Bonjour mes amis! It’s Saturday morning and Emma from the Pink Tutu is writing to you from Paris, the city of lights, fashion and… yes, you guessed it! Ballet! I’ve just finished my second cup of strong black coffee, a treat I only allow myself when I'm on holiday, and am sat here gazing out the window at the Eiffel Tower – you simply can't beat the view from my hotel window!
It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours of Parisian magic and I am just bubbling with excitement about all the things I’ve seen and experienced. So, grab a cuppa (or maybe even a glass of bubbly, if you're feeling Parisian), settle into your favourite armchair and let’s delve into a week of pink tutu Parisian fun!
The Eurostar AdventureI’m getting very used to zipping between countries on the Eurostar. It's so chic, and there’s something about the anticipation that builds up as you race through the countryside, knowing the magic of Paris awaits just on the other side. The Eurostar never fails to bring back those childhood daydreams about princesses and palaces – though, of course, I much prefer to travel in a fabulous pink tutu than a traditional princess dress!
This week, I actually spotted another pink tutu on the Eurostar, so I struck up a conversation. Turns out it was a young lady travelling with her ballet school. There was so much excitement on board! We chatted about shows, the ballet competition they were on their way to, and about all things tutus! A wonderful surprise and a good sign, I reckon! Let's face it, there can't be enough people rocking tutus around the world!
A Ballerina's Dream in ParisNow, you all know how much I adore a ballet show, and this trip was no exception. We’ve got such amazing theatre companies and ballerinas here in Britain, but there’s something so incredibly special about watching ballet in Paris, The Opera Garnier is quite simply magical, a breathtaking masterpiece, a jewel box filled with dreams! The air buzzes with excitement as you step into this architectural masterpiece, and it’s quite a privilege to be able to see it at all, but it’s even more special to see a performance within its walls.
On this particular Friday night, I treated myself to the most elegant and elegant and graceful production of Swan Lake – Oh my goodness, I was simply spellbound! The artistry of the ballerinas and their ability to glide with such effortless precision simply blew my mind. And of course, I can't forget the majestic Tchaikovsky score - I must admit, a tear or two escaped. There is something so emotive and captivating about watching a world-class performance of this beautiful and heartbreaking tale.
Paris - A Shopping Paradise!Now, I can’t come to Paris without mentioning the shopping, because let’s face it, the city is a shopaholic's paradise! Oh, how I love discovering treasures amidst Parisian streets! From high-end designer boutiques to charming vintage stores and quirky independent shops – I am like a little girl in a candy shop! I can't resist exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of Parisian shopping – discovering one-of-a-kind pieces to add to my ever-growing collection. There's so much beautiful Parisian style inspiration out there and a good amount of those vintage clothes are practically begging for a good pink tutu!
This time, my purchases included a vintage French broach (the most beautiful design of swirling birds!), a pair of adorable ballet flats in the prettiest pink imaginable (naturally!) and a few delightful little items from a vintage hat shop. Of course, a pink beret is essential Parisian attire and I found a true vintage treasure – oh so chic with its fluffy pink plume! I can’t wait to get my photos taken with this little beauty at a classic Parisian cafe.
A Parisian Picnic Under the Eiffel TowerNo Parisian trip is complete without a picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower, so we (that's me, mum, and my little sister, Sophie) packed up our picnic basket with crusty bread, cheese, grapes and fresh strawberries and a little French bubbly to make things extra special.
The air was crisp and filled with laughter, and the city lights were just starting to twinkle around us as we feasted beneath this iconic landmark. Topped off with my bright pink picnic blanket and a whole lot of happy chattering, this turned out to be one of my most favourite moments of the trip!
Back to Reality – But Never Without My Tutu!Although Paris was a dream come true and a fabulous opportunity to add more magical memories to the Pink Tutu story, I am so ready to get back into my comfy clothes. (I’ve certainly spent far too long in elegant heels this trip!) And, of course, I'm excited about a good week back to dancing classes! My ballet performances are a huge part of funding my travel adventures, so I need to keep those toes and body in tip top shape. And, for any of you aspiring dancers, you might just see a pink tutu on the dance floor - let's all get into it, shall we?
It’s wonderful to see the tutu movement really spreading! If we all channel our inner ballerina with a bit of fun and fashion, I’m certain that a little dose of pink tutus can brighten up the world! Until next week – Stay fabulous!
Emma xo
www.pink-tutu.com
