Hello darlings! 👋 It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, back with another delightful post from the fabulous world of dance! This is post number 22, and believe me, I've been bursting at the seams to tell you about my recent trip to the fabulous Islington!
As you know, I'm a Derbyshire girl at heart, but my passion for dance takes me all over the globe, and this week, it was a little jaunt to the bustling streets of London, where I had the most exquisite experience - a performance at Sadler's Wells Theatre!
But before we get into the performance itself, let me tell you about my journey. My darling friend, Eleanor (she's an avid ballerina, you know, but doesn't have quite the same love affair with pink as me, much to my chagrin!), suggested we take the train to London, which I have to say, was such a romantic notion. A long journey through the rolling English countryside, gazing out the window at the quaint villages and fluffy sheep, listening to my favourite 1960s jazz records and reminiscing about our childhood dreams of pirouettes and leaping through fields of buttercups. Ah, wouldn't you just love it?
Upon arriving at King's Cross, with its charming clock tower and, let's be honest, utterly brilliant Victorian architecture (oh how I adore that era, its flamboyance and daring spirit!), I felt an immediate tingle of excitement. After all, it's not often a Derbyshire girl gets to experience the heart of London! And let's not forget the magical atmosphere of Platform 9 3/4, where a certain Mr. Potter first boarded the Hogwarts Express. 😉
To complete the experience, I felt it was absolutely essential to don a new outfit. Now, you've got to understand, my friends, a ballerina needs to dress the part. My latest find, a delectable fuchsia-coloured tutu with little white frills around the hemline, perfectly embodies the Islington aesthetic. Don't even get me started on the silk ribbon that tied the look together! The entire ensemble was quite simply divine. 💖
Eleanor, always a good sport, wore her usual - let's just say it was more on the practical side, with the slightest nod to pink! I mean, she was sporting a vibrant cherry-red shirt - still fabulous, you know? And it gave our ensemble a beautiful sense of contrasting colour! But of course, she was just jealous of my tutu! (I know it's a bit dramatic, but come on, she knows the thrill!)
We boarded the tube and journeyed to Islington, the energy bubbling inside me, just like the pink bubbly we'd be sharing with our friends at the pub later. But, I confess, there were other thoughts on my mind...namely the show. The company I was so looking forward to seeing, you see, had incorporated a wonderfully avant-garde element into their piece, something completely different for a traditional ballet, incorporating "street dance" and "urban vibes"! You bet your pink tights I was excited about that!
After a whirlwind of navigating Islington's lively, vibrant streets (and, of course, a pit stop at a local cafe for a spot of afternoon tea, wouldn't want to miss out on some delicious homemade cakes, would we?), we reached the iconic Sadler's Wells Theatre. Oh my, the building itself, with its white-washed façade and stunning classical design, stole my breath away. I practically did a pirouette in the foyer. It felt almost as if I'd been transported into a charming fairytale, except this fairytale had incredible performances in the heart of the city!
We finally reached the theatre doors and... well, I must say, I almost squealed! Inside, I felt like I'd stepped into an elegant dreamscape. Everywhere I looked there were rich velvet curtains, beautiful artwork, and the buzz of anticipation! And don't even get me started on the sparkling chandeliers – just gorgeous!
After an enjoyable pre-show chat with our dear friend Penelope (a ballet aficionado who knows her dance from her drag, trust me! ), it was time for the curtain to rise! And you know what? It exceeded all expectations! It wasn't simply a dance performance; it was a vibrant, emotional tapestry woven with talent, passion, and stunning, cutting-edge choreography. The street dancers moved with such power and fluidity; their moves felt utterly real, powerful and expressive!
You know me, darlings, I love traditional ballet, and it was great to see such respect for its roots throughout the piece, especially the grace and precision of the classical choreography. But there was something utterly unique and captivating about how the two dance styles blended seamlessly. It was like watching two sides of the dance world coming together in perfect harmony.
Of course, it wasn't just the performance that left me buzzing with excitement; after the curtain fell, we were treated to a post-show drinks with the cast. And trust me, when I say these are the people who make my world spin. It was wonderful to chat with them, to see their genuine passion and dedication to the craft, and to soak in their positive energy.
You know what else impressed me, my loves? The way the theatre embraced the entire city, and beyond! They had art exhibits that showcased artists from diverse backgrounds and their work celebrated both traditional art forms and contemporary pieces.
My weekend in Islington, fuelled by my love for dance, creativity, and a whole lot of pink, was truly unforgettable! And the highlight of the whole weekend? Well, that has to be the fabulous surprise that my friends planned for me...a private ballet lesson! In my own, pink-tinged haven of a beautiful, antique-looking studio overlooking the Regent's Canal (complete with swans, ducks and a glorious vista of Victorian terrace houses... oh how my heart did leap!), my dear friends surprised me with a personal session! The teacher was simply delightful - such a joy to dance with! And what's even better, the studio even provided a pink leotard and a pair of shimmering, baby-pink tights. You just couldn't make this stuff up, darling! 💖
As always, darling, my travels wouldn't be complete without a little bit of wildlife spotting! After a relaxing Sunday morning spent with Eleanor, we took a walk through Regent's Park, admiring the roses, picnicking in the dappled sunshine, and, most importantly, gazing at the wonderful array of ducks and squirrels! You know me, wildlife makes my heart sing, and there's no better way to conclude a weekend in London than amidst the gentle sounds of nature.
This adventure, dear friends, was the ultimate testament to the beauty of the art world, the power of creativity, and the magic that comes with embracing life with an open heart and a passion for pink. My love for dance continues to lead me down winding roads, filled with joy, adventure, and beautiful experiences.
Until next time, remember darlings, don't be afraid to twirl, embrace the pink, and remember, everyone can dance! ✨
Love,
Emma xxx
*Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see more of my ballet adventures and catch up on the daily blogs! I'm so happy to share my love for dance with you.💖 *
