#TutuBlog #339
Oh darling, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and even the pigeons in East Ham are looking extra glamorous today. What better way to celebrate a glorious Friday than a tutu-clad adventure on the Central Line? 😉
Let me paint you a picture, darlings. Your girl Emma, fresh from a delightful morning of pliés and pirouettes at the local dance studio (did I tell you, darling, I've discovered a new studio? It's run by a wonderful lady called Fiona, who was a prima ballerina at the Royal Ballet – swoon!), is all set for a day of ballet bliss in London. My new pink tutu (let's call her "Pip," short for "Pipsqueak" - you'll get why in a minute) is freshly ironed, the hair is perfectly slicked back in a ballet bun, and I'm all ready to soak up the magic of a Royal Ballet performance.
The excitement started as I packed my little tote bag with my essentials – a mini sewing kit (just in case a stitch goes AWOL!), a hydrating face mist (for that flawless look!), my copy of Swan Lake, and of course, a trusty tube of Lip Smackers - because, as everyone knows, even a swan needs a little gloss.
My train journey to East Ham (don't judge me on my destination, darlings, some of the best ballet-related stories unfold on the most unexpected journeys, and East Ham is simply brimming with potential!), started with a burst of colour! Now, Pip may be new, but it's definitely not your standard pink. She's a vibrant shade of cerise – the perfect contrast to my deep red vintage handbag. People smiled, a couple of people even stopped to say how fabulous I looked (it's happening, darling, people are warming to the tutu revolution!). One lady, who was, to my delight, wearing a turquoise feathered hat, gave me a wink and a high five – the most brilliant impromptu interaction of the day!
You know, darling, something happens when you wear a tutu, people seem more approachable, happier. Perhaps it’s the lighthearted joy it evokes – the fact that it screams “let’s have fun!”. The train itself became a miniature stage. A group of youngsters burst into song, their high-pitched voices echoing down the carriage like the harmonious melodies of the swans in Swan Lake.
The London Underground may not be the most elegant of transportation systems, but when I look around and see faces lit up with smiles, and the gentle hum of chatter mixed with the clatter of the tracks, I find it utterly enchanting. It’s like an off-Broadway ballet in itself.
Then, it happened – “Pipsqueak” slipped. A loose stitch on the back, which must have been tugged on in my pre-performance dance warm-up (oh, those pesky side splits!) – the unfortunate casualty of my ballet journey.
Panic, darling, panic! But then, in a flash, the kindness of strangers! A little girl with the brightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen offered me her grandma’s needle and thread (they'd just bought a beautiful new knitting set, I thought it was so sweet). Now, my darlings, it might not have been the most sophisticated repair job, but "Pipsqueak" was back on stage, even more endearing with her unique story, and I had my fairy-godmother in a blue gingham frock!
The ballet performance was glorious – it was as if every pirouette, every grand jeté, was echoing the chaotic and magical journey of the day. And then, in that beautiful and profound quiet at the end of the ballet, the girl who lent me her needle came running to me with the most radiant smile – “Pipsqueak” had become a legend! And so, in a small corner of East Ham, in the aftermath of a ballet performance, I became a small, but significant part of a tutu-loving legend!
And remember, darlings, this is just one of countless adventures "Pipsqueak" and I will embark on. She's been with me to a Wildlife Park (yes, we met a cheeky monkey in a pink tutu!), we've been to the beach, and we've even spent an evening riding side-saddle in a vintage horse-drawn carriage! But for now, darling, "Pipsqueak" rests happily in my wardrobe, ready to conquer another day.
Keep checking back, darlings! More exciting adventures await in the world of pink tutus, with your very own tutu blogger! And who knows? Maybe you, yes you darling, will become a tutu legend one day too!
Until next time,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
