Post #4721 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hey my darling darlings! Itās your favourite tutu-tastic Emma here, and Iām buzzing to be back with a brand new post after my whirlwind adventure in the glorious city of London! I have been longing to spend a weekend in the capital, taking in some gorgeous performances and of course, embracing the London ballet scene.
The journey down was so much fun. Remember how I told you all about that amazing greyhound I saw at the Derby train station? Well, I'd decided to treat myself and take the train up to London on the special "Ballet Express" that runs once a month from Derby. It's a lovely way to travel! All decked out in beautiful pink carriages, each with its own mini barre so you can do a little bit of pre-show pliƩs while you whizz through the countryside. They even provide you with pink champagne and strawberries! Totally decadent! Of course, I donned my favourite fluffy pink tutu for the journey, complete with my new diamante head-band that I got at that lovely little shop near the train station. So very chic, darling!
Brixton Bound
London felt positively electrifying. We hopped off the train at Brixton station and the sheer buzz of it all sent a tingle right down to my toes! The music, the smells, the laughter, and the fashion ā all a beautiful cacophony. I must tell you, Brixton is certainly one of the most eclectic places I've ever seen! Everywhere you looked, there were beautiful people dressed in all manner of bright, quirky outfits ā bold colours, fabulous textures and the most gorgeous hairstyles imaginable. I simply had to snap some photos! It's all about individuality, and I felt totally inspired to try something bold with my wardrobe myself.
A Swan in a Swan Lake
Our first stop was the glorious Royal Opera House. Now, I have to confess, the minute we stepped through those grand, mahogany doors I practically burst into tears! Iād dreamed about coming here since I was a little girl watching "The Swan Lake" with my gran, dreaming of twirling across the stage in a pale pink tutu with feathers and all!
This time, we watched the Royal Balletās rendition of āRomeo and Julietā and oh my, darling, I am in awe! The performance was magical. The dancers, every single one of them, moved with such elegance, such passion, such strength, that the story swept us away and I sat there completely mesmerised for the entire three hours! It made me long for the studio and yearn to work on my own leaps and pirouettes! And speaking of leaping and pirouettesā¦.
Brixton Belly
After "Romeo and Juliet" we ventured into Brixton Village. This incredible place was bursting with stalls and market stalls with some amazing food - I tried the best falafel I've ever had, darling, stuffed to the brim with creamy tahini and bright green pickles. It wasn't exactly what my ballerina diet normally allows for but I tell you, it was delicious! It even went well with my little glass of wine that I allowed myself after the show. You know, a little celebratory tipple, if you will!
Dance Offs!
Oh, and you just have to hear about my biggest thrill, the Brixton "Dance Off!" The minute we arrived in the area, the whole of Brixton Village had become one massive street dance party, with every stall blasting music and everybody - literally everybody - busting out some impressive dance moves. We didn't actually join in but darling, believe me, if it hadn't been for my very chic, slightly too-narrow tutu, Iād have been there, spinning, dipping and strutting my stuff!
It was an amazing spectacle! Groups of dancers spun in perfect circles, boys in jeans danced break-dancing routines to rap tunes, girls with glittery eyelids performed the most amazing Latin American routines, a troupe of women dressed in feathers and fringed skirts did an energetic Bollywood danceā¦. and there were little children just letting loose, doing funny moves with huge smiles on their faces. It was incredibly inspiring, you just had to embrace it! And embrace it we did.
Dance is For Everybody!
The thing that was so heart-warming, darling, was that it was a true community event, the dancers had brought so much energy and so many people of all ages were involved, it really made you realise that dance is something that brings everyone together. The dancers in the street party, and those on stage at the Royal Opera House were just two points on a giant spectrum - every kind of movement is beautiful. And who better than a ballerina to celebrate every single type of dance? I've got plans for a pink tutu ātutus for allā ballet party with music from all sorts of different styles! Watch this space for details of the party!
Tutu Talk
One thing I really wanted to see on our trip to London was the incredible costumes for "Swan Lake" which were currently on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and guess what? They had the most amazing white tutu that I could have ever imagined, absolutely dazzling! I was completely lost in its fluffy layers of tulle, adorned with beautiful feathered designs that must have taken countless hours to sew! I have a little confession, I actually took the opportunity to give a very chic photo shoot with the stunning, shimmering tulle skirtā¦ darling, you must see my Instagram post! Of course, I'll make sure it's totally discreet as I don't want to be considered too obsessed!
Final Bow
Our few days in Brixton flew by, and as we sat on the Ballet Express back to Derby, my head full of inspiration from the beautiful performances, the buzzing city atmosphere, the fabulous dance, I had already decided this wouldn't be our last trip to London. I can't wait for our next visit - perhaps we will even go to see a new musical with some extra fabulous costume designs, darling! What are your plans for your next London visit?
Let me know in the comments, Iām always so happy to hear what you've got planned. Until next time my beautiful ballerina babies, letās spread the love for dance! Keep those pink tutus handy, my darlings!
