Hello my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s Emma here, your pinkest ballerina blogger, and I’m finally back in the City of Lights!
I arrived in Paris yesterday by Eurostar, and it was everything I dreamed of! It's amazing how even the journey can be a fashion show. I wore my raspberry tulle skirt, my Ballet Babe t-shirt with a giant pink ribbon, and of course, my signature pink tutu, because every occasion deserves a tutu. My travel companion, a gorgeous silver handbag (a birthday gift from my Mum) was practically begging to be filled with Parisian souvenirs!
After the hustle and bustle of the Eurostar, walking out into the station with its grand arches and high ceilings felt almost magical. The first sniff of the Parisian air, that combination of coffee, bread, and something a little bit... je ne sais quoi.... just felt like I was stepping back into a fairytale.
But before I let the excitement of Paris totally sweep me off my feet, I had to head straight for the Gare du Nord's famous Pink Pastry Parlour (the name says it all, doesn't it?). A pink iced cake and a sparkling pink grapefruit drink was the perfect way to welcome myself to Paris.
A Day in the City of Lights ?
I love that Saturdays in Paris have such a wonderful joie de vivre. It feels like the entire city is filled with couples strolling hand-in-hand, families enjoying picnics in the parks, and friends catching up over glasses of wine. And naturally, it’s the perfect day to indulge in some shopping therapy!
My first stop was the charming boutique on rue de Rivoli, where I found the most delightful pink ballet shoes - delicate lace-up, with a touch of glitter! I had to add them to my collection, of course, and then, naturally, I had to pick out a little something for my best friend, Olivia. She's my biggest supporter, and she’s been dying to come to Paris ever since I shared my last trip blog (she’s still not over my strawberry pink beret - that little rascal is almost a Paris fashion icon at this point, ha!).
Speaking of icons...I’m delighted to report that the Parisian fashion scene is living up to the hype. People dress so chic! Everyone seems to have that je ne sais quoi, a bit of an artistic flair. I saw the most divine dress this morning, a silky scarlet number with the most stunning ruffled sleeves – it almost looked like it belonged in a museum! The colours, the textures, it all feels so elegant.
Later in the afternoon, I treated myself to a decadent cup of hot chocolate at Le Café des Artistes. This charming little café felt like I’d been transported back in time, the air fragrant with the smell of roasting coffee beans and freshly baked pastries. I sat for a long time just watching the world go by, sketching in my notebook and sipping my warm, frothy cocoa. There is nothing quite like that moment when the sunlight paints Paris in its soft glow - it's a magical time!
From Shopping to Ballet - An Evening in Pink?
Paris in the evening, my friends, is a sight to behold. As the day gives way to dusk, the city becomes a twinkling spectacle of golden light, every corner seemingly overflowing with charm. Today, though, the highlight wasn't just the dazzling city lights, but the extraordinary Paris Ballet Opera performance! Oh, how I adore ballet, it’s my absolute passion!
And I cannot believe the show they put on - it was truly incredible! Every dancer was so graceful, their every move so precise. It felt like I was floating along with them. The performance felt so timeless, the costumes stunning. One particularly captivating piece had a ballerina adorned in the most gorgeous shade of lavender – it perfectly complimented her effortless, graceful moves. I sat there, mesmerized, utterly enchanted, totally losing myself in the world of classical dance.
But you know me, I'm not just about the ballet world, I love to mix it up. After the ballet, we popped by the La Place des Vogues - a fantastic street dance festival going on! A mix of hip hop, breakdance and contemporary moves - this felt very much now. The energy was absolutely electric! This dance is my happy place - it’s all about freedom of expression.
I danced along for a while with a couple of lovely girls – they even asked me to teach them some ‘ballet style’ moves. Let’s just say they’re natural at pirouettes but need a bit of work on the graceful landing. But isn’t that what life’s all about - the joy of learning, even when it means a little bit of stumbling along the way?
Time For Bed…?
It's getting late now. My bed awaits in my cosy pink-hued hotel room (the Pink Poppy, what else!). Paris has truly embraced me, my lovely pink tutu and all! My cheeks ache from laughing so much, my head spins with memories of magical moments. The City of Lights is a symphony of elegance, excitement, and wonder.
Join me next week when I share my experiences with the Ballet Boutique. They’ve been making pointe shoes since 1826, and let’s just say they are some of the most delicate, perfectly-constructed ballet shoes I’ve ever seen. It’s going to be an adventure worthy of the perfect pink tutu!
Don’t forget, follow my #PinkTutuBlogParis hashtag and stay up-to-date with my adventures. And never be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina, and of course, wear a pink tutu wherever life takes you! ?
Love, Emma xoxo
