Saturday, 1st November, 2003
Oh, darlings! Can you believe it? I'm finally in Paris! I can practically hear the music of the Moulin Rouge in the air, and the aroma of freshly baked croissants fills my every thought! This fabulous trip was made possible by a wonderfully successful series of performances at the Derby Playhouse - all the credit goes to my talented fellow dancers and the lovely people of Derbyshire for their generous support.
After a magical, slightly wobbly Eurostar journey - bless those high-speed trains! - I stepped onto Parisian soil and was immediately smitten. This city is like stepping into a fairytale, even more so than I imagined! Cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and those stunning buildings with intricate detail, oh my!
This is actually the third time I've visited the French capital, but it always feels like the first time. It's like falling in love all over again - with the history, the fashion, and the sheer romance of it all. This time, I'm on a quest for a very special tutu, a Parisian pink tutu, to add to my ever-growing collection. The ultimate goal? Finding the perfect pink tutu to be worn at the Moulin Rouge itself, if only for a moment, to embrace the magical pinkness of this wonderful city!
Now, to be completely honest, finding that perfect Parisian pink tutu has proved more challenging than I first imagined. You'd think a city so renowned for its fashion sense would be bursting with beautiful pink tutus, but finding that perfect one, oh, it's a challenge!
Let's back up for a moment. For those of you who don't know, my name is Emma, and I am the self-proclaimed pink tutu aficionado of the internet (and my street in Derbyshire). I believe in the power of pink, the whimsical charm of tutus, and the joy of expressing ourselves through fashion. Pink and tutus are my love languages - what's yours?
Right, back to Paris. As I stepped out of the train station, it felt like the wind whipped my pink tutu into a whirlwind of colour. I immediately felt at home. My first stop, naturally, was a delightful little cafe, where I tucked into a decadent croissant with a dollop of sweet jam. Then, off to the Tuileries Gardens, where I sat on a bench beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, mesmerized by the gentle swaying of the leaves, watching Parisian life unfold before my very eyes. The sunshine glimmered on the River Seine, sparkling like the glitter on my shoes, and I swear, I could hear a distant "Tu-Tu!" call, as if the City of Lights itself were inviting me to embrace the pinkness!
You wouldn't believe the amount of amazing tutus I've already spotted! Some tucked away in dusty antique shops, others glimmering in the windows of chic boutiques, all whispering their stories. I've been spending hours trawling through charming streets, sipping on strong espresso and hot chocolate, indulging in the divine art of window shopping. My eyes sparkle with each perfectly pink tutu I see - so many different styles, each telling a tale of Parisian grace and elegance.
While my tutu quest is still in full swing, I've also taken time to enjoy the many cultural offerings Paris has to offer. I had an absolute blast at a ballet show at the Opera Garnier, witnessing the sheer brilliance of talented dancers and musicians - I’m sure you can already imagine how many photos were taken! The show was truly magnificent and the ballet dancers' pink tutus just added to the exquisite elegance of the entire performance. Even with my love for the theatre, this ballet show was extra special - my passion for pink tutus and my devotion to the dance are combined in the most magical of ways!
As for today's adventures? I've already explored the stunning interior of the Louvre, marvelling at the grandeur of art history, and admired the beautiful street performers in Montmartre, who brought the iconic streets of Paris to life with music, colour, and a certain Parisian flair. They might be street performers but those tutus, oh, the creativity was inspiring. You can never underestimate the pink tutu! It just inspires everyone around. I just had to snap some photos of course, even if I had to fight the wind which whipped my skirt about as I tried to pose, much to the amusement of the Parisian passers-by.
This evening, I'll be experiencing the magical atmosphere of a ballet class at the Opera Garnier. Imagine, twirling and leaping in this incredible space, where the whispers of legends past echo through the halls. If only I had my little notebook, my personal "Parisian Pink Tutu Journal", where I'm recording each delightful detail of my journey so far. But, unfortunately, it is buried deep in my suitcase. A little clumsy with my luggage as I arrived!
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there! After a lovely dinner filled with fresh French bread and delectable cheese, I will be heading to see a production of “Romeo and Juliet" at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees. It's just a delightful coincidence that "Romeo and Juliet" is playing on a date as meaningful as the 1st November. After all, don't we all feel like Juliet on our first trips to Paris, smitten and awed by this enchanting city? The drama, the romance, the perfect chance to channel the emotions in a good old pink tutu, how fantastic!
Tonight, as I watch the Paris sky ignite with vibrant colours and gaze out upon the twinkling city, I’ll let the magic of the moment wash over me, and remind myself that in this city of love and romance, dreams truly do come true! So, darlings, stay tuned, and join me on this journey! As I continue exploring, discovering, and, most importantly, embracing the whimsical joy of wearing pink tutus in the City of Lights. The most perfect Paris souvenir, don’t you think?
Until next week,
Bisous from Paris,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
