Saturday 15th June 2019
Bonjour from the City of Lights! Can you believe it's been a whole week since I landed in Paris? This city is absolutely magical, and let me tell you, it's a feast for the eyes – especially for a pink tutu-wearing girl like me!
Now, you might be thinking "Emma, why are you in Paris?" Well, you know me! Always seeking new adventures. This trip was a little different from my usual theatre and dance outings – this time, it was a solo journey on the EuroStar, which was absolutely thrilling! The thought of whizzing through the Channel Tunnel filled me with so much excitement, it almost felt like a scene out of a ballet. (Imagine: a swirling tutu, a blur of landscapes whizzing by, all set to the beautiful melody of "La Vie en Rose" – classic!).
I've been using my time here wisely (as always) – catching a few brilliant ballet shows, dancing with Parisian ballerinas (the Studio 29 in Montmartre is a must-visit!), exploring hidden alleyways (which always feel like sets straight out of a film), and of course, indulging in the world of Parisian fashion.
This Saturday, however, I’m letting my hair down, quite literally! I’ve been invited to a very special "Bal des Beaux Arts", a fancy-dress event taking place in a beautiful art nouveau hall on the outskirts of Paris. Think flapper dresses, dapper gentlemen, and, of course, me, twirling my way around the dance floor in a vibrant pink tutu! I can’t wait to document this magical night – more on that in my next blog post!
But before I go, a little snippet of what Paris has brought me this week:
Day 1: Arriving in the bustling Gare du Nord, my senses went into overdrive. I just had to take a few photos in my favourite pink tutu – after all, every moment in Paris deserves a little sparkle. It felt like stepping into a French painting, with grand architecture and Parisian ladies elegantly twirling their umbrellas. Then it was a quick cab to my apartment, a charming little studio near the Louvre. (Let’s be honest, how could I resist living near a masterpiece?)
Day 2: This morning began with a croissant and coffee by the Seine River. (If you’re in Paris, this is a MUST, even for breakfast!). It was then a visit to the Musée Rodin – think classical sculpture with a pink tutu, a beautiful collision of artistic worlds. Later, I fell in love with the Marché aux Fleurs, the Flower Market. This place is like stepping into a fairytale! It was impossible to resist a bunch of colourful lilies – and I have to tell you, they just had to be photographed with my tutu!
Day 3: Paris, as we all know, is the city of love and what’s better than spreading love than through dance? So this morning I took a ballet class. It’s something I love to do when I travel. Seeing and learning new techniques. It’s amazing how many talented dancers there are all over the world. Later on, the beautiful sights of Paris by day turned into enchanting views by night with a wonderful view from the Sacré-Coeur basilica.
Day 4: A long day of exploring today! My feet were happy with every step. This city just has an endless list of charming spots – the elegant shops, the hidden squares, the iconic Eiffel Tower (even in a sea of tourists, it's a monument that always leaves me speechless). Of course, every Parisian exploration has to have its dose of retail therapy. I indulged in the latest ballet-inspired fashions, the exquisite vintage dresses (some of them straight out of a Moulin Rouge production!), and a little bit of pink tutu-tastic accessorising (what else would I buy?).
Day 5: I’m not going to lie, sometimes a tutu-wearing ballerina needs a break from the high heels and dancing! I decided to embrace a little “simple pleasures” approach – I’ve had a delightful lunch at a cafe in the Latin Quarter (crepes with Nutella, obviously!), wandered through the cobblestone streets, taken in some classic French street theatre, and indulged in the sights and sounds of Parisian life at its best.
Day 6: A ballet performance! A gorgeous contemporary interpretation of Swan Lake that stole my heart. The sheer grace and power of the dancers took my breath away – I’m still buzzing about it now! I had to rush from the performance straight to a dinner date with a Parisian ballerina. We talked all things tutus and talked about all our ballet inspirations. She told me I should see the latest “Ballet in the Opera” (not to be missed!).
So that's where I stand, tutu-wearing and heart full, as I prepare for another exciting night in Paris. The journey isn't over yet, but the memories, I'm already cherishing. Remember, don’t be afraid to take a step (or a twirl) outside your comfort zone – the most wonderful adventures often await just outside of your front door (or even, in a train to Paris!).
Now, go and grab your tutus – because Paris, like the magic of dancing, awaits everyone, everywhere!
And remember, this little pink tutu-wearing ballerina from Derbyshire, will be right here, writing to you every Saturday, documenting every tutu-filled adventure!
See you next week,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
