Bonjour, my darlings!
This week, it's all about Paris, oh là là! This beautiful city, the city of lights, the city of fashion, the city of...well, you know. It just feels extra special, doesn't it?
Anyway, I'm writing this from a cosy cafe, with a delicious hot chocolate and a pain au chocolat, just after arriving on the EuroStar from my lovely home in Derbyshire. For those of you who are new here, I'm Emma, your resident pink-tutu wearing, ballet-obsessed, fashion-loving traveller. This blog, #PinkTutuBlogParis, is where I share my love for the world, one pink tutu at a time. This is my sixth Paris post, (#680 in my overall blog) - there's something truly special about this city.
As usual, the EuroStar journey was pure joy. I always travel in style, naturally. Imagine this: my trusty pink suitcase, overflowing with tutus (and, let's be honest, a fair amount of pink clothing, a girl has to have options, right?) sitting neatly on the luggage rack above, while I sit down in a plush seat, my favourite travel book – "The Ballet Book" by Barbara Newmark – in hand, looking like the perfect mix of fashion and ballet.
I always feel so glamorous on a train journey, but you'll have to forgive me - there is no photographic evidence, alas, my camera wasn’t with me during the train journey, and wouldn’t you know it, my trusty phone decided it needed to have a break at the most inconvenient time (a problem I later found was just a loose wire, phew!)
It was worth it, though. Now I'm here, standing on Parisian streets, and I swear, everything just seems a bit more magical. And that smell! Is it just me or is the air in Paris scented with delicious bread and a hint of Parisian perfume? There is definitely something very special about this place, especially with the New Year feeling in the air.
Fashion, Shopping, & Oh-So-Pink Paris
Now, if you know me, you know that the first thing I did was head to a cafe, yes. And after a spot of tea and a piece of cake, it was time for some serious shopping. After all, Paris is a shopping paradise!
I spent the rest of the day exploring the Left Bank, with its charming shops and boutiques, my shopping list a mile long. Let me tell you, it was almost too much to handle, especially in my beautiful new polka dot pink dress - a real Parisian find from the Rue de Rivoli. The best thing is I was able to wear a little bit of ballet in my new shopping adventure.
Think delicate silk scarves, hand-painted handbags, the perfect little pink beret (I know, so chic!), a new ballet-inspired chiffon top (because every ballerina needs to be comfortable while looking amazing). I swear, every shop seemed to be calling my name. This place was like a dream.
As always, there was pink everywhere - in the chic window displays, on the ladies in their stylish coats, and of course, on my very own adorable tutu (I got a couple of new tutus, because one can never have enough, right? This is the time of the year for festive tutu dresses!) I just had to make a note to buy a few extra tutus to send to friends. Don't worry, everyone. I'll make sure to share photos of all my finds - and a special "pink-tutu-themed" outfit-of-the-day photo shoot - soon.
Let's Talk Ballet
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without experiencing its breathtaking ballet scene. Luckily for me, tonight, the famous Opéra Garnier is hosting the Ballets Russes, an unbelievable display of talent that is leaving me speechless. Just the thought of seeing so much incredible dancing is setting me on fire! I'm going to see one of my favourite ballet stars, Sergei Polunin, performing the piece The Dying Swan.
You all know how much I love watching ballet shows (and of course, performing!), but let’s be honest - there is something really special about seeing these professional dancers move. You'd think the stage could burn under the passion of the choreography, and I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, since the audience has a fire in their eyes!
And did you know that tomorrow, the Centre National de la Danse is offering an "open class" day - perfect for those who want to discover the world of ballet or for the dedicated ballerinas, like myself. I know what I will be doing tomorrow... a dance-tastic session!
Life as a Ballerina & the Power of Pink
Sometimes, I wish I could wear my pink tutu everywhere. Like I imagine being the only ballerina on the Eurostar train or a pink-tutu-clad woman shopping in Paris. I know a pink tutu doesn’t exactly scream ‘business’ but what if I decided to wear one in a formal business meeting or on a date?
I know my family loves seeing my tutus in all their glorious pinkness. I just wish more people had the confidence to let loose their inner ballerina!
Remember, everyone - whether you’re in Paris, London, or any other corner of the world - wear pink, wear tutus, and live your dreams! Life is short and meant to be filled with happiness.
See you all next week - same time, same place - with a brand new, pinktastic Parisian adventure waiting for you!
*Follow me on www.pink-tutu.com every Saturday to experience life through the eyes of a pink-tutu wearing ballerina. *
