Bonjour from the City of Lights, my darling tutu wearers!
Emma here, back with another Parisian adventure from my pink-hued corner of the world. This week, I took the plunge and hopped on the Eurostar, which feels just as fabulous as a trip to Disneyland - except instead of rides and characters, I'm surrounded by fashion, pastries, and art! Honestly, Paris feels like stepping into one of my favourite ballet scenes. It's a beautiful whirlwind of romance, artistry, and sheer, unadulterated magic!
My last post was all about packing for this trip – yes, there’s always space for a tutu, no matter the luggage situation! But the journey here was something else entirely. The Eurostar is, frankly, the ultimate pink tutu dream come true. I mean, who doesn't love whizzing through tunnels in a streamlined, glamorous train? Honestly, it makes taking the tube back home to Derbyshire feel like stepping into a dull and dusty scene.
Paris itself is even more exciting than the journey. It's truly the ultimate tutu wonderland! The streets are paved with cobblestones that make you feel like you're pirouetting down a stage, the buildings are majestic and imposing like a royal ballet academy, and even the air seems infused with the scent of jasmine and…well, pink – maybe that's just me, but Paris has a way of making you see the world through a slightly rose-tinted lens.
Now, this past week has been packed with absolutely delightful Parisian adventures. As you all know, I'm a massive fan of anything and everything that brings me to the ballet. So, my schedule has been crammed with:
Monday: Ballet at the Opera Garnier – Imagine a building more spectacular than Buckingham Palace, only with plush red seats, balconies with a panoramic view, and the most graceful ballerinas performing a Swan Lake that simply blew me away. Even the lighting and music created an otherworldly experience. Seriously, I think I've found a new obsession in this Opera house. I am planning a full review of this show for next week.
Tuesday: "Palais Garnier – Un Opéra En Images" at Musée Carnavalet - To understand how the iconic Garnier Opera came to be, this exhibition was perfect. Seeing its initial concept through plans and early pictures allowed me to really appreciate its beauty, not just as a venue, but as a vision from a talented architect, Charles Garnier. This whole "behind-the-scenes" peek really brought the building to life. It felt like peering into the mind of a genius.
Wednesday: Shopping along the Champs-Élysées – The fashion scene in Paris is as fabulous as I hoped for. It's like a symphony of designers and colours all set against the stunning backdrop of iconic architecture and cafe terraces. My wallet cried a little, but that's just a minor inconvenience when you're in fashion heaven! The little shops tucked away off the main drag held gems that the high street just doesn't do. From beautifully hand-painted silk scarves that would look spectacular with my ballet dresses to intricate brooches, to the most gorgeous cashmere and lace that could easily become my next ballerina costume...
Thursday: Walking Tour in the Montmartre district – It was an adventure from start to finish! I was mesmerised by the architecture and the quaint little cafes, each with their own charming atmosphere. Montmartre has this beautiful Bohemian spirit – all cobblestone paths leading up to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of the hill. The area has an incredible historical resonance. This district seems to attract creative people – maybe they feel that artistic spark emanating from the energy of the place. I felt like I was right back in a magical film – the views from up there were * breathtaking* and well worth the walk. This day reminded me of that special kind of magic that just happens when you’re in Paris.
Friday: Catching a Moulin Rouge performance - Okay, I'll admit, I've never seen such a dazzling cabaret show. You're surrounded by flamboyant costumes, shimmering lights, and even the audience is full of glitz and glamour. While the Parisian can-can is definitely not a traditional ballet performance, it still felt connected to a stage production, with so many talented performers. And *the feathers! * I could imagine myself performing in a similar style. The Moulin Rouge is everything you’d hope for and more – it’s like stepping into a theatrical fairy-tale. I have a sneaky feeling that, given my fondness for everything theatrical, this will not be my only visit.
Saturday Catching a show and shopping in the Marais district - You've all been begging for it – my Parisian tutu shopping finds. The Marais district felt a bit more modern in style and a little quieter than the Champs-Élysées, although it's still utterly Parisian in its elegant flair. The vintage shops around here felt like I had walked straight into a 1930s ballet costume storage room! They have such delicate and intricate garments - everything from silk dresses that I could wear right away, to satin shrugs that will be adapted for my next costume project! It really gives me an understanding of how timeless, elegant, and stylish fashion was decades ago. The Marais, in my opinion, is a hidden gem - its got that "I-have-discovered-something-special" kind of vibe.
I'm not just exploring this city, I'm falling in love with every nook and cranny. The bakeries offer incredible pastries, the streets feel as welcoming as a Parisian cafe, and the air is filled with the soft melody of music and laughter.
You know what's absolutely enchanting about Paris? The city's romance is not just in the iconic landmarks. It's the atmosphere, that undeniable feeling that this city makes you want to feel like the star of your own fairy tale, dancing across Parisian streets.
So, while I continue my tutu-tastic journey, I can’t wait to tell you all about my experiences in my next blog post – which will focus on the incredible ballet academy, l’École de Danse de l’Opéra National de Paris, in which I managed to secure a spot in an adult class! (Did you ever think I’d get a chance to train in the home of ballet) You can also expect photos of some gorgeous pink-tutu finds that I couldn't leave without!
And my dear pink-tutu followers, I know I’m always urging you to embrace the tutu. This week I think my message is “Embrace the Parisian within you!”. You're just one dance move away from turning your world into a pink tutu-filled fairy-tale. Believe in the magic and dance your heart out, whether you're waltzing across cobblestone streets, pirouetting around a crowded metro station, or gliding through a bustling market. Because life's too short to be anything but beautiful and vibrant.
Until next time, darling tutu wearers. Keep your tutus sparkling and your spirits high!
Love always, Emma xx
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