Bonjour from Paris, mon chérie! 💖
Well, here I am in Paris, the city of lights, the city of love, the city of...tutus?! 🩰 That's right, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! This week, Emma the Ballerina is dancing her way through the streets of Paris, and guess what? They totally get it here.
This is my 275th post for the Pink Tutu Blog, and I have to say, it's getting a little addictive sharing my Parisian adventures with you all. You wouldn't believe the amount of compliments I've received on my latest tutu. It's a stunning shade of rose pink, and even the pigeons seem to appreciate its ethereal charm. (They didn't eat my macarons though... not this time!)
From Derbyshire to Paris via the EuroStar: A Fairy Tale in Pink
So, as many of you know, my travel fund comes entirely from my performances. This week, it was a little dance I did for a local charity gala. They loved it! I even had to give a couple of encore performances – bless them! Anyway, I booked my tickets for the EuroStar (you can't beat that luxurious carriage and delicious food, even in first class!), packed my trusty pink backpack with a few tutu-matching outfits, a portable sewing machine just in case, and my signature pink lip gloss.
The journey was truly magical. I can't tell you how much I love those high-speed train rides. It's a real spectacle watching the English countryside gradually give way to the elegant, charming landscapes of France. I found myself lost in thought, imagining all the wonderful things I was going to see and experience.
A Pink Tutu Paradise
Paris! I can’t help but sigh contentedly just saying the word. As soon as the train pulled into Gare du Nord, I could already feel the energy of this incredible city pulsing through my veins. It's not hard to find inspiration here, especially for a ballerina with a passion for pink and tulle. From the iconic Eiffel Tower (and who doesn't adore it in all its wrought-iron glory?) to the Louvre with its intricate art, to the cobbled streets buzzing with life... there’s an element of beauty everywhere you look!
My first order of business: finding the perfect boulangerie to get my daily dose of those heavenly croissants. Let's face it, I wouldn't be able to manage a single plié in these heels without them! I ended up in a charming little patisserie just off the Champs-Élysées – perfect for people-watching and feeling a little bit fancy, just like a Parisian!
Saturday Splendour in Pink
As you all know, I like to take full advantage of a Parisian Saturday. My mission today was a triple threat: art, fashion, and (of course) a spectacular show. The Louvre's just a hop and a skip from my hotel, so after that delightful pastry I ventured through the galleries, soaking in all those classic masterpieces. The "Mona Lisa" always brings a touch of drama, wouldn't you say?
But the most stunning exhibition this week is the "Le Bal du Monde" at the Musée Carnavalet. It showcases the history of Paris through the eyes of fashion. My head is spinning from the beautiful dresses, and the ornate ballroom costumes had me dreaming of grand waltzes. It's an absolutely gorgeous exhibition – if you’re in Paris this weekend, you simply must see it.
Speaking of dances, I saw the most amazing performance at the Theatre des Champs-Élysées this evening! "Swan Lake" never disappoints, and this production was spectacular. The sets, the costumes, the music - simply phenomenal. I found myself swept up in the drama of the story and left in a daze of ballet-induced joy.
Parisian Shopping Spree – A tutu-tastic treat!
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to some of the iconic department stores, so today I took a whirl around Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. It’s always a treat to soak in the opulence and the beautiful displays, not to mention the fantastic selection of dresses and shoes. My Parisian wardrobe definitely needs an update, and it seems these stores are filled with an abundance of tulle and pink. Could there be a better place for a ballerina to shop?
I confess I splurged a bit, treating myself to some gorgeous new shoes – imagine ballet flats in pale pink with the most delicate detailing! I couldn’t resist, especially after finding the perfect, almost vintage, rose pink handbag to match! Now, a shopping spree always inspires me to put a bit of that Parisian flair into my next tutu design. Watch this space, because this ballerina’s ready for a brand new creation.
Final thoughts
My dearest tutu-lovers, this is a trip I won't be forgetting any time soon! Paris truly has it all: beauty, history, glamour, and, most importantly, an atmosphere of sheer joie de vivre. My time here has been nothing short of delightful, and I’m already scheming for my next visit. After all, there's always more to explore and discover.
Keep spreading the pink, everyone!
Love, Emma the Ballerina x
P.S. Check out www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive Parisian fashion finds! 😉
Toodles!