Bonjour, darlings!
It's your favourite Pink Tutu Sparkles, here with a whole new Parisian adventure for you to soak up! Today, we're talking the City of Lights, but for me, it was truly the City of Tutus! Now, I know what you're thinking - "Tutus in Paris, Pinkie? How is that even possible?"
Well, my darlings, believe me when I say, it was more than possible! It was practically an explosion of fabulousness! This trip has been a whirlwind of sequins, champagne, and oh, so many pretty tutus! It all started with a little inspiration. You see, I've always adored Paris. The cobblestone streets, the iconic Eiffel Tower, the beautiful architecture – all of it whispers romance and magic. It's no wonder so many dancers and performers call it home!
This trip, however, was extra special. I had just finished my first residency at the lovely and rather quirky 'Crocodile Club' down in Bournemouth and wanted to expand my performing repertoire. When my pal Lily, the fabulously glamorous director at the 'Royal Theatre' in Derby, suggested I take a trip to Paris and check out the theatre scene over there, my inner-ballerina, let's call her 'Pinkie', screamed "YES!" with a pirouette! So, with my suitcase overflowing with enough pink tutus to rival the wardrobe of a real life ballerina, and a heart full of dreams, I took the Eurostar! Yes, darling, we travel in style. I've tried horseback riding in my many travels, and honestly, while I find the view fantastic, a horse can't quite rival a sleek, silver train!
Let's face it, arriving in Paris via train was like stepping into a scene from one of my favourite ballets - all twinkling lights, chattering accents, and the scent of fresh pastries. Oh la la, darling, it was simply exquisite.
Immediately, I had to go exploring! First, my lovely friend Sophie, who is a freelance costume designer (with a special love for, you guessed it, pink!) took me for a walk down the famous Champs-Élysées. My oh my, the window displays! All the haute couture designs with the most fantastic feathered boas and glittering bodices... I could practically feel my drag alter-ego tingling with excitement! Sophie swore to me that the real fashionistas in Paris prefer understated elegance and subtle style. And as I stood there, admiring the classic designs, I saw that, yes, perhaps the Parisiennes might be a bit more refined, but refined does not necessarily mean "lacking in style!" I spotted this incredible shop, and as I'd promised myself, no Paris trip would be complete without indulging in the city's glorious fashion. They had an array of the most magnificent, intricate, feathered designs for stage costumes. Naturally, my pink tutus simply screamed, "Take me home!"
Of course, any visit to Paris is incomplete without experiencing the magnificent opera houses and ballets. The Opéra Garnier - my word! Such incredible architecture and history, a true theatre lover's paradise! I made it a priority to see Swan Lake in their Grand Palais - that show is, dare I say, one of my all-time favorites! I even spotted a couple of fellow pink-tutu wearers in the audience – a tiny little girl with a perfectly fluffy tulle and a group of ballet students in pink! Honestly, my heart soared with a delightful sense of pride! It truly is a beautiful, expressive dance!
Beyond the dazzling stage, the ballet also brought me closer to some of the city's hidden gems. You see, in the days between my performances at the 'Theatre de l'Est Parisien' (it has an absolutely beautiful stage - imagine an explosion of lights! But I mustn't reveal everything to you all, or else the next Pinkie in Paris wouldn't have any surprise!), I found myself strolling through the charming streets of Montmartre. Imagine, walking through cobblestone streets lined with cafes, taking a breather from the bright, busy Paris that I'd experienced for the first few days, sipping steaming hot chocolate. I swear, the cafes themselves were works of art! A real Parisian treasure - those streets! Sophie said, "The Paris that is behind the façade", and, I had a feeling I was getting a glimpse into that Paris. Sophie made sure that I saw every beautiful church, square, and street on the 'butte'. Montmartre was a magical escape - peaceful, with views over Paris, so elegant, charming...and the perfect spot for me to soak in a little inspiration! There were beautiful people watching, fantastic street performers (though, honestly, no one's performance compared to the 'Pink Tutu Sparkles show' - sorry to boast!) but still... and an atmosphere that practically crackled with artistic energy.
In that sense, Montmartre became an absolute treasure, a world unto itself. It reminded me that life is full of surprises, darling, and sometimes, it's the little, quiet moments that give you the most extraordinary joy.
So, my darlings, how was Paris? Well, it was everything I hoped for and more! Every sight, every smell, every sound, and especially every tutu, ignited a little spark of magic within me!
Now, you must be dying to know my favorite moment in Paris, right? Well, here it is - a Parisian ballet performance at the Opéra Bastille. Let's just say, I nearly fainted with joy! You see, a couple of weeks before arriving, I was a little iffy - I needed to boost my creative spirit. The dancers in Carmen (such fantastic choreography, my word!), well, I couldn't look away, they moved with such power and passion. You could feel the story in every movement, every step. It reminded me why I do this, why I choose to twirl and dance.
Of course, every trip to Paris must have a signature 'Pinkie' touch, so, naturally, I had to add my own sparkles to the city's style! And oh, my darling, let's just say, the 'Pink Tutu Sparkles' show in Paris was nothing short of legendary! From the twinkling pink lights and perfectly feathered costumes to my captivating performance, I brought the city's love of glamour and elegance to life. It was a glorious spectacle, darlings! The whole crowd - and, trust me, it was packed! I love it when that happens! It is a feeling unlike any other, when a show is absolutely, perfectly packed, full of joy. It was so exciting! People were taking pictures and filming with their phones. I nearly couldn't catch my breath - it was absolutely electrifying. The energy was simply magic!
At the end of it, darling, all I could think was 'Pinkie, you truly outdid yourself'!
However, darling, nothing beats the final scene, when I took a bow to a standing ovation - and let's not forget, darling, no, the entire audience wearing pink tutus! Yes, darling, everyone in the whole auditorium had bought their pink tutus before my show! It was literally my lifelong dream come true. I mean, is there a more elegant, fabulous garment than a pink tutu?
Well, darlings, Paris was truly enchanting and a whole lot of pink ! The Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the magnificent food and wine - but nothing beat the city's artistic heart. I'm already planning my next Parisian adventure - maybe a cabaret show next? (If you have any recommendations, feel free to leave a comment!). And just as my little pink tutu gave the city a dash of 'Pinkie Sparkles' - my trip gave me some much-needed creativity, a full heart, and of course, more than a handful of amazing pink tutus for my wardrobe.
Until next time, my lovelies,
Your pink tutu queen, Pinkie Sparkles
Xx
