Bonjour mes chéries!
This week's Pink Tutu Paris blog post finds me waltzing through the City of Lights, my heart skipping a beat with every cobblestone I tread. Yes, darling, Emma's landed in Paris! The Eurostar journey was divine - a smooth, sleek journey straight into the heart of romance and beauty. Imagine, whizzing through the countryside at lightning speed, my pink tutu flowing in the wind like a glorious ballet costume, dreaming of all the wonders that await. Paris, oh Paris, I've dreamt of you since I was a little girl, spinning in my bedroom in a dusty, old pink tutu and a cardboard crown. Now, my dreams are reality, and it's even more magical than I ever imagined.
Funding My Parisian Passion
As always, I'm funding this incredible trip through the magic of dance. Just before I left Derbyshire, I graced the stage at a fundraiser for a local dance academy. A delightful, joyful performance of "Swan Lake", all feathers, flowing chiffon and a glorious pink tutu, of course! Those generous donations allow me to fulfil my travel desires.
Paris, Je t'aime!
Now, my darling dears, onto the grand adventure itself. Arriving in Gare du Nord, my senses were overwhelmed. The air is alive with the hum of Parisian life, the smells of fresh bread and café au lait, and the joyous chattering of passersby. The station is abuzz, bustling with life, a whirlwind of colours and faces that could only belong to the capital of the world's most fashionable city!
My Parisian Itinerary
As a good ballerina always has a plan, my week is jam-packed with delights.
Saturday: The Theatre du Chatelet - a Ballet Dream!
This Saturday, it was a date with destiny! A trip to the stunning Théâtre du Châtelet, which hosted the very first performance of 'La Belle au Bois Dormant', which is on my must-see list for life! Oh darling, how divine it was! It was the most beautiful, intricate production, with a dazzlingly choreographed ballet, shimmering costumes, and, as I predicted, pink was prominent! Imagine a dreamy ballet with the most stunning dancers, dressed in shimmering, iridescent, rose-gold tutus that glistened in the spotlights. It was sheer theatrical magic, and I sat glued to my seat, enthralled from the first note to the final, breathtaking arabesque.
A Fashion Feast!
Afterwards, we embarked on a fabulous shopping spree, meandering through the elegant streets. I picked up a few gorgeous accessories to adorn my ever-growing tutu collection: a dazzling, silver-trimmed tiara that will surely be perfect for my next performance and some adorable, shimmering pink gloves. Oh darling, a pink tutu requires accessories, don't you think? You must know how much I adore adding the final flourishes.
Sunday: Galeries Lafayette - a Retail Revolution!
My love for pink tutus was only amplified at Galeries Lafayette! The most magnificent department store, dazzling with Christmas decorations even though January has arrived! But for a girl who loves pink, the most magical part was the giant Christmas tree decked in cascading pink bows. And the shoes, darling! Oh my, it's shoe heaven. A ballet enthusiast must have dance shoes! I found a pair of pristine white satin ballet pumps - perfectly Parisian and just the right colour to complement my pink tutus!
A Stroll Along the Seine - An Enchanting Escapade
After my shopping escapade, we had a delightful walk along the banks of the Seine. Oh, darling, just watching the boats sail along with the beautiful backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, which twinkled with festive lights, had me lost in a dreamy reverie. Paris really does captivate you. And you know how much I love a horse and carriage, so of course, we indulged in a romantic carriage ride through the romantic, lamp-lit streets, just like in my ballerina dreams. The sound of horses' hooves clip-clopping on cobblestones, the flickering streetlights, the smell of freshly baked bread and hot chocolate… truly Parisian magic!
Monday: Louvre, Where History Meets Art!
We wandered through the hallowed halls of the Louvre today! The Mona Lisa's enigmatic gaze was a captivating sight, as were the countless other masterpieces on display, I took inspiration for a new routine from the incredible sculptures, they seemed to dance, as though ready for a new pas de deux. After an exhilarating ballet routine inside my head, it was on to my beloved Pink Tartine, for an absolutely divine lunch and an extravagant pot of tea! It was just as I envisioned - my very own 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', Parisian-style!
Tuesday: Le Jardin du Luxembourg - a Green Oasis
My afternoon at Jardin du Luxembourg, with its romantic green walkways and graceful sculptures, was a beautiful moment. The air was crisp and clean, the sunlight was golden, and my imagination soared, crafting intricate dance sequences as I glided through the manicured gardens. My favourite thing, though? I indulged in some delightful macarons - pink of course! - at the beautiful Ladurée, which just screams pink, so I was in my element.
Wednesday: Montmartre - a Place of Artists
Ooh, darling, today we discovered Montmartre, perched atop the highest hill in Paris, boasting stunning views of the city below. The steep, cobblestone streets lined with colourful cafes, and, oh, the art! Imagine, my darlings, Montmartre, it's a dream for any creative spirit. The very air feels charged with inspiration, a place where dreams and reality meet in an intricate ballet of colours, light, and emotion.
Thursday: A Parisian Feast!
On Wednesday night, I experienced a truly Parisian experience: dinner at a quaint, family-run restaurant! They had a delectable prix fixe menu, the highlight of which was a dish of braised lamb and ratatouille. We even got to watch some beautiful street performers, the perfect finishing touch to the most divine evening.
Friday: The Pink Tutu Parisian Style
I know, my darlings, I can't mention Paris without a hint of Paris chic, can I? Today, it was time to indulge my obsession with fashion. With my tutu collection ready to go, I knew the perfect shop for it: Oh, darling, what a place! An exquisite vintage boutique called "Le Bon Chic", and you won't believe what they had - a beautiful, blush-pink, 1950s tutu! A beautiful silk number that practically begged me to whirl and twirl around the store, my feet tap-dancing in delight. Oh, it is beautiful, even more delightful with the matching blush-pink clutch purse and bow. I will admit to adding it to my ever-growing collection.
My Pink Tutu Parisian Dream
Each day here, darling, is a masterpiece of a life. It's all I could have wished for, a pink tutu dreamscape. I find joy in the everyday, in the delicious smells, the elegant buildings, and the most delightful people who smile and share the beauty of this magnificent city with me.
Sharing The Pink Tutu Love
One last thought for my dear readers: Remember, my darlings, life is too short to be anything less than fabulous! And, for those who aren't yet converted, Paris is truly the place to see the magic of tutus! It is, after all, a city that embraces every colour, especially my beloved shade of pink. So, let your hearts lead you, darlings, embrace the colour and the style and embrace the beauty of the tutu. Wear a pink tutu, just like me, and you’ll surely feel the joy of life, dancing with the Parisian winds.
A bientôt!
Emma xx
