#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2015-03-07 Exploring Paris

Hello, darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the City of Lights! Yes, it's true, I finally made it to Paris! My heart is doing a pirouette just thinking about it, and I haven't even started exploring properly yet.

I love Paris. I’ve dreamt of visiting it for so long, and I've always adored its history and beauty - oh, and of course, its amazing fashion. Let's be honest, a tutu-wearing fashionista like myself just has to visit! And who can resist a chance to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling with twinkling lights?

Getting to Paris was as much fun as I expected. My journey started on a bright, breezy morning in Derbyshire. After my usual morning ballet warm-up and a cuppa (can't be too fancy with the caffeine, it gets me moving!), I jumped into a taxi to the station.

I felt such excitement buzzing in the air. I had butterflies in my stomach - you know the feeling, you just want to get on that train and be whisked away to the next adventure! It felt so wonderful to be embarking on a trip to Paris.

I hopped onto the Eurostar, and as I travelled through the channel tunnel, I started thinking about the amazing ballet performances I had been doing lately. Thanks to my ballet work, I managed to save up enough money to pay for this trip. You can see why I say that all good things start with a little prance! I had my first paid ballet performance in London a couple of weeks ago - performing at the Royal Opera House was just spectacular. It was an absolute dream come true!

For me, the excitement of travel really begins on the train. My perfect journey includes some gorgeous scenery and some time for a bit of a read and people-watching, maybe with a glass of water and a pastry if I'm feeling peckish. There’s something so calming about watching the landscape glide past the windows and I love seeing all the little details on the faces of other travellers, dreaming of their own destinations. It really is magical!

I’m a bit of a stickler for the rules, especially when it comes to travel. And it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu blog post without mentioning the fashion! I couldn't resist rocking my pink tutu with a floral dress. I'm sure you're already aware of how much I adore all things pink, and I'm determined to make pink tutus the hottest accessory, no matter where I am.

This week, it’s the pink tutu and a pair of elegant white ballerinas, plus my favourite floral print sundress. I'm determined to inspire some Parisians with my personal style - a splash of colour and a dash of ballet magic, all topped off with my pink tutu.

Well, I have just enough time to finish my tea and settle into a comfy seat at the window.

Ooh, the train is about to arrive at Gare du Nord, it's my first proper glimpse of Paris. Oh, it’s truly magnifique! Everything seems so glamorous.

Right, I must go!

See you soon, my dear readers, when I reveal the amazing ballet performance I’m planning to see here in Paris - I'm talking grand opera house, a magnificent stage, the smell of popcorn, and the beautiful costumes...

I've got to get changed! This fabulous trip demands a fabulous outfit, of course!

Lots of love, Emma

Morning, everyone! Today is another busy one! I spent the last few hours strolling the streets of Paris, with a perfect Parisian coffee and croissant. I feel like I’ve stepped into one of those iconic, romantic Parisian films. Everything seems charming and elegant, the Parisian charm has got me all flustered - I even have a croissant crumbs on my tutu right now - it is an unforgivable crime for a tutu lover!

Today I’m heading to see a fantastic Ballet show called ‘La Bayadère’, with its stunning story of love, intrigue and loss.

And then it’s on to a Parisian favourite – some shopping in Le Marais! I can’t resist browsing the stores, it’s such a feast for my eyes.

This evening, I’m having a delicious, very Parisian dinner and I’ve got a table reserved in a restaurant in the Latin Quarter. You know how I love a beautiful view and delicious food - you really can’t go wrong with a delicious French meal, and, with all that ballet practice, I’ve got a serious appetite.

But for now, time for breakfast - my Parisian breakfast of choice is freshly baked bread and pastry - with, of course, a cup of tea!

I’ll be back tomorrow to share all the latest details about the wonderful sights I saw, the delectable dishes, and of course, the show stopping costumes at ‘La Bayadère’. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Lots of love, Emma

Oh my, what a beautiful morning! I woke up in my lovely Parisian hotel and went for a delightful stroll around Montmartre, which is said to be a very bohemian area with its wonderful cafes and art galleries and is famous for the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

I started my morning with a visit to a little patisserie – and let me tell you, the croissants are so decadent - and then I headed up the hill. Oh, it’s so scenic! After a little peek around the basilica, I couldn’t resist heading down to the square at the bottom and just enjoying the lovely view. There were so many beautiful little boutiques, and, you know I simply couldn’t resist some retail therapy. The shop windows looked so enticing.

This is what makes Paris so wonderful - it has the perfect combination of art, beauty and charm and you can experience it at every turn! The culture and fashion are amazing!

I love how I am constantly being inspired and mesmerised by the beautiful sights in Paris! Every corner is picture-perfect and Instagram-worthy.

You might be thinking what an amazing week Emma is having - well, you are absolutely right! The rest of the day I will be visiting the famous Opéra Garnier, which is absolutely stunning, for a ballet class. There is nothing I love more than joining in with some ballet exercises - it is so enjoyable, and, well, a tutu wearing ballerina has to keep her steps fresh! And with Paris' magnificent architectural details, I know the Opera Garnier's stage and studio will have breathtaking surroundings!

Paris is filled with beautiful surprises. A tutu loving ballet ballerina cannot ask for more!

See you soon!

Lots of love, Emma

Today was the perfect culmination of a dreamy Parisian adventure!

I began my day at the Palais Garnier.

Ooh, it's truly breath-taking! Just look at this picture! I couldn’t resist taking some selfies in this absolutely wonderful setting. It’s such a lovely contrast to the grand Parisian building and my girly, whimsical pink tutu, so it’s bound to make my Insta-feed all the more glamorous.

After a ballet class in this beautiful studio, the place that has trained some of the world’s most talented dancers, it’s time for a romantic lunch at the oldest cafe in Paris, called “Le Procope”, the first café in France! It opened in 1686 - isn't that simply amazing?

It's such an iconic spot. The place where so many famous literary figures used to gather, and it still boasts a stunning interior. I love that classic French atmosphere.

Of course, I had to indulge in a traditional french meal. It was a truly delectable experience - all those beautiful pastries! - I just couldn’t resist taking a peek at their delicious cakes on display.

Tonight, I had tickets to see “La Bayadère” and I couldn't be more excited!

It is so magical to witness the incredible talent and artistry at work on stage - such amazing grace, the elegance of the movements, the story… And let’s talk costumes!

The intricate designs and rich colors, a feast for my eyes!

What a treat to see a magnificent, legendary ballet, “La Bayadère” with a captivating tale of forbidden love, the ethereal world of Hinduism.

I am still dreaming about the story of this stunning ballet! It's time to head home to England tomorrow.

However, before I board the Eurostar train back home, I'm taking time to savor every last drop of this Parisian magic.
Paris, oh Paris, you are simply breathtaking, just like a ballerina twirling on stage! I know I'll be back soon for another round of Parisian dreams!

Bye for now my darlings,

Emma x