Bonjour from Paris!
Well, darlings, itās been a week of dreaming in pink (as always!) but this week itās been Parisian pink dreams. My trusty old tutu (the one I bought for my first ever professional ballet job - donāt judge, itās a classic!) has been feeling decidedly cosmopolitan after a rather thrilling trip to Paris on the EuroStar. And Iām just bursting to share my adventures with you - because honestly, a trip to Paris with a pink tutu is like, the ultimate dream. Just wait till you see the pictures!
This is post number 797, so buckle up buttercup, itās going to be a good one.
From Derbyshire to the City of Lights
This week, my week-long ballet residency was finally done. I bid farewell to Derbyshire with a mixture of bittersweetness - always a tinge of sadness to leave the familiar, the comforting, the charming. But Derbyshire will always be home, you know? My haven, my inspiration, my place.
But, even Derbyshire couldnāt keep me from the siren call of Paris, my lovely, enchanting, fashion-forward Paris. Letās just say, when it came to deciding how to get there, there was never a question - Eurostar it was! You see, Iām quite partial to a train journey, wouldnāt you say? Itās so romantic. Watching the countryside whizz past, all whilst sipping on tea (or, for those days when I'm feeling extra decadent, a glass of fizz - and you know I do!), reading my favourite book and occasionally giving my Tutu-clad legs a good stretch. All very civilized.
Pink Tutus in Paris: A Day in My Ballet Shoes
Okay, letās get straight into it: my adventures. Paris is a ballet loverās paradise. Oh my, you can see why I adore it so much! Every day, itās been about stepping out of my hotel, all twirly tutu and smiles, into the very heart of a city brimming with so much artistic beauty. And as always, my favourite shade of pink seems to follow me everywhere. Paris, you really have my heart!
Day 1: Oh LĆ LĆ , the Louvre
Paris and ballet - theyāre an intoxicating combination. Itās what dreams are made of! I mean, how could you possibly resist seeing āThe Danceā by Edgar Degas at the Louvre? It was love at first sight - this painting, oh my goodness, so vibrant, so powerful. I swear, the little ballerinas seemed to twirl and jump right out of the canvas!
And the best part? You wonāt believe it but right outside the Louvre, thereās this cute little cafe (with outdoor seating - perfect for a post-gallery twirl, obviously) and guess what? Their menu features pink macarons. Naturally.
Day 2: Sacre Coeur & Parisian Chic
Today was all about exploration and a sprinkle of that chic Parisian style. My day started at Sacre-Coeur, that iconic white church nestled on top of Montmartre Hill. The view from up there - simply divine. Just me, the pink tutu, the beautiful sunshine, and breathtaking panoramic vistas of Paris. Talk about a perfect morning!
Afterwards, I hopped onto a magical vintage carousel for some twirls and a delightful ride, and I even met a gorgeous fluffy white Pomeranian. He must have been my Parisian twin, because that pup loved my tutu just as much as I did!
After all the whirling, a stop by the iconic Rue de Rivoli was a must - because, as we all know, you canāt visit Paris without browsing the famous boutiques along this famous Parisian street.
Day 3: Parisian Ballet: Elegance & Grandeur
Speaking of the iconic and Parisian, this evening, it was time for the big event: the Ballet.
I had tickets to āGiselleā at the Palais Garnier - the ultimate ballet spectacle. Oh darling, let me tell you, it was magical! The setting alone - opulence, elegance, all those twinkling chandeliers, the gold detailingā¦ and then the ballet, oh, so much emotion. All the dancers - their artistry, their talentā¦ absolutely breath-taking.
I must admit, I teared up during the finale! The story, the music, the performance, the entire experience ā¦ well, it just filled me up! It truly was the perfect way to end the day, filled with Parisian magic and beautiful ballet.
Day 4: The Magic of the Moulin Rouge
Today I decided to live it up a little with an unforgettable experience at the Moulin Rouge. Now, darling, we all know that the Moulin Rouge is famous for its dancers, its flamboyant costumes, its energy. It was all I had hoped for and more.
From the first notes of the orchestra, to the intricate, vibrant dances and costumesā¦ it was a theatrical and musical spectacle unlike anything Iāve ever witnessed before. My tutus will never have quite the same pizzazz as their dazzling outfits!
It wasnāt all just glitter and feathers either - afterwards I snuck into a little cafe for a coffee - the only coffee house that allowed me to twirl and spin right through their door with my tutu trailing behind me like a little pink ribbon. So of course, I made the most of the opportunity!
Day 5: A Sweet Symphony of Flavours
My tummyās been getting a good dose of the sweet and delicate with all the French pastry, the sweet wines, the gorgeous chocolates ā¦ itās simply heaven for my taste buds! I spent today simply meandering, window-shopping, letting myself get lost in the narrow streets, stopping for a croissant at every cafe - the ultimate French Parisian delight.
My afternoon included indulging in a delicious afternoon tea - with an entire tray dedicated to the most exquisite macarons, oh mon Dieu! They were pink, they were chocolate, they were dreamy. I could have eaten the whole lot in one go, but then who would I share my afternoon tea Instagram pictures with?!
Day 6: Back to England...but never really leaving!
Paris, oh how I already miss you, darling! Itās time to pack my pink suitcase, with enough Parisian pink memories to last a lifetime (well, at least a week) and get back to Derbyshire.
This time, though, Derbyshire has something new waiting for me - Iāve been working on this surprise project with my fellow ballerinas in our ballet school, a big, extravagant, totally pink ballet performance to commemorate the Royal Wedding! Iām super excited to get back home and put in all that hard work!
But even as I hop aboard that Eurostar train back to the UK, there's a part of me that still wants to twirl along the streets of Paris! I've fallen in love with her charms and magic all over again!
As usual, Iām taking inspiration with me back to Derbyshire. But it wonāt just be the inspiration from Paris; there are the little stories and big memories, the moments, that I will bring with me wherever I go.
And oh, donāt you worry! There will be lots of Paris inspired, ballet themed, pink-tastic projects coming your way. Think all things pink and ballet, all tied up with a Paris-inspired bow!
Now, darling, before I run to the railway station (and try to keep my pink tutu free from creases - wouldn't you just know it, the trains donāt really have the best wardrobe space) Iāve just got time for one more Instagram picture...because a pink tutu always makes a good picture - especially against the backdrop of this iconic Parisian sky!
Until next time!
Yours truly,
Emma xx
(Donāt forget to follow me at www.pink-tutu.com!)
