Oh la la, my darlings! Emma here, writing to you from the magical city of Paris, where the air smells of freshly baked croissants and the sound of accordion music fills the streets. This weekend has been nothing short of a fairytale, so buckle up your ballet shoes and grab a cuppa, because you're in for a treat!
For those of you who don't know me, I'm Emma, a ballet dancer from Derbyshire who happens to have a bit of a pink obsession (if you haven't guessed from the name of my blog!), and a rather large collection of tutus (no surprise there!). Every Saturday I share my adventures in pink with you lovely lot, and this week I'm taking you with me to the most romantic city on earth.
My journey began on Thursday, boarding the sleek Eurostar train at St. Pancras International in London, with my favourite pink cashmere travel blanket snuggled around me. Honestly, is there a better way to travel than on a high-speed train, with the wind whistling through your hair (well, maybe except for travelling on a swan, but we'll save that for another post!)?
By Friday evening, I had arrived at the heart of Paris, checked into my charming little hotel, complete with a balcony overlooking a bustling cafe. It was pure magic, like stepping into a scene from a Parisian film!
A Day at the Palais Garnier:
The main reason for my Paris adventure, of course, was to immerse myself in the world of ballet! I had heard wonderful things about the Palais Garnier, and let me tell you, the rumours are true! This grand, opulent building is breathtaking, every inch a testament to the beauty and power of the art form.
My heart skipped a beat as I entered the auditorium, awash in golden light and sparkling chandeliers. The air thrummed with anticipation, a feeling that only comes with knowing you're about to witness something truly special.
And special it was! The show was a dazzling mix of traditional ballets and modern interpretations, each performance infused with such raw emotion and breathtaking technique. The dancers were like poetry in motion, their movements flowing seamlessly, their energy contagious. It left me with a profound sense of joy and awe.
A Parisian Ballet Lesson
It wouldn't be a proper Pink Tutu Paris blog post without mentioning ballet class! Now, my darlings, it may surprise you to know that Paris has some of the most amazing ballet schools in the world. So, naturally, I couldn't leave without sampling the local scene!
Imagine a bright, sun-drenched studio, filled with the sweet scent of old wooden floors and a hint of sweat. There were dancers of all ages, shapes and sizes, each radiating passion and determination. My teacher was a charming, no-nonsense French lady, who took me through some classic ballet exercises, always ensuring perfect posture and graceful movements.
For a whole hour, I felt completely at ease, swept away by the beauty and rhythm of the steps. It was a reminder of the joy of movement, of letting your body speak a language understood by all.
Shopping for Parisian Chic
No trip to Paris would be complete without indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Now, you all know I have a weakness for a fabulous dress and an even greater weakness for anything pink. But even with my love of the colour, Paris proved to be an absolute paradise.
From vintage boutiques to designer ateliers, I wandered the charming streets of Le Marais and Saint Germain des Près, a tutu trailing behind me like a cloud of pink chiffon.
I must say, I managed to resist the temptation to buy everything in sight. However, I did find some exquisite additions to my wardrobe, including a delicate lace top in pale pink, a silk scarf patterned with a beautiful ballet dancer motif, and a stunning pair of fuchsia pumps.
I swear, you haven't truly experienced Paris until you've walked along the Seine in the golden light of sunset, clutching a pink bag filled with fashion treasures!
French Food and Treats:
I know, I know, you must be wondering, "Emma, have you even mentioned the food yet?!"
Oh darling, you're right! Food in Paris is a true feast for the senses! From perfectly-cooked steaks and melt-in-your-mouth pastries to the most decadent hot chocolate, it's all divine. I made a point to try classic Parisian treats, like macarons (pink ones, naturally!), crepes filled with sweet and savoury goodness, and delicate little eclairs that vanished in a flash. I must confess, I also indulged in my fair share of baguettes with creamy goat cheese, and every single one was heavenly.
The Parisian Spirit
But more than the exquisite food, the luxurious shops, or even the stunning ballet performances, it was the spirit of Paris that stole my heart. This city is alive with a certain je ne sais quoi - a charm and a sophistication that radiates from every cobbled street corner, from the cafes spilling out onto the sidewalks, from the conversations overheard in hushed French tones.
Everywhere I looked, I saw the echoes of history and art. The magnificent architecture, the captivating museums, the stories whispered by the ancient stones - they all added a layer of depth and magic to the already enchanting city.
To the Future, in Pink!
So, as my trip to Paris comes to an end, I leave with a suitcase filled with pink treasures and a heart overflowing with happy memories. But the spirit of this incredible city, the romance, the magic, the Parisian joie de vivre - it will stay with me long after I return home to Derbyshire.
Until next week, my lovely readers! And remember, never be afraid to wear a pink tutu, no matter where you are!
Bisous,
Emma xx
Don't forget to follow my Pink Tutu Paris adventure on my website: www.pink-tutu.com. You can also find me on Instagram @pinktutuemma!
