Oh darling! What a week! As always, the energy of Derbyshire's ballet scene has been electric, with two grand performances in the local theatre. I just love dancing, and getting the opportunity to perform for my local community is absolutely my favourite thing. This week's routine? A joyous, colourful mix of classical and modern styles – a perfect storm of tutus and swirling, expressive movement!
I was absolutely bursting with excitement because it was finally the day to escape to the big city - London, darling! The train from Derby to Euston station was packed, as usual on a Friday, and the sound of a thousand conversations weaving through the carriages filled the air. There was something so exciting about all these lives passing through the train.
But my gaze kept drifting to my own reflection in the window. Today, the perfect ensemble was in place, a blush pink tutu swirled around my legs. It matched my trusty pale pink ballet bag and my pink heart shaped sunglasses perched on the tip of my nose. There was a new twist though: my new fluffy pink faux fur scarf that my lovely gran had gifted me. It added a touch of extra 'ooh la la!' to my travel attire.
Once the train pulled into Euston, it was straight into the heart of the city! I do love London - such a fascinating hub of creative energy. This weekend was going to be full of ballet, musicals and shopping!
First stop, Covent Garden. This is one of my absolute favourite places. Everything felt buzzing – theatre posters bursting with colour, the aroma of freshly baked bread and street performers of all kinds.
I popped into a quaint café on the corner, for a cup of English Breakfast Tea and a scone with clotted cream (because every blogger knows, darling, the food is always the best part). While I was enjoying my treat, I couldn't help but notice a group of girls huddled together, all looking extremely glamorous. One of them was wearing a fluffy pink jacket, so obviously, I HAD to ask what they were up to.
Turned out they were all aspiring actresses, having lunch before a theatre workshop! This reminded me: I simply HAD to visit the iconic Apollo Theatre. I wanted to check out what they were showing, to get a sneak peek of their program, to dream of what the future might hold!
*You won’t believe it, but the show starting tonight was a beautiful ballet production of “The Nutcracker!” * I just had to see this one – and of course, a pink tutu would be my absolute go-to for such a special occasion. This is the most delightful, elegant ballet - such a classic, such a treasure to experience again.
As I emerged from the Apollo, it was starting to get dark. I caught the enchanting scent of the roast chestnut vendor and couldn't resist a hot bag to nibble on as I meandered through the streets. I finally made it to my favourite part of Covent Garden: The Royal Opera House. The magnificent building was glowing against the evening sky. I stood for a moment, taking in the iconic silhouette, my heart full of wonder at all the creative stories playing out behind those walls.
You see, darling, being a ballerina is not just about twirling and leaping, it's about celebrating the magic of theatre! So many people come together to make each performance unforgettable, the dancers, the musicians, the costume designers – the magic happens because they pour their heart and soul into each act.
After a wander through the nearby boutiques and a delicious dinner at a cute little French restaurant, it was time for a well-deserved sleep. My darling little pink ballerina travel case, filled with tutu dreams, awaited me in the tiny London hotel room.
Saturday, 2014-01-25 - Tutu Time in the Big City!Today was all about fashion, darling. I absolutely love trawling through the streets of London and spotting all the stylish people. You could be anywhere - a charming cafe, a grand department store, a buzzing market - and someone's ensemble could steal your heart.
London truly does have everything. I couldn't resist visiting a few vintage shops tucked away in Soho – oh darling, I came away with a treasure: a stunning, vintage blush pink lace dress. It felt like a vintage fairytale! The delicate floral lace and the stunning silk slip beneath it are absolute perfection – a dream to wear and twirl! Of course, I HAD to take it back to my hotel for an immediate fashion photoshoot – you have to stay ahead of the trends, darling, that's the ballerina way!
By mid-afternoon, it was time for some more tutu therapy! I was eager to explore the ballet classes London had to offer. I signed up for a beginner’s class at a studio just a hop, skip, and a jump from Leicester Square. Oh my goodness, it was delightful! I loved the camaraderie and the excitement in the air – these ladies truly understood my passion! We practiced pirouettes, learned to jump beautifully (always a highlight for me) and did stretches with names I couldn’t pronounce. Afterwards, my legs were screaming, but I couldn’t wipe that goofy grin from my face! It was so fulfilling!
Later that evening, my dream was coming true! The Apollo Theatre hosted me, the ballerina blogger extraordinaire! “The Nutcracker” was stunning – the choreography was simply breathtaking! The set design transported me to another world, a perfect mix of enchantment and artistry. It was a dream to finally witness such beauty in person! I have to admit, watching the principal ballerina twirl with her beautiful, sweeping leaps - in a gorgeous blush pink tutu - made my heart leap!
Of course, every girl in a pink tutu loves to chat – so I grabbed a little wine at the interval and indulged in a quick chat with some fellow ballet enthusiasts in the foyer. These ladies are what inspire me to spread the love of pink tutus and the wonder of ballet, sharing the thrill and beauty with the world.
Sunday, 2014-01-26: Shopping and Swan Lake!This was it! The perfect end to a magical London weekend. I couldn't leave London without a proper shopping spree – so I made my way down to Oxford Street, which was brimming with shoppers, all chasing their own fashion dreams! There was simply too much to see, too many beautiful things to resist! But my true mission? Find the ultimate London-esque pink tutu for my wardrobe! I knew just the store to find it…
It had been a year since my last visit to Liberty’s department store. I've always loved the bohemian spirit of this place. It's a haven of artistic charm. After carefully exploring its beautiful floors and shelves, I found it: a pink tutu of my dreams – a perfect blend of vintage lace, flowing chiffon, and shimmering embellishments! A true statement piece! It felt like fate. This is exactly the kind of ballerina tutu that speaks to me!
Sunday evening, it was back to the Royal Opera House to indulge in a night of elegant balletic splendour. And you know, darling, “Swan Lake” is my all-time favourite – such dramatic beauty! It never fails to transport me with its grace and the captivating performance of the ballerina.
There she was, dancing the role of Odette, and my breath just caught! The purity and precision of the choreography, her delicate movement - every element of the ballet felt simply perfect.
Oh darling! It’s one of those life-affirming moments that recharges your heart! It leaves you smiling and full of energy. And don't forget - with each show I see, I support the arts, and the artistic world - so it’s truly win-win!
Back on the train, returning to Derby, my mind is still swirling with the enchantment of London. My ballet bag feels full, overflowing with all the new inspiration I’ve found. I was back in my quiet Derby studio, practicing pirouettes in my new Liberty's tutu. I felt the power of this weekend buzzing through me.
I'm already dreaming about the next Pink Tutu Adventure. And believe me, darling, it’s going to be something spectacular!
See you next Friday, on Pink-Tutu.com!
