Saturday 9th March 2024
Bonjour mes chéris! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and I'm SO excited to be writing to you from the most magical city in the world… PARIS!
After a whirlwind week back in Derbyshire performing a new choreography for the County Ballet (the audience went wild!), I packed my bags (complete with my trusty travel-size tutu, naturally!), hopped on the Eurostar, and whizzed my way through the Channel Tunnel to arrive in this gorgeous, bustling metropolis. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love travelling by train - there's something so romantic about watching the countryside speed past, knowing that I'm on my way to a new adventure. Plus, it gives me plenty of time to indulge in some serious fashion contemplation and try out a few tutu-twirling moves in my seat (shh, don't tell the conductor!) 😉
I've already done SO much in just one day! My trusty travel guidebook was left firmly on the hotel shelf this time (although, it does say there's a fantastic bakery called "Au Pain Doré" just around the corner, so I might need to pop in later for some sweet treats!) because I'm relying on my innate Parisian intuition for this trip. Let me tell you, it hasn't led me astray yet!
This morning, I took a stroll through the glorious Tuileries Garden, complete with a spectacular view of the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe peeking in the distance. Imagine it: me, twirling around in my favourite pink tutu under the Eiffel Tower, while pigeons coo in admiration, all the while, trying to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy shot of the day! (And yes, my camera phone was fully charged, naturally!) It's hard to beat Parisian chic, wouldn't you say?
After that, it was off to the magnificent Palais Garnier, home to the legendary Paris Opera. Now, you guys know how much I adore the ballet, and just being in that magnificent space had my heart beating like a metronome. I mean, it's literally THE birthplace of some of the world's most famous ballets, including the iconic Swan Lake. I can practically feel the ghosts of legendary dancers like Nijinsky and Pavlova flitting around those glittering chandeliers! I even bought a programme to read about the current season and discover which ballerinas are performing here during my stay. Fingers crossed I might even catch a performance myself, especially if a particular certain prince happens to be leading a show...😉
And what trip to Paris would be complete without some fabulous fashion therapy? Of course, the city has no shortage of incredible stores, but I made a beeline for a beautiful boutique just off the Champs-Élysées - it was full of gorgeous, intricate lace and floral fabrics that would be perfect for a tutu revamp. Imagine the perfect spring-inspired tulle with blooming cherry blossom designs! I just can't wait to get home and experiment!
The evening brought the highlight of my day. I had stumbled across a local theatre performance in a quaint neighbourhood while looking for somewhere to get my morning cappuccino (what's a girl to do when every cafe smells heavenly, right?!). It was a production called "Clowning Around Paris", a delightful mix of mime, slapstick comedy, and ballet (naturally!), with some beautiful original music. The performers were utterly captivating, and I was completely enchanted by the witty dialogue, playful choreography, and the beautiful, whimsical costumes! Talk about the perfect blend of culture and creativity!
Tonight, I'm trying a classic French bistro for dinner, something I've been looking forward to ever since my first trip here years ago. You can bet I'll be wearing my lucky tutu with my signature scarlet lipstick to really stand out in the crowd! It's about embracing the spirit of Parisian joie de vivre, right? I’ll make sure to post a photo on Instagram tonight - be sure to follow me @pinktutuballerina for a sneak peek into my French adventures. I can't wait to share more stories and snaps of my Parisian explorations with you tomorrow. Until then, be bold, be fabulous, and don't forget to twirl!
Bisous! Emma
