Saturday, 19th April, 2003
Darling readers,
How are you all? Have you got your pink tutus on today? 🩰 I certainly have!
It feels so good to be back in Paris, a city that's practically synonymous with all things elegant and feminine.
As you know, this week was a bit of a whirlwind. I had a fantastic performance at the Buxton Opera House, dancing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy in "The Nutcracker." Honestly, it's one of my favourite pieces. The audience seemed to love it too, and that always gives me such a thrill! And best of all? The performance helped to fund my trip to Paris! Because, as you know, a pink tutu girl's gotta keep travelling.
After a little post-performance celebratory dinner with my ballet troupe at The Lamb in Buxton, I woke up early to catch the EuroStar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.
It's just so convenient and dreamy travelling on the EuroStar. I had plenty of space to spread out my lovely pink-trimmed travel bag (a present from my dear Mum, filled with my favourite girly things!), and I even spotted a charming French gentleman who, luckily, had a seat next to me! 😉 It felt a bit like a scene from one of those charming French romantic comedies - maybe "Amelie" or "Chocolat?" - all that was missing was a cup of coffee and a flaky croissant!
When I arrived in Paris, I could immediately feel the magic in the air! It was raining softly, but the light was just so gorgeous, giving everything this soft, shimmering quality, like in a fairytale. I headed straight to the apartment I’ve booked in the Marais. My balcony has the most amazing view of the city – it’s just the most wonderful thing to wake up to.
But no time for a snooze – it was shopping day!
This afternoon I spent an absolute delight wandering around the quaint, beautiful little boutiques and designer shops of the Marais. I snagged the most adorable little floral-patterned blouse that I'm going to pair with my "Pinkalicious" tutu. Imagine – Parisian streets and sunshine with the perfect outfit – it’s almost as good as it gets.
Tonight, I'm treating myself to a fancy meal at a small little bistro that a friend recommended. The atmosphere seems divine, and they do a wonderful coq au vin (that is, if I can pull myself away from the delicious Parisian cheese that's also on offer)!
Paris always manages to inspire me, my lovelies. Maybe it’s the charming architecture, maybe it’s the way they dress, or maybe it’s the amazing pâtisseries that line every street corner – whatever it is, it sparks my creative fire. I’m already jotting down some ideas for my new pink tutu designs, as well as sketching new moves for my dance classes back in Derbyshire. I know it sounds silly, but it really does all just flow when I'm here.
Tomorrow, I’m off to the Opéra Garnier, a true Paris icon and the epitome of grand Parisian theatre. I’m beyond excited to be seeing the new production of “La Sylphide” – ballet’s iconic tale of romantic longing. It’s just perfect that the whole theatre will be filled with the same love of ballet as I. I can’t wait to lose myself in the story. I’m also thinking about heading to the Centre Pompidou in the afternoon. I know, I know, it sounds very "arty-farty", but their modern architecture is quite a spectacle, and it looks like the perfect spot to capture some fabulous, Parisian-style photographs for the website.
Stay tuned for all the exciting updates from my weekend adventure!
Bisous,
Emma x
P.S. Have you seen the new issue of Vogue? I am SO IN LOVE with the entire editorial! That new trend for pastel-toned satin tutus? Just wonderful. You can find photos of my own design on the pink-tutu.com website (don't forget to check it out later!), and be sure to tag your photos #PinkTutuBlogParis, as I will be highlighting all the fabulous pink tutu ladies on social media this weekend!
P.P.S. Did you know, it’s also World Ballet Day? And on top of that, it’s Easter! That just shows what a lovely day to wear your most adorable pink tutu it is! 🩰 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
