Oh, my darlings, how absolutely divine is Paris! I've finally arrived in this magnificent city and, of course, in the most fabulous way imaginable: via the Eurostar!
Travelling by train is an absolute joy. It's so much more civilised than those cramped, stressful planes, don't you think? The journey is a treat in itself – watching the landscape whiz by, the chance to do a bit of people-watching, and the gorgeous scenery (well, as gorgeous as the English countryside can be – although it pales in comparison to the charming rolling hills of France, don't you think?).
This is my first visit to Paris, and I'm already utterly smitten! From the moment I stepped off the train, I felt a certain je ne sais quoi that is just… Paris! Everything seems so glamorous, so effortlessly chic, and so wonderfully romantic! Even the taxi driver looked perfectly put together, wearing a crisp white shirt, a dapper grey suit and a touch of just the right amount of savoir-faire.
I'm staying in a charming little boutique hotel just off the Champs-Élysées, where my pink tutu arrived safely before me. It's an absolute must, you know – a bit of pink tulle never goes amiss in the City of Love.
Speaking of pink, the floral displays here are absolutely sensational! Everywhere you look, vibrant hues of magenta, fuchsia, and cerise brighten up the cobbled streets and even the greyest of buildings. They just radiate joy and happiness. The whole city feels like a massive, joyful ballet performance.
Oh, and speaking of ballet – I couldn't come to Paris without attending a performance, could I? Luckily for me, this week happens to be the closing performance of The Nutcracker at the Palais Garnier! Just imagine, twirling princesses and gallant princes on stage, while I sit in the audience, feeling just as beautiful in my pink tutu! I can already see myself as part of the dance, my heart beating in rhythm to the music, a little cloud of pink tulle around my ankles.
Speaking of "The Nutcracker" - a little known fact that I learnt on this trip is that the world's oldest existing copy of the original story 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' by E.T.A. Hoffman is located here in the Bibliotheque Nationale de France.
Tomorrow I have a ballet class lined up with the Paris Opera Ballet School, in this enchanting city! This isn't my first foray into international ballet. My travels have taken me to some pretty amazing studios - I've graced stages from Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre to the hallowed halls of New York's Lincoln Center.
But honestly, can anything top the Paris Opera Ballet? This school is where generations of renowned ballerinas honed their skills – the history of ballet feels so tangible here. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. You know I'll be bringing back some ballet shoes for my little tutu-wearing friends, back home in Derbyshire. They'll all be leaping and twirling in pink before you can say "arabesque!"
After class, I'm going to indulge in some retail therapy, a definite must for a ballerina on the go. Of course, there's nothing quite like shopping for a stunning pink tutu in the heart of Paris. The boutiques here are like little temples of fashion - the atmosphere just hums with creativity. I’m aiming to find that je ne sais quoi piece of fashion - just like this whole trip!
Later, my darling readers, I'm going to take a little stroll along the Seine and let my eyes feast on the glorious view. Perhaps a baguette and some wine later, enjoying the soft twinkling of the city lights! What a day it's going to be.
So, keep your eyes glued to pink-tutu.com, my darlings! I'll be sharing all the glamorous adventures of this magical Parisian journey with you next Saturday. Don't forget to tune in!
Love and Tutu,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you know that on this very date in history (4th April 2026), the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel was born? I must find out what the designers are wearing!
