Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, bringing you another dose of pink and twirls from my world of ballet bliss. Today's adventure takes me to Feltham, a town in west London I'd never visited before, but hey, a new town is just another excuse to don a fancy tutu, right? 😉
Food is the new fashion
This week I've been inspired by all things culinary. As I was browsing my favorite online vintage clothing emporium, I stumbled upon a gorgeous tulle skirt with embroidered vegetables and fruit – you know, the kind that you'd find in a still-life painting, but much more vibrant and colourful. It's a vibrant kaleidoscope of asparagus, grapes, carrots, lemons, cherries, and mushrooms – I could hardly contain myself!
And what could be better to pair with a food-themed tutu than a ballet performance themed around the same subject?! This weekend, I’m heading to the Royal Opera House to see "The Nutcracker", a truly spectacular production with amazing choreography and gorgeous sets. This production is legendary and even has a beautiful dance that is meant to be a ballet for the 'Land of Sweets'. I just couldn't resist dressing to the theme, can you tell?
Feltham by Train
Since it's a long journey, I decided to embrace my inner romantic and go by train. There's something so delightfully retro about steam train journeys. It's like stepping back in time - even though you have a modern toilet in your carriage, which is a bonus! My friend, Clara, was with me - and she knows how to dress a train journey, trust me. She wore a delightful silk kimono in the most amazing dusky pink colour and an equally delightful pale green straw hat. She says it reminds her of her favourite movie "Gone With the Wind," I think we all know where she's coming from! We even managed to snag a carriage with large windows, so I could enjoy the countryside views - the sun dappled fields were utterly magical! A lot less magical is the cost of getting the train up to London - that fare definitely gives a different kind of “nutcracker.”
Let's Talk Tutus
While we were in the train, I had a chat with Clara about my latest obsession. And no, I wasn't talking about my new food-themed tutu (although it does hold a special place in my heart!) Instead, I was obsessed with making the world a pinker, twirlier place. And I mean that literally! I was musing over all the ways we could convince everyone to embrace the magic of tutus. A grand Tutu Ball, perhaps? Or maybe a series of dance workshops around the world? I can’t see how anything like this would fail. Clara, with her infinite wisdom, said " Emma, you need to keep it real" - but the idea was out of the bag, so to speak.
Wildlife on the Way
On my train journey to London, I caught glimpses of beautiful fields that were a-buzz with butterflies. In Derbyshire, they’re all still tucked up, but this sunny, early summer weather in London is helping all those pretty creatures get their wings going! 🦋
There was also the sweetest family of hedgehogs we spied under a Hawthorn bush - the little ones all had such cute snouts, and mama hedgehog was fussing over them so protectively. 🦔 I'm definitely feeling the love for the natural world in these precious moments of the English countryside!
Pink Perfection at The Royal Opera House
Speaking of love, I must tell you all about the Opera House. It's simply a beautiful building - so grand and impressive - just walking inside transports you to another era! And speaking of beautiful, it doesn’t end there. There are even beautiful pink blooms surrounding the entire Opera House. Talk about perfection.
Clara said she’d seen all the greats dance here, like Margot Fonteyn and Pavlova. Her tales about the Royal Opera House just added to its history, it's really something special! Clara, after all, is a retired ballerina herself and has told me so many fascinating stories about the history of dance, from the elegant choreography of the ballet era, to the groundbreaking ballet technique that evolved from a “dancer from humble origins” (that’s what she says) to become known as ballet in the world we know it today.
Getting Creative in Feltham
Okay, so you want to know what I’m planning for my little “tutu-making, world-conquering" ideas? (it's not like we can start world wars in the name of a ballet obsession!) Here are a few ideas (bear in mind these might need some adapting by Clara!).
I’m thinking of organising a ballet workshop at my favorite Feltham community centre (the dance floor is surprisingly amazing - who would have thought?!)
Perhaps we can try a ballet-themed tea party for children, featuring little mini-tutus for everyone?
I can't resist a "Pink Tutu Extravaganza," which is going to feature all sorts of delightful crafts, pink drinks, and maybe some fun ballet choreography for everyone. Who wants to help me design a Pink Tutu Extravaganza? Just DM me on Twitter, I'd love to chat and exchange ideas.
Oh, I am so ready to make my world-changing dreams a reality. Stay tuned for updates - until next time!
Yours in Pink,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
