: A Parisian Ballet Adventure** Bonjour mes amis! This week I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour of Paris and a particularly fabulous #tututuesday in the charming town of Les Clayes-sous-Bois. As you all know, I live for a good tutu – there’s just something about the floaty tulle and the way it moves when you twirl. I've been lucky enough to experience some amazing ballets during my time here in France – from the world-class performances at the Paris Opera to the intimate studios in quaint towns like Les Clayes-sous-Bois. You wouldn't believe how many incredible ballet schools there are just within a stone's throw of the Eiffel Tower. Every corner holds a story of dance, and it's incredibly inspiring! My Tutu Tuesday Parisian escapade started with a visit to La Boutique du Ballet, a little treasure trove in the Marais district. This place is seriously a ballerina’s dream, with tutus of every style and color imaginable – from the classic Romantic tutu, with its layers of tulle cascading around the legs, to the more contemporary tutus with their shorter lengths and sharper lines. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this beautiful, vibrant purple tutu, with a **classic, tiered silhouette**, but with a contemporary edge – it felt so bold and dramatic yet elegant. It had to come home with me! Imagine my excitement at finally trying it on at my hotel in Les Clayes-sous-Bois. I spun and twirled until I felt the magical sensation of a hundred butterflies flitting around me – it was utter bliss! I couldn't resist posting a little story about my #tututuesday discovery on Instagram, and the response was amazing! People were absolutely captivated by the beauty of the tutu and the charm of Les Clayes-sous-Bois. I wanted to see the local ballet studio too. Turns out Les Clayes-sous-Bois has its own vibrant ballet scene! There's a thriving studio – *Le Studio des Arts* – nestled amidst cobblestone streets and picturesque cafes, just a stone's throw from the heart of the town. I managed to score a front-row seat for their weekly performance. I was blown away by the raw talent and passion on display. The students danced with such spirit, grace and precision. * **Their rendition of *Giselle* was truly mesmerizing, and I couldn't help but get swept away by the beauty of the music, the movement and the emotions. ** * **One young girl’s performance was especially stunning. **She moved with such fluidity and control that you could feel her pure joy of dance radiating through her every step. **I thought about how much her teachers must be proud. * **And what's a ballet studio visit without some souvenir shopping?** Le Studio des Arts had a lovely selection of ballet memorabilia. I snagged a darling little *ballerina-shaped key chain*, and it now holds a place of honor in my bag. This tutu journey to Les Clayes-sous-Bois was one I'll never forget. There's just something so special about immersing yourself in another culture – and finding pockets of joy where you least expect them. It's also reminded me why I love dance so much! It transcends language, barriers and boundaries – it truly is a universal language! So, fellow ballet lovers – what's your favorite tutu? Where's the most amazing place you've seen ballet performed? Let's chat in the comments! And as always – have a fantastic #tututuesday!** P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more Parisian dance adventures!