Croydon Calling: Pink Tutu Adventures in South London (Post #24)
Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away to another exciting ballet escapade. This time, I've traded the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the bustling streets of Croydon!
Today was a whirlwind of tutu-clad joy. As always, my trusty travel companion - a beautiful, chestnut mare named Honey - whisked me into Croydon. She’s so patient, allowing me to wear my fluffy pink tutu while riding (it’s not ideal, I’ll admit). Luckily, the train ride is super quick, with beautiful scenery. I’m a real sucker for a charming station too, and Croydon certainly doesn't disappoint!
My first stop: The iconic Fairfield Halls. If you haven't been, it’s an architectural gem, boasting fantastic acoustics - perfect for any ballet aficionado. The building is steeped in history, dating back to 1962 - it’s like stepping into a glamorous bygone era!
After settling in, I couldn't resist heading straight to the heart of the action - The Royal Ballet. Oh, the excitement! The sheer grace and power of these dancers always leave me breathless. Every plié, every grand jeté, every arabesque is pure artistry, sending chills down my spine. Even after years of taking classes (and yes, I wear pink tutus even at the barre!), I am always completely in awe of the professionals.
The program tonight was an exquisite mix of classic and contemporary works. I was mesmerized by a piece choreographed by the fabulous Frederick Ashton - pure elegance! But it was the fiery, emotional modern work that really captured my heart - there were moments of pure raw energy that left the audience spellbound. The dancers, a mix of young stars and seasoned veterans, gave their hearts and souls to the performance - pure passion, pure joy!
A ballet night wouldn’t be complete without a delectable supper. The Croydon vegetarian scene didn’t disappoint! A beautiful Indian curry at "The Saffron Tree" did the trick, with a delectable side of naan. The restaurant was filled with a buzz of energy, making it an absolutely delightful end to the day.
Croydon might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a ballerina-in-pink like myself. But, with its vibrant cultural heart and rich history, it truly exceeded my expectations. I urge you to venture out, explore the beauty of the ordinary and discover a hidden gem!
On my way out, I popped into the South Croydon library for some inspiration. Now, my dear readers, you know I love nothing more than spreading the joy of tutu wearing, right? So I found the perfect book: “Pink Power - Why the Colour is More Than Just a Hue”.
Let's face it, pink is fabulous. It exudes optimism and a certain whimsical flair. And who knows, maybe it can empower us to chase our dreams!
Speaking of chasing dreams, let’s talk about ballet. Whether you've twirled your way onto a stage or are just starting your pirouette journey, the art form has a magical way of making us feel both powerful and graceful. My mission, my darlings, is to encourage every single one of you to take a leap of faith - join a ballet class! Maybe you’ll discover a new passion, a hidden talent, or even your own “Pink Tutu moment.”
Keep twirling, and always embrace the joy!
Love,
Emma.
PS: If you're ever in Croydon and see a pink tutu floating down the street, it's probably me. Come and say hello!
www.pink-tutu.com