Hello lovelies, and welcome to my Paris blog! Today's the 6th of July, and my feet are practically dancing with excitement - I've finally arrived in the City of Lights! It’s such a dream come true to be here, the streets are buzzing with life, and I already feel utterly inspired.
But first, let’s talk about the journey. From Derbyshire, it was a super smooth Eurostar ride, I’ve got to say, the train journey itself is an absolute adventure. It's just so civilised - you relax, you read, maybe even have a little snooze. I had my trusty pink travel bag full of all the essentials, of course: my ballerina bag (you’d be surprised what you can fit in a ballet bag!) my portable ballet barre, and of course, a backup pink tutu – just in case!
Upon arriving in Gare du Nord, my senses went into overdrive! The energy of Paris is contagious, the city has a charm all of its own, and everyone looks effortlessly chic. And did I mention the FOOD?! Honestly, pastries and crêpes everywhere - heaven on earth!
Now, the main reason I’m here, besides my unwavering passion for croissants (okay, I'll admit it, pastries are a big draw), is for the absolutely mind-blowing ballet scene! Tonight I'm off to see La Bayadère at the Palais Garnier. The setting for Phantom of the Opera, this grand opera house is one of the most famous in the world and you're basically transported to another world when you're inside, I can’t wait! My pink tutu is already packed and ready for the ultimate ballerina soirée. I've been practising my fouetté and arabesque all week in anticipation. I mean, there's nothing quite like ballet under the glittering Parisian lights, eh?
Before we head to the opera house though, we must explore! The Rue de Rivoli is calling! Imagine streets lined with beautiful shops filled with designer clothes and shoes... It’s every fashionista’s paradise! A good, old-fashioned Parisian fashion splurge is in order, you know? Pink tutu girl just has to get her fashion fix. After all, the tutu look needs a proper wardrobe to work with, wouldn't you agree?
My day isn't over yet, so follow along for the exciting (and most likely very pink) adventures to come. We've got ballet, fashion, maybe a croissant or two... What more could you ask for?
Until next Saturday, keep twirling and don’t forget to check back in for my next Pink Tutu Blog Paris post!
Bisous! Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Pink Tutu Adventures in Paris(The blog continues below)
Day 1 in Paris
Okay, let's get this Parisian party started! I started the morning with a walk around my lovely hotel, just a stone’s throw from the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. The basilica was truly magnificent, an epic view of Paris - I can't believe I managed to climb all those steps in a tutu! Thankfully, the wind was kind today and kept my tutu swirling gracefully, I must say.
After my mini-photo shoot (because you know, everything is more beautiful in Paris and every moment must be captured!) I found myself lost in the world of Parisian shops. One minute I'm at the Place Vendôme, a truly fabulous and elegant area in Paris with designer shops as far as the eye can see, and then suddenly I'm walking past charming cafes, where I stopped for an amazing croissant, followed by a divine, oh-so-pink macaroon! Paris really knows how to win you over!
*(Emma adds a series of photos: A picture of Emma posing by the Sacre-Coeur Basilica with a pink tutu in full glory, her holding a giant pink macaroon, another showing Emma outside a grand shop on Rue de Rivoli. ) *
It was time for my ultimate treat – ballet class! I had a wonderful hour with the most talented instructor I've ever met at the Opera Garnier Ballet School, where they also have classes for professionals, but also the option for aspiring ballerinas like myself! Let me tell you, even though my tutu was soaked in sweat, that lesson made my whole week! Ballet in Paris feels so different! It’s not just a class, it’s an experience, everything feels more... magical here.
Parisian Night
(Emma adds a photo of her, wearing a stunning blue and pink sequined dress, about to head to the Palais Garnier)
I'm going to have to confess that even in the excitement of this whole Parisian extravaganza, the Palais Garnier stole the show. My word! This is an actual, true life fairy tale palace - it is spectacular, the architecture, the decor, just a triumph of beautiful.
La Bayadère was as fabulous as it sounds - beautiful costumes, graceful choreography. I practically felt my inner ballerina swoon. And the grand finale? A flurry of twirling ballerinas and an amazing firework display - I almost cried with joy!
Paris, you've really spoilt me. I'm already starting to plan my next visit. I'll have to start saving up some pink pennies.
*Saturday's Parisian Shopping Adventures *
It's a sunny Saturday, and Paris is bursting with life. Today, the pink tutu girl is on a shopping spree! First stop - the Galeries Lafayette! This magnificent store feels like a giant doll’s house, a dream for a true ballerina like myself! Everything is exquisite, sparkling, beautiful and... oh, yes, pink, I discovered a darling pink fluffy tutu. Oh, how I want to add that to my collection!
Then, of course, there was the most beautiful, enchanting ballet boutique tucked away in a quiet side street. This was ballet paradise. Imagine tutus as far as the eye can see - each one a masterpiece, each one with a story. There are so many stories, dreams and feelings in tutus - so many emotions. My inner ballerina went absolutely crazy, so, you know, I just had to get a couple (or a few) of my absolute favorite tutu beauties!
*(Emma adds photos: A picture of the inside of a ballet shop. Emma is wearing a fluffy, full pink tutu, twirling in the center of the shop. ) *
Of course, a shopping trip isn't complete without indulging in some French treats, wouldn't you agree? So I popped into a lovely Parisian bakery on rue de Rivoli. A delicate slice of apricot tart and a cup of delicious tea? Yes please, merci beaucoup!
But wait, there's more! Tonight, we have a date with a fantastic show, A Chorus Line. The Paris stage productions are always brilliant - full of talented artists and singers! The tutus are ready and I'm ready for a night of music and glamour. I've just found the perfect outfit, oh so pretty! (a photo is posted with Emma in her new pink dress with glittery details - absolutely glamour!).
Oh, what a week it has been - what will Paris have in store for me tomorrow? You'll have to wait until next week's Pink Tutu Blog for the exciting revelations!
Until then, keep twirling, and remember: life's always brighter in a pink tutu!
Bisous!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
