Hello darlings! It's Saturday, and you know what that means - another fabulous post from your favourite pink-tutu-clad globetrotter, Emma, live from the City of Lights, Paris! ✨
As you all know, my absolute favourite way to travel is by train. So, hopping aboard the EuroStar last week, I felt that familiar buzz of excitement mixed with anticipation, just like when you’re about to pirouette onto the stage for a big performance! The journey whizzed past, with Parisian landscapes blurring through the windows like a dream, and before I knew it, I was stepping off the train and breathing in the enchanting aroma of Parisian air. Ah, Paris - you are truly my second home!
This trip, however, was not just for fun, but also for a very special reason. Today, on this glorious 22nd of August, 2026, Paris is hosting the International Ballet Festival, and I wouldn't miss it for all the macarons in the world!
Parisian Dream: Ballet Festival Fun!
After arriving at my darling hotel (it had a rooftop terrace with the most stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, natch!), I dashed to my favourite little boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré to find the perfect outfit. Now, I couldn’t possibly go to a ballet festival without my signature pink tutu, of course, but for this occasion, I wanted something extra special.
A delicate lilac tutu with a sprinkle of sequins, paired with a silky blouse in a blush pink hue and a charming, vintage beret – voilà! Parisian chic, but with that extra dash of pink magic, naturally! ?
The Ballet Festival was held at the glorious Opéra Garnier, a truly awe-inspiring building. As I walked through the opulent halls, a wave of excitement surged through me, the perfect mixture of giddy anticipation for the dazzling performances and pure love for the magic of ballet.
Oh, the sheer delight of seeing dancers from around the world pirouette across the stage! I felt a warm glow of happiness within my little pink heart as the graceful leaps, captivating footwork, and emotional expressiveness poured onto the stage.
It's truly remarkable how something as elegant as ballet can captivate your senses, pulling you into a world of emotions that transcend language and connect us all through the shared language of art. You’d think all the other attendees would be all dolled up, too, but I was practically the only one in a pink tutu. Shame really, what’s a ballet festival without a pink tutu! Maybe they were just too intimidated, what a bunch of wallflowers! ?
Shopping Spree: Tutus & Treats
A ballet festival isn’t complete without some good old fashioned Parisian shopping, and who could resist browsing the charming boutiques, designer stores, and bustling markets? ?
For my first stop, I ventured into the legendary Printemps Haussmann department store. Oh my goodness, darlings, it's a true Parisian haven of fashion! I simply had to get my hands on the new line of pink tulle tutus they’ve launched - I am absolutely smitten with their delicate silk trims!
And for my fellow fashionistas, you simply must check out the designer boutiques in the Marais. There I discovered the most exquisite embroidered tutu, adorned with delicate floral motifs, from a small boutique tucked away on a quiet, cobbled street. It will be the perfect accessory for my next performance back in Derbyshire.
After a delicious, guilt-free, strawberry macaron lunch, my day was complete. Well, nearly… because no trip to Paris is ever truly complete without a little indulgence, darling. ?
The smell of freshly baked bread, warm croissants, and creamy patisseries from the local bakery was enough to lure even the most discerning shopper away from their shopping spree. I treated myself to a delicious Pain au chocolat, all the while dreaming about all the ballet-inspired creations I would create upon returning home. ?
The Pink Tutu's Journey:
I’ll admit, my life as a travelling ballerina and a tutu advocate isn’t all sequins and glitter. Sure, it involves visiting beautiful cities, meeting interesting people and eating amazing food. But like all artists, I must keep myself in tip top shape. This usually involves lots of hard work and endless training to prepare for each performance. This means being disciplined and setting aside a few hours every day, whether it be here in a fancy Paris hotel room or at home in my little room above the garage.
There’s a wonderful quote about the art of ballet - 'to move the audience one has to first move oneself'. You see, it takes more than just pink tutus, dancing talent and dazzling costumes to be successful in life. To reach for the stars, and for those to be achieved, it also means being dedicated, persistent and hardworking. You really have to commit yourself. I think I can safely say I'm putting all these words into action. It can be a tiring business being a travelling ballerina, especially on my shoestring budget! Luckily I find inspiration and motivation in so many places, including when travelling by train.
This means, for example, that this latest trip to Paris has been funded by performances I recently did back in Derbyshire. Luckily, I am very fortunate to have secured a permanent spot on the Derbyshire Ballet Academy’s stage. It is all made worthwhile, of course, by the reaction I receive from my audiences and fans when I get to strut my stuff. ?
And that, darling, is why I can't wait to return home! I am filled with inspiration for my next performance, fuelled by the energy of the Parisian ballet world and with a head full of ideas for my future tutu creations. Stay tuned, darlings, as I continue to share my adventures and, hopefully, inspire you all to embrace the power of pink and the magic of ballet.
Until next week!
Don't forget to check out the fabulous Pink Tutu Blog for even more Parisian fun. Every Saturday we explore another city across the globe in pink tutu splendour! Find us at www.pink-tutu.com ?
