#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2017-12-16 Exploring Paris

Hello my darlings, and welcome to another Saturday installment of my Pink Tutu Blog! Today, I'm whisking you away with me on a whirlwind trip to the City of Lights, Paris! As you know, this city is a siren song to me, calling to my inner ballerina with its romantic architecture, exquisite fashion, and endless ballet performances. So buckle up, grab a croissant (or maybe a pink macaron!), and join me on a magical journey.

After an exhilarating ballet performance last night (earning me enough funds to fund this adventure!), I woke up with the joyful butterflies in my tummy that only a Paris trip can inspire. Packing my pink tutu for its Parisian debut, naturally, I opted for a classic look: a chic pink sweater tucked into a high-waisted skirt, topped off with my signature tutu, all paired with some dainty pearl earrings. I simply cannot travel without at least a hint of my signature colour, and the pink was an excellent way to brighten the early-morning Derbyshire air!

The journey aboard the Eurostar was a symphony of stylish efficiency, whizzing through the French countryside at breakneck speed. My fellow travellers were a glamorous mix of Parisians and tourists, everyone looking sleek and stylish in their chic attire. Even amidst the rush, I couldn't help but feel a sense of enchantment. This was Paris! The anticipation was buzzing!

Stepping off the Eurostar in Gare du Nord, I inhaled a deep breath of Parisian air. The distinct scent of freshly baked bread, mingled with the scent of flowers, immediately set my senses alight. This is where the true adventure begins. After finding my lovely, pink hotel room (don’t worry, I’ll show you the photos next week!) I threw my travel bag on the bed, donned my most comfortable pink ballet shoes and headed straight for the Palais Garnier. The grand, opulent opera house, the inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera. Just standing outside felt magical, and as soon as I stepped inside the lobby, I was struck by its architectural majesty.

The opulent interiors were dazzling, the grand staircase adorned with golden balustrades, the ornate ceiling paintings a symphony of colour. And everywhere, the whisper of past ballets, the hushed conversations of elegant Parisian ladies, the elegant click-clack of stilettos echoing on marble floors, the echo of ballerinas twirling on the stage. Even for a seasoned dancer, there’s an undeniable magic to the atmosphere, one that simply can't be found anywhere else.

The performance itself was breathtaking - the Swan Lake danced by the Opéra de Paris, the dancers seemingly gliding with the grace of swans themselves. I've been taking ballet classes for almost my whole life and nothing inspires me more than watching incredible ballerinas doing their thing.

Later that evening, a delightful surprise. A charming little ballet studio just a few blocks from the hotel. A warm, intimate space where I joined a Parisian ballet class for an impromptu petit (short) lesson, filled with passionate, enthusiastic dancers, many as young as eight, and all dressed in their beautiful, classic pink tutus! I felt at home and my body, already stiff from travelling, came alive with the joy of moving to the beautiful music of my fellow dancers. This is what I live for, right here!

You simply cannot come to Paris without indulging in a little retail therapy, right? So after a long night (and who could sleep after that fabulous ballet?!) I dragged myself out of bed this morning, only to discover that the hotel was located right in the middle of the chicest part of Paris! How perfect. Just across the street, nestled between stylish boutiques and quaint cafes, I found myself surrounded by the latest fashions from French designers. This city is simply a fashion enthusiast’s dream. A mix of Parisian elegance, the latest street fashion, and a truly eclectic style that’s impossible to resist!

It was in this very moment that I, like every girl on this planet, fell in love with a stunning blush-pink, silk dress, a work of art that simply called out to me. I can’t imagine what I’m going to wear it with! I'm so tempted to just dance in it as I wear it out for the first time. I’ll definitely share it on Instagram!

But the shopping spree was just the beginning. The evening offered even more enchantment: a visit to the famous Eiffel Tower, twinkling like a diamond in the Parisian sky. I captured the city’s magic from the top, sipping hot chocolate and nibbling on a perfectly pink macaron. The Parisian sky painted with colours, the twinkling lights reflected in the Seine river...I truly am the luckiest girl in the world. The highlight of the night was witnessing the iconic Moulin Rouge, where the dancers (of course I saw it with some serious “pink tutu” appreciation!) enthralled the crowd with their stunning costumes and skillful performances.

Every step of the journey has been nothing short of magical. But there is so much to see and do, even just a few days! The pink tutu will be back with more tales of this city, but for now, until next Saturday. A bientot, mon amis!