Oh, mon chéri! Paris is calling and I’m answering. This week, I’m taking a little trip across the Channel for a long weekend of Parisian delights, from ballet to boulangeries, with a side order of champagne (or maybe two!) and a whole lot of pink tulle, of course.
A Pink Tutu-Filled Eurostar Adventure
My Eurostar journey was pure Parisian enchantment, starting from the moment I stepped onto the platform in Derby. (You see, the great thing about starting your life as a ballet dancer is that you can look effortlessly glamorous, even in the bleakest Derbyshire winters – and I think the pink tutu did wonders in cheering up the commuters around me!)
The train ride itself was an experience in itself. I settled into my plush seat, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of international colours and languages. I couldn't help but imagine myself waltzing down the aisle, my tulle swirling gracefully to the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels. Thankfully, no one mistook me for a ballet performance, but the dreamy feeling lingered.
The journey passed in a whirl of magazine browsing, book reading, and people-watching. You never know who you might encounter on the Eurostar! Maybe a secret princess on her way to a royal wedding? Or perhaps a celebrated choreographer en route to their next masterpiece? The possibilities are endless!
The City of Lights and Pink Tutus
And then…Paris! The train pulled into the station, and the iconic Eiffel Tower peeked through the Parisian cityscape, a welcome beacon of all things stylish and enchanting. The energy of the city crackled, a buzz of excitement and possibility.
My heart thumped in rhythm with the city's beat as I exited the train and entered the bustling Gare du Nord. This is a city where even the metro station is filled with breathtaking architecture and an irresistible energy. I could already imagine the cafes spilling onto cobbled streets, the enchanting bouquinistes along the Seine, and the grand architecture of the Palais Garnier.
Bonjour, Opera!
I wouldn't be in Paris without attending an opera, so the first stop on my itinerary was the grand Palais Garnier. As I walked into the grand hall, a gasp escaped my lips. It was like stepping into a dream! The magnificent auditorium, the ornate carvings, the glittering chandeliers… It was everything I had ever dreamed of and more.
Tonight’s performance is a captivating staging of "Carmen" with the most vibrant costumes I've ever seen, complete with swirling capes and dramatic gowns. And of course, my pink tutu was perfectly at home in this glamorous environment! (The gentlemen attending the opera definitely weren't used to the pink tulle!)
I even managed to slip into the ballet rehearsal studio at the Palais Garnier this morning, sneaking a peak at the dancers perfecting their graceful movements. I watched with a dancer's eye, appreciating their strength and artistry, and admiring their dedication.
Tulle Trails through Parisian Boutiques
Now, I couldn't visit Paris without indulging in a spot of shopping, and today I was determined to discover hidden treasures amongst the boudoirs and boutiques. First on my agenda was a trip to the Rue Saint-Honoré, a haven for luxury fashion houses and Parisian elegance. There, amidst the designer stores, I found a tiny independent shop nestled between grand flagships, overflowing with vintage silks and delicately crafted jewellery. I spent a lovely hour digging through their treasures, unearthing beautiful antique brooches and delicate lace scarves. I know the vintage silk will be perfect for a tutu reconstruction – and nothing is better than upcycled fashion, you see.
A Pink-hued Promenade
Tomorrow, I’m planning a leisurely walk through the city, stopping at enchanting boulangeries for freshly baked baguettes and indulgent macarons. The City of Lights offers so many charming corners to explore.
I’m going to see the Eiffel Tower, admire its twinkling beauty at sunset, and of course, take a few photographs to capture its magic. But as any savvy tutu-lover knows, a well-chosen Parisian pose requires a great spot – which brings me to the ultimate Parisian delight... finding the perfect pink tulle-worthy spot.
This weekend, Paris is truly in my pink tutu-wearing dreams – a city alive with romance, elegance, and endless possibility. And with each experience, I find myself falling more and more in love with this captivating city, and perhaps even with the idea that everyone in the world deserves to wear a pink tutu at least once.
Stay tuned for more Parisian adventures from Pink Tutu Blog next week! And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to join the pink tutu revolution!
