#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2023-06-17 Exploring Paris

Bonjour, mon chériés! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, and I’m buzzing to be back in the City of Lights, the capital of fashion and fabulousness, the one and only Paris! This week, I’m kicking off my trip with a whirlwind tour of all the Parisian things that make my heart go pitter patter! From the grandeur of the Opera Garnier to the elegant charm of the Tuileries Garden, we’re diving headfirst into Parisian enchantment! So, grab your tea and your favourite pink tutu (because what else would you wear, darling?) and let’s go!

Paris feels like a second home to me – it’s where I’ve danced in my wildest tutu dreams! And just like clockwork, I arrived in style, thanks to the magical Eurostar, my go-to train for a comfy, scenic, and incredibly stylish way to reach the City of Love! There’s nothing quite like being enveloped in that sleek, modern cabin, and the French countryside whizzing past my window – it’s truly a journey that embodies the Parisian essence of effortless grace and sophisticated style.

My favourite part of travelling by Eurostar is definitely the atmosphere - it feels like stepping onto a Parisian fashion runway! From the moment you set foot on board, everyone is effortlessly chic and on-trend. There are stylish Parisians looking cool in their latest looks and savvy travellers with the best sartorial selections. It’s impossible not to feel a surge of inspiration, ready to take on the fashion streets of Paris!

And let me tell you, Paris has a way of making you feel utterly inspired, like you could take on the world – in your pink tutu, of course! Stepping out of Gare du Nord station, I instantly felt a sense of familiarity and warmth. Paris is one of those cities where you feel at home even if you’ve only been there a handful of times – it’s just so full of life and beauty!

I headed straight for my Parisian pied-à-terre, a charming little apartment just a stone's throw from the bustling Boulevard Haussmann. It's everything you'd imagine – all those chic French vintage vibes, lots of light and beautiful florals, and of course, the quintessential Parisian balcony where I can enjoy my morning coffee with the city stretching out before me!

You simply can’t talk about Paris without talking about its breathtaking Opera Garnier, a majestic symbol of Parisian grandeur and beauty. This opulent landmark was definitely at the top of my list for this trip, and it truly lived up to the hype! I was totally in awe! From the moment I stepped inside, I felt like I was walking into a fairytale! The sheer size of the place was breathtaking – all that plush red velvet, golden décor, and breathtakingly elaborate architecture... just wow! It’s no surprise that Phantom of the Opera chose this place as his ghostly playground!

Being a ballerina, I just couldn’t resist a quick impromptu pirouette in front of the Grand Staircase, to honour the history of dance and theatre! It was an amazing way to celebrate all the talented dancers and performers who have graced this stage over the years!

Later, I treated myself to a fantastic show – a production of Swan Lake, set on this incredible stage. The music, the artistry, the costumes – it was a truly unforgettable experience! The dancers were phenomenal! Seeing their graceful movements, their strength, and their passion, inspired me to head back to the studio to polish my own pirouettes! It was the perfect blend of art and culture, a taste of the magical world of dance and music!

My days are filled with a delightful mix of the Parisian essentials. One of my favourite things to do in Paris is just strolling around and exploring the vibrant streets – you never know what amazing boutiques or delightful patisseries you’ll stumble upon! I love stopping at tiny, charming patisseries for a slice of delicate gâteau, watching the locals go about their day, and enjoying a pot of steaming-hot French coffee! You know it’s true: Paris really is the sweetest place on Earth!

Oh, and speaking of delicious treats – one of the must-dos on any Parisian trip has to be visiting a local marché – and luckily, there's a lovely one near my flat! Walking around, indulging in delicious cheese, freshly-baked baguettes, and colourful fruit – I just can’t resist!

Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without indulging my ballerina-heart – and by indulging, I mean treating myself to a pair of brand new pointe shoes from a charming little shop nestled in a quiet corner of the Marais district. Those pink satin shoes will surely make my steps lighter and more graceful across the cobblestone streets!

The heart of Paris, of course, beats to the rhythm of fashion! I’m obsessed with finding stylish new pieces and accessories – and that includes pink tutus! And Paris is the perfect place for it! There's just so much inspiration everywhere! The way Parisians dress is just effortlessly chic! You see trendy styles, classic silhouettes, statement pieces, and chic accessories everywhere you look, from the bustling boulevards to quaint side streets!

And of course, my Parisian adventure has to include a trip to the grand Parisian department stores – Galleries Lafayette and Printemps! It’s like entering a fashion wonderland – floors upon floors of haute couture and trendy brands! I can spend hours lost in those fashion-filled hallways, imagining how each piece would look on my petite ballerina frame, especially the incredible tutu collections! You can truly find anything here, and the staff are super-helpful! I’ve been browsing the accessory section looking for the perfect hat, handbag, or jewellery for a new dance performance outfit, and it’s impossible to resist!

As much as I love those high-end shops, I also find my favourite finds in vintage stores, tucked away in hidden alleyways, where I can browse through piles of pre-loved designer clothes, discover unique one-of-a-kind pieces, and feel the whispers of Parisian fashion history – all while searching for the most exquisite and pinkest of tutus!

I love trying out different combinations, like pairing a silk scarf with a classic trench coat or adding a touch of Parisian charm with a beret. It's all about finding the right pieces that compliment your own unique style and making your outfits work for you! And of course, I never leave home without my favourite pink tutu – it’s just the perfect finishing touch to every Parisian look!

Paris has a way of making you feel creative – just taking a stroll through the Tuileries Garden can ignite the imagination! There’s something magical about these beautifully sculpted gardens, the cascading fountains, the elegant statues, and the way light dances through the trees. It’s like walking into a masterpiece, a painting come to life! The French influence on the world’s ballet, the theatre, and dance has been so incredibly significant, and walking around this iconic place really brings that connection home!

Every street corner in Paris whispers tales of fashion and inspiration, each little café is a perfect stage for a Parisian performance, each historical landmark inspires an exquisite arabesque. I love discovering the many ballet studios nestled around the city and watching dancers practise their moves through the open windows! I know it’s so clichéd to say, but it’s truly inspiring! I find the joy and the art in every little corner of this incredible city, a real testament to how Paris embodies all the joy and beauty I strive to express in my own performances.

To me, life itself is a grand ballet performance! It’s a beautiful, and often complicated journey. We have to face challenges, push through the tough times, embrace the joys of each step. For me, every day in my pink tutu is a reminder of that beauty and resilience! It's the ultimate symbol of living your best life – a life filled with expression, joy, and a touch of the dramatic!

Paris is one of those places where life is definitely an art form, and the city itself seems to echo the spirit of artistic creation – through the performances of the dancers, the artistic details in every building, and even the fashion on the streets! That “art-of-life” vibe is something I truly connect with.

Well, mon cheries, that's it for this week! But my Parisian journey is far from over. Next week, I’ll be venturing to Montmartre to explore the artistic soul of Paris and trying out a fabulous new ballet class taught by a renowned French dancer! Be sure to tune in next Saturday to see where my Parisian adventures take me.

See you on pink-tutu.com!

Au revoir et merci!

Emma.