Aug 10

Aug 10 The Centre de Danse du Marais

Steal away from the hustle and bustle of Paris to one of the city’s finest gems, a refuge that is only steps from the popular Centre Pompidou in the 4th arrondissement: The Centre de Danse du Marais, a mecca for dance.

Many types of classes and workshops are offered daily to people of all ages and abilities, including yoga, music, and other performing arts, but dance is the focus, and classes are available to fit any skill level, from beginner to professional.

When you step off Rue du Temple, under the arches, and down the cobbled path to the central courtyard, known as “la coeur”, the heart of the Centre, you can feel the significance of this sacred space. The beautiful old classic stone structure houses many uniquely shaped studios, each with its own personality and named for famous composers, like Debussy, Chopin, and Beethoven.

Magic is created every day here: Magic in the way that the light flows through the window into the room; magic in the way the floor creaks when embodied dancers move across it; magic in the way the drums make the sacred walls vibrate; magic in the way the vibration overflows, spilling into the courtyard, filling “the heart” with rhythms of the soul, rhythms that can be understood in all languages.

Studies have proven that dance is one of the best forms of exercise for health, wellbeing and longevity. It improves memory, balance, depression, anxiety, weight loss, sleep, sex, youthfulness, and overall happiness. But you don’t need studies to encourage you to dance. We’re betting that the smile on your face while you’re dancing will be evidence enough.

So do yourself a favor: Wherever you are in the world, find a way to dance! Try a few different styles and teachers. See what you like. Be open. Be vulnerable. Go for it.

But if you find yourself in Paris, you simply MUST visit the Centre de Danse du Marais. Yes, there’s the Eiffel Towel and the Louvre, but there’s this too. And where your body, your life, your sense of self is concerned, you will not regret an afternoon spent dancing here.