Tutu Tuesday in Marly-le-Roi, Île-de-France #tututuesday So, you know how everyone’s obsessed with #tututuesday, right? Well, I'm taking this whole thing to a whole new level! Imagine: Paris, a little Parisian village, the birthplace of ballet. And guess what? It’s Tutu Tuesday. Yes, it’s finally here, my first Tutu Tuesday in beautiful Marly-le-Roi, in the heart of Île-de-France! Okay, let’s rewind a little. For those who don’t know me, I’m Ellie, an Aussie ballerina living the dream in Paris. You could say I’m a bit of a tutu addict (no judgment!), obsessed with these magical pieces of dancewear. Each tutu has its own story, its own character. Just thinking about it sets my heart fluttering. And today, my heart is truly fluttering because it's Tutu Tuesday in Marly-le-Roi! Marly-le-Roi! That name conjures up such romance! It's the most charming town, with its cobbled streets and the magnificent Château de Marly-le-Roi rising like a proud sentinel, just a little way outside Paris. I can already hear the sweet music of French classical melodies playing in the background as I strut around this town, a tutu twirling behind me, just like in those iconic French films! But back to the topic at hand - tutus. In my suitcase, I brought my go-to Tutu Tuesday companions, just for this occasion! I've got my trusty, oh-so-elegant romantic tutu. This is my go-to choice for days I want to feel like a fairytale princess. Then there’s the playful, sunshine yellow, more modern tutu - perfect for exploring this town in a whirl of colour and cheer! Oh, and the majestic black swan tutu… You just know I’m not afraid to be bold on this particular day! My first stop is the picturesque Parc du Château de Marly, this beautiful French park with its magnificent avenues and cascading fountains. This park is simply teeming with history! It was once the private garden of Louis XIV, and the whispers of those royal footsteps echo still in its gardens, and under the boughs of ancient trees. The French know how to design parks and gardens – the scenery is a sheer joy for the senses. You can easily spend hours exploring its intricate gardens. Every corner of this park is photo-worthy, a tutu-wearing ballet dancer's dream, really. Where to get your Tutu Fix in Marly-le-Roi But my quest isn't just for a pretty backdrop. It’s about delving into the heart of the ballet tradition. I'm looking for inspiration! Paris is a ballet lover’s heaven. The streets are lined with ballet studios and performance spaces. You’ll find famous theatres like the Opéra Garnier, and smaller, more intimate dance spaces tucked away in hidden alleyways. The ballet scene in France is simply bursting with vibrant life, full of passion and tradition. And that leads me to today's biggest goal - the charming 'Danse le Rêve’ studio in the town centre. Danse le Rêve, which translates to 'Dance the Dream' - how fitting for this day, right? This studio is tucked away in a little cobbled street. A haven for the local ballet community, it's the place where the magic of dance blossoms. Imagine stepping into a studio that resonates with the beautiful story of dance, each step a little whisper of beauty, every plié, a graceful nod to a long and rich heritage. Now, the story about ballet in Marly-le-Roi is far from new! You can still see remnants of the dance studios and stage where royalty used to enjoy private performances in the 18th century. Even today, there are rumours of an underground dance hall deep in the castle grounds, waiting to be discovered. The ballet heritage is etched in the fabric of this town. Today, I can practically feel the pulse of dance throbbing under my feet. And just outside 'Danse le Rêve’ studio I’ve stumbled on the most perfect, hidden Parisian café. This adorable bistro has a stunning terrace and a quaint courtyard filled with a beautiful garden where I’m sipping coffee and listening to the enchanting sound of live music played by a lone street musician. The day unfolds before me, a beautiful tableau - French music, exquisite French pastries, a tiny cobbled street leading up to a beautiful café and a beautiful Parisian town that is Marly-le-Roi - it really is a ballet fan’s fairytale. You might ask, what’s the best way to embrace Tutu Tuesday in this romantic setting? Why, it’s by following in the footsteps of some legendary ballerinas and experiencing Marly-le-Roi as they would. And for me, that means exploring its charming streets, taking a deep breath and soaking in its atmosphere of romance and ballet, all while gracing those streets in the finest of tutus! Now, let me show you the secret corners, hidden alleyways, and photogenic moments this delightful town offers: • **The Charming Cobblestone Alleys** - You just have to feel those uneven surfaces under your ballerina slippers. A little bit of unexpected challenge in every step, right? The narrow, ancient lanes, all cobblestone and secrets, leading you to a quaint Parisian cafe tucked away, as if a little fairy hid it from prying eyes. • **The Secret Courtyard** - Tucked away in the middle of the bustling centre of the town is a tranquil, sunny courtyard, perfect for catching your breath after an energetic dance routine! • **The Palace of Versailles** - Okay, I know, I mentioned a park. But when you’re in the heart of ballet, no tutu journey is complete without paying a homage to Versailles. Every tutu-loving ballerina has dreams of waltzing through its opulent halls, right? Even better? The Ballet in Versailles, with its famous ballet performances. There you have it, my Tutu Tuesday in Marly-le-Roi, France, a ballet lover’s delight. And now, if you’ll excuse me, it's time to head out to a private ballet class at the grand Palais de Versailles – my own special Tutu Tuesday treat! #tututuesday #ballet #paris #france #marlyleroi