#TutuBlog 2012-05-15 in Ruislip with a yellow tutu.

Hello my lovelies!

It's Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire darling, bringing you another slice of pink-tutu life! Today's adventure took me all the way to Ruislip, a little slice of suburban paradise just outside of London. It's amazing how these hidden gems are everywhere, just waiting to be discovered, like a delicate pink flower peeking through a hedge of green.

Now, Ruislip itself was pretty much the picture of calm and quiet – lots of green spaces, lovely little houses with blooming window boxes, the scent of freshly cut grass...blissful! It definitely wasn't exactly a 'ballet mecca' but hey, I’m all for embracing the ballet life wherever I go, and finding my inner ballerina even amidst a sea of daffodils and cute little ducklings!

Speaking of ducklings, I swear there were more baby ducklings than adults! I was mesmerized by their tiny little wobbly legs and fluffy yellow feathers as they paddled in the little pond – truly a picture of pure joy and innocence.

The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a little outfit transformation! And I confess, the yellow tutu was just calling to me! Now, I’m all about pink – it’s the colour of my soul, you see, a symbol of all things fun, fluffy and girly – but a bit of sunshine yellow felt right for a day spent surrounded by such glorious, verdant countryside. So, there I was, a tiny burst of yellow against a backdrop of bright blue sky, dancing my way through Ruislip – who knew it could be so…dare I say…sparkling?

Even without a dedicated dance studio in sight, there were still some wonderful ‘en pointe’ opportunities to be had. Ruislip Manor was just begging to be twirled in – imagine, me twirling across those wooden floors under the stately chandeliers, my yellow tutu swirling like the wind-blown petticoats of a Victorian maiden!

After that, it was time for a proper cup of tea, you know, the kind that warms you to your toes. A perfect moment of tranquility after all those twirls!

So, there you have it. A trip to Ruislip that somehow ended up being a ballet adventure – just like I knew it would! You see, the beauty of life lies in finding the ballet in the ordinary, embracing those everyday moments that inspire a twirl or a pirouette, a bit like spotting a yellow tutu in a meadow of daisies!

And before I go, my dears, remember – embrace the pink! Try a new class, grab a tutu, put on some beautiful ballet music and feel that magical spark ignite within! And don’t forget, every single one of you is a ballerina at heart.

Until next time,

Emma

P.S. - Want to join my mission of pink-tutu enlightenment? Share your own ballet moments with me on Instagram using #pinktutulife! I’ll be choosing my favourite pics for a feature on the blog next week! 💖✨

As I said, Ruislip itself was a real gem, and even if it lacked a dance studio, it definitely offered plenty of opportunities for fun.

First up, I was simply captivated by the beautiful architecture at Ruislip Manor. The Elizabethan architecture just screamed for a graceful waltz – just picture a vision of elegance, a woman in a beautiful white gown gliding across the floors, her white petticoats floating just above the ground like fluffy white clouds.

I also happened upon the charming Ruislip Lido – a stunning lake, which seemed like it was straight out of a fairytale. I’d love to go back on a warm day to bask in the sunshine with a good book, maybe even practice some ‘arabesques’ against a backdrop of lush green trees.

A real highlight was Ruislip Woods. Just walking through the ancient woodland, I felt this strange but wonderful sense of calm – I imagined it was like stepping back in time to a simpler era, when everything was untouched by the chaos of modern life. The trees felt so tall and strong – it made me feel grounded, connected to the Earth, in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. I love the way that nature can always restore a sense of calm and peace.

Speaking of nature, the animals definitely didn't disappoint either! Aside from the ducklings, there were cheeky little squirrels darting up and down the trees – reminding me of tiny dancers, leaping gracefully from branch to branch. I found myself daydreaming, thinking about how I’d love to choreograph a ballet piece where the ballerinas are like squirrels, with their agile movements, all flitting about, and graceful, effortless jumps.

Now, onto some exciting news – a trip to see “Giselle” at The Royal Opera House – pure perfection! Oh, it was glorious! Everything about it – the dancers, the costumes, the music. It felt like watching a real-life fairytale – the storytelling through their movement was so captivating, the sheer skill and athleticism was awe-inspiring – but more importantly, it was so deeply moving, it tugged at my heartstrings and left me utterly speechless. It was one of those evenings where you felt so present and connected to every single movement, every flicker of emotion that played out on stage. I could feel the passion and artistry that infused the performance.

There’s something truly special about being part of a shared experience with the audience at the theatre - watching the faces light up with awe as the dance unfolds. It’s not just a ballet – it’s a collective emotional journey that you go on, alongside everyone in that room, and the sense of connection, of shared humanity, is a truly powerful experience.

There you have it – a day trip to Ruislip, an adventure into the magical world of nature and wildlife, a glimpse into my ongoing ballet journey, and the glorious experience of “Giselle”!

Remember, dear readers, life is a ballet, filled with unexpected pirouettes, elegant arabesques, and some graceful pas de deux, all intertwined with some unexpected bumps and spills. I hope this post inspires you to embrace your own little ballet adventures and dance your way through life! 💖