Bonjour mes chér(e)s!
It’s Saturday again, and that can only mean one thing… another exciting Pink Tutu blog post! This week I’m whisking you away to the City of Lights, Paris! Oui, oui, I’ve finally made it to the magical, romantic, fashion-forward metropolis, and let me tell you, it’s every bit as fabulous as I dreamed it would be.
But before we dive into the Parisian delights, let me tell you how I got here. I simply had to make a weekend trip to Paris, and my trusty sidekick, the EuroStar, delivered me safely and swiftly to the Gare du Nord. The journey itself is an absolute dream – whizzing through the English countryside and then onto the French countryside, it's a journey of beauty and calm. The thing about trains is they have so much charm and personality. They're not just a way to get from A to B - they're an experience in themselves! And for this tutu-loving traveller, the views from the train windows were just inspiring!
Now, I might not be a ballerina officially yet, but let me tell you, my travelling ballet shoes were put through their paces this weekend. From walking the Champs-Élysées to dancing through the charming streets of Montmartre, I've been swirling and twirling like a real Parisian ballerina. Of course, it wasn't just the sidewalks that I was twirling on! On Friday, I experienced a ballet masterpiece - a performance of La Sylphide at the beautiful Palais Garnier, Paris Opera House. The theatre was breathtaking, and the dancing was simply incredible. If I could make my little tutu dreams come true, I would dance on that stage!
I mean, who can resist the magic of Paris? And as any seasoned Parisian ballerina knows, it wouldn’t be a Parisian weekend without a spot of retail therapy. From the haute couture boutiques along the Rue Saint Honoré to the whimsical independent stores tucked away in charming alleys, Paris is a shopaholic’s paradise! This time, I'm sporting a new pair of pink ballet pumps from a charming boutique I discovered in the Marais district. These aren’t your ordinary pink ballet shoes though, they’re adorned with sequins! Oh là là!
But, fashion isn’t all about fancy stores, is it? As I said, my travels are paid for by my ballet performances! My ballet students are absolutely brilliant. So to say a huge thank you to all my lovely ballet students (you know who you are, darling!), I’ll be giving you some of my favourite places in Paris – ones that you wouldn’t find in the tourist guides! And a couple of hints for all you future Pink Tutu followers!
Paris for the Ballet-Mad:
A Lesson in Parisian Style: If you want to dance like a true Parisian, a ballet class is a must! I took a wonderful barre class at the beautiful "Atelier de Danse" in Montmartre. This hidden gem offers the perfect balance of technical training and the true French je ne sais quoi! Plus, it's so lovely seeing Parisians of all ages – from the petite to the grannies - coming together in their love of ballet! I loved that!
Bonjour, Broadway: It wouldn’t be a proper Parisian ballet pilgrimage without a trip to the world-famous Opéra Garnier. This masterpiece of architectural splendour isn't just for ballets - there are musicals and concerts as well. The decor is absolutely spectacular. I mean, where else can you enjoy a dazzling performance beneath the iconic grand chandelier? Don’t worry, I captured it for my Instagram stories, but you’ll have to follow my feed (@PinkTutuBlog) for the updates. You’ll be mesmerised. Trust me!
Hidden Gems:
Montmartre is not only a must-see destination, but a little pocket of artistic beauty where you’ll discover independent artists, small boutiques and, you guessed it, ballet studios! The "Danse Passion" studio offers drop-in ballet classes with a super-friendly team! You can just waltz in, no need to pre-book!Tutu Tips: Don’t forget to pop into the Louvre Museum – they have a fantastic ballet-related exhibit. Yes, it is full of classical art - but they also have paintings of dancing ballerinas, plus you can admire the graceful movements of dancers through sculptures, all whilst you are having a coffee and pastry at their fantastic cafe in the middle of the courtyard. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn't love a bit of Louvre action?! And don’t miss the ‘Centre National de la Danse’ just outside of Paris in the lovely city of Pantin – they have an absolutely stunning performance hall, and it hosts an eclectic mix of dancers, choreographers, and performers from across the globe. Oh, and I have a little something for you there – I have an exclusive performance to talk about - but shhhh - it’s top secret for now - you’ll have to wait for next week’s blog!
Paris Through Rose-Tinted Tutu Glasses:
The magic of Paris comes to life through the tiny, Parisian boutiques tucked away in the most unexpected places - full of colour and vibrance. From beautiful flowers to quaint Parisian cafes, every corner you turn is like an oil painting. Oh, and for the ballet fan in all of us, you simply MUST make time for the ‘Atelier of the Pink Tutu.’ This enchanting shop is where every ballerinas dream comes true – full of exquisite tutus, stylish ballet shoes, and a whole host of ballet paraphernalia. This truly is a dream for all of us who love to pirouette, plie, and dream of dancing!
- Fashion Spotlight: I know I love tutus and pink, but don’t just take my word for it – Paris embraces this sartorial joy. You see tutus everywhere in the fashion districts, not just in stores, but in the boutiques on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – you can't escape the tulle-tastic charm! Even the women on the street embrace their personal style, with effortless sophistication and chic elegance. For me, this is what makes Parisian fashion so truly special - there’s such an embracing of colour, detail, and style. Plus, with the Seine River, iconic Eiffel Tower, and beautiful bridges, Paris makes the most perfect backdrop for an outfit photo. Let's just say I am snapping some amazing shots for the ‘gram - just you wait!
Pink Tutu Style Secrets:
Pink is the New Black: It might come as no surprise that Paris has an abundance of pink, you know, like everything! So don’t worry, my Parisian pink tutu will fit right in.
French Touch: Want a chic Parisian look? Grab yourself a cute beret - and oh la la, your look is suddenly effortlessly chic, it's almost unfair! I love that beret look! It's just classic!
Tutu Trends: Every ballerina knows – fashion trends are fleeting, but a beautiful tutu, that will stand the test of time! My advice - stick with a simple yet stunning design that flatters your body and you will love it for years! (But don’t worry, my lovely tutu fans – my little secret stash is on hand for all you fashionistas - because everyone needs a bit of pink tutu magic in their life. Oh yes!)
Don’t Miss It:
Of course, no Parisian adventure is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower! And let me tell you, it’s even more magnificent up close. As the sun set and the city lit up in a magical twinkle of lights, it truly felt like stepping into a fairytale. Oh, and the views? Simply breathtaking - just picture yourself spinning in a beautiful, twirly pink tutu at the top! You might want to check your purse first! They will probably say tutus are not allowed in! It’s worth going in the evening as it’s a little cooler. There’s so much magic and mystery. A touch of pink will set it off just right. I am definitely buying one of those Eiffel Tower replicas as a gift for my sister, Amelia, and a tiny souvenir tutu too, so that’s my fashion dilemma solved.
And what’s a Parisian trip without a little Parisian culture? There is just something enchanting about taking a boat down the Seine in a Bateau Mouche and being mesmerised by the magical lights of the Eiffel Tower - and Paris’ architectural splendour at night! But for all you budding ballet stars, remember – a weekend in Paris isn't a holiday – it’s just a start! So remember this blog – you'll need to start booking that holiday ASAP and bring your Pink Tutu - I have a sneaky feeling you'll need it!
Stay stylish, my dears, and stay tuned for next week's post. Until then, keep dancing!
Bisous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
