Oh my goodness, darlings, where do I even begin?! I'm positively buzzing from a day of pure ballet bliss at Wembley! And it wasn't just any show, oh no, this was the ultimate - a grand European tour finale of the "Ballet Magnifique" - a feast for the eyes, and my dear, my feet!
Remember my recent post about my custom-made tutu, the one with the layers and layers of delicate pink tulle that swirled and twirled with every move? Well, this was the perfect place to debut it, right at the heart of the London stage! And speaking of perfect, have you ever seen a stage so vast? It was a majestic ocean of polished wood, gleaming under the softest stage lights, and I was standing right at the edge of it, the orchestra warming up, the smell of anticipation filling the air. I felt like I was about to step into a dream, a whirlwind of grace and artistry!
Before the curtain rose, we (my fellow Derbyshire Ballet Company gals and I, of course, all rocking our own dazzling tutus) had the pleasure of attending a private rehearsal with the esteemed Madame Elara, the prima ballerina herself! (Let me just tell you, her extensions are breathtaking!). We all stood there, enthralled, watching her glide through the choreography, every movement like a whispered poem. I even got to ask her for tips, and trust me, her advice was pure magic. (I’ll share some later, I promise!).
Speaking of magic, I have to tell you about the show itself. Let me just say, darling, if you’ve never experienced the breathtaking grandeur of a full European tour performance, then you’re missing out. From the elaborate sets and costumes, each more vibrant than the last, to the powerful energy emanating from the dancers themselves – I’m practically speechless, and I'm usually anything but! It was the perfect mix of tradition and modernism, every step telling a story of beauty, resilience, and pure human passion. It had me completely spellbound from the moment the overture began!
After the performance, naturally, the entire cast went for celebratory cocktails in the elegant green room! We shared stories and laughs (and perhaps a little bit of gossip – shhh! Don’t tell!), all fueled by a shared passion for the art. I even got a chance to chat with the fabulous stage manager, a proper sweetie who shared tales of past shows, and those are definitely stories for another post.
Of course, my journey didn’t start at Wembley. No, it all began at my lovely little Derbyshire cottage. You’d be surprised how often the train journey itself turns into an adventure! The carriage was full of laughter and lively chatter – I shared a compartment with a delightful lady in a flamboyant feathered hat, we were just dying to gossip! Apparently, she had been a ballet teacher in her younger days. Turns out we even had mutual acquaintances, this world of ballet is such a close-knit one!
I have to admit, the excitement had me a little antsy, and I was quite the whirlwind as we rushed to get on the train. Luckily, our conductor, a charming young fellow with an excellent sense of humour, managed to get us all organised (no, I didn't tell him to, I am a good girl, pinky promise!) and the carriage was abuzz with excitement.
One of my favourite moments on the journey was stopping in the middle of the rolling countryside for a delicious picnic. Just a light snack, of course – you’ve got to look good in your tutu, even at lunchtime! And speaking of the countryside, it was an absolute treat. Meadows dotted with daisies, fields of vibrant bluebells, the sweet smell of clover in the air, and oh, the animals! A family of adorable deer peered out from the trees, and I spotted a curious little fox darting between the wildflowers. The world outside my window was like a living, breathing storybook, filled with magical charm.
But of course, darling, I’ve saved the most wonderful part for last. It’s not everyday that a tutu-clad ballerina gets to gallop across a vast, open field! My darling, we found a sweet, gentle horse named Star, the perfect steed for a fashionable adventurer like myself! He was patient with my girly squeals and delicate touch, and with a flourish, I found myself riding, the wind whipping through my pink tulle as we sped through the sun-kissed grass. Oh, darling, what an adventure!
By the end of the day, I was practically floating on air, buzzing with joy and brimming with stories. Every moment was a celebration of artistry, grace, and of course, the absolute power of pink tutus! So here’s to Wembley, darling, and to the extraordinary adventure of ballet! May the spirit of "Ballet Magnifique" inspire us all to twirl, leap, and embrace the magic of our own dreams. And remember, you can never have too much pink!
Keep dancing, darlings!
Lots of love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
