#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2008-02-23 Exploring Paris

Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, fresh off the EuroStar and ready to paint Paris pink, one tutu at a time! This week's blog takes you on a whirlwind tour of a magical Saturday spent in the City of Lights. As always, be prepared for lots of pink, some tutus (of course!), and the sheer joy of embracing everything fabulous!

Remember how I mentioned my latest fundraising performance at the Derby Theatre last week was a smashing success? Well, the proceeds were just enough to get me across the Channel to my beloved Paris! The journey was as magical as always. I settled into a plush carriage on the EuroStar, dreaming of macarons and beautiful boutiques while enjoying the countryside scenery flitting by.

Now, a quick recap for my new followers: this blog, www.pink-tutu.com, documents my adventures through the lens of a ballerina's love for fashion, performance, and all things girly. Each Saturday, I take you with me on my travels, documenting my experiences and, of course, sharing my sartorial delights. I hope to inspire you to embrace your inner ballerina and live life to the fullest, just as I do, in a whirl of tulle and a touch of pink.

This weekend, my dear readers, I've planned a Parisian ballet-tastic escapade. My trusty notebook, my trusty pink tutu, and my trusty camera are all packed. Let's begin our Parisian adventures!

Saturday morning arrived with a sunshine-filled Parisian sky, and I decided to begin my explorations in the heart of the Marais district. A charming neighborhood brimming with history, I love to stroll its cobbled streets, peeking into quaint cafes and art galleries. Today was all about immersing myself in Parisian charm, so a delightful café au lait at a traditional brasserie was a must. It wouldn't be Paris without a generous dose of café culture, would it?

Later, the Marais district wouldn't be complete without some Parisian shopping. The shops here have the most divine treasures, each one more tempting than the last! A beautifully patterned scarf, a pair of vintage shoes that just scream "Parisian chic," and a small but stunning floral headpiece later, my shopping bag was overflowing with joy and style.

Outfit of the Day:

For my Saturday stroll, I chose a light pink ballerina-inspired outfit - a billowing pale pink skirt, a delicate white top, and a blush-coloured cardigan. Of course, the pièce de résistance was a pink tulle tutu layered over the skirt, adding a playful, yet sophisticated touch to my look. I paired this with some cherry red ballet pumps and my signature blush pink beret. Let's just say, Paris was already swooning!

Lunchtime beckoned with an insatiable appetite for the city's culinary delights. It's impossible to talk about Parisian adventures without mentioning food, especially when it's as glorious as this. My tummy couldn't resist a traditional "croque monsieur" with a side of crisp French fries, all washed down with a chilled glass of apple juice. Mmm, heavenly!

Lunch Tip: The croque monsieur is a must-try, but if you want to venture outside your comfort zone, the Marais also offers some of the city's most exceptional bakeries. The pastries are a must, especially if you are a lover of flakey buttery delights.

The real highlight of my day, however, was an afternoon ballet performance at the exquisite Palais Garnier. The magnificent building is truly breathtaking! With its golden embellishments, opulent chandeliers, and lavish velvet seats, I felt like I had stepped straight into a ballet storybook. I was lucky enough to see a performance of "La Sylphide," a romantic ballet about love, dreams, and, of course, beautiful tutus!

As the performance unfolded, the ballerina's movements filled me with awe. The graceful leaps, the elegant pirouettes, the powerful yet controlled movements - it was absolutely magical! And as the dancers whirled across the stage in their flowing tulle skirts, I found myself smiling along, captivated by the story and the sheer beauty of it all. Even the most casual observer wouldn't be able to resist the enchantment of ballet, and the Palais Garnier was the perfect venue to witness this magic firsthand.

My evening in Paris began with a delightful stroll through the charming streets of Saint Germain-des-Pres. The ambiance was effortlessly stylish, with every window filled with Parisian chic – think designer boutiques, quirky bookstores, and chic cafes that seem to whisper secrets of Parisian fashion. As a lover of all things glamorous, I couldn't resist stepping into a few boutiques.

Later that evening, I was determined to catch a show at the iconic Moulin Rouge. It is a cabaret that needs no introduction. As I arrived, my heart skipped a beat. The dazzling red windmill was glowing brightly, beckoning me towards a night of dazzling entertainment. I took a moment to admire the façade, with its bold red and white colours and glittering lights. It was the epitome of Parisian glamour and I couldn't wait to experience the magic within.

Outfit of the Evening:

For the Moulin Rouge, I chose a dramatic and slightly edgy black and pink outfit. I wore a short black tulle dress adorned with pink satin ribbons. To add a touch of whimsy and sparkle, I added a pink sequined shrug with my favourite pink tutu peaking out underneath, a touch of pink for this legendary spot, of course. I felt ready for a night of fun, dancing, and sparkling lights.

The show itself was a visual spectacle, filled with vibrant costumes, stunning sets, and a whirlwind of energy. The can-can girls, in their elaborate feather boas and glittery costumes, were mesmerizing! And let’s not forget the handsome performers with their daring stunts and charismatic stage presence! It was an unforgettable night, filled with laughter, dancing, and the infectious joy of the Moulin Rouge's legendary performance.

I discovered an unexpected similarity between ballet and cabaret performances: the heart of each lay in the artistic skill, expression, and captivating energy of the performers. They share a desire to tell stories and transport the audience to a magical world of fantasy and beauty.

After a whirlwind Saturday in the city of love and lights, I returned to my little Parisian hotel room with a contented smile. It's a soothing exhaustion that comes after an enchanting day filled with artistic wonders, cultural discoveries, and just the right amount of shopping. Every moment of this trip has been infused with magic, just as I imagined.

Before drifting off to sleep, I glanced at the mirror and couldn't help but smile. I was dressed in my travel pyjamas, a comfortable white silk nightshirt topped off, you guessed it, with a delicate pink tutu. I guess there's no escaping my love for tutus, even when I’m travelling to another continent! I'll leave you with a little wish, my lovely readers: that one day you will experience Paris with the same excitement and wonder that fills my heart whenever I visit.

And, until next Saturday, my Parisian adventure continues... but I must admit, my mind already wanders back to the ballet performances, the stunning fashion boutiques, and the charm of Paris' enchanting streets. It's clear, Paris is calling me back, and I know I will be back soon! But until then, keep twirling, keep dancing, and keep spreading your love for the beauty in every corner of the world. And, don’t forget to keep wearing pink tutus. Au revoir, mes chères amies!