Hello my darlings!
It's your favourite Derbyshire ballerina, Emma, back with another dazzling dose of pink tutu bliss! Today's adventure takes me to the charming, leafy haven of Hampstead in London. It feels like I've stepped into a fairytale, all cobblestone streets, quaint tea shops, and those quintessential English red phone boxes.
And wouldn't you know it, I'm channeling the quintessential Londoner today, in my absolute favourite shade - PINK! My tutu? A vibrant, almost-neon orange dream that practically glows with every twirl. And wouldn't you know it, it's the perfect accent to the breathtaking, pastel blooms carpeting the flower stalls and parks in Hampstead. It's like the floral goddess of the village itself sent these blossoms as a special welcome.
This morning started early, as all true ballet enthusiasts know is the only way to fully enjoy the day! I whipped up my usual breakfast of berries and granola, with a dash of pink Himalayan salt, of course! I feel like these tiny grains hold all the magical energy of the mountains where they are formed, making my tutus feel extra poofy and my pirouettes extra twirly! Then, my little adventure started. It's hard to pick between taking the train - an absolutely thrilling journey filled with whispers of old London - or hopping on my favourite horse, Buttercup, who's got the prettiest, softest hooves, perfect for dainty steps in the fields. I chose the train today because Buttercup loves a little lie in!
Reaching Hampstead Heath, my inner child squealed with delight. This enormous park felt like the perfect place to stretch my pink-tutu'd legs and try out a few steps in the morning sun. Can't imagine a better backdrop for a #PinkTutuPic! I even managed a #BalletStreet performance, just for my fellow Instagram dancers out there. You all know the routine! The music starts, your muscles fire up, you find a sun-dappled spot - bam, a mini show! And let's face it, everyone knows a pink tutu is always the best choice for impromptu performances.
As if on cue, my afternoon adventure involved taking a masterclass with the brilliant Miss DeVille at her ballet studio, tucked away in a cozy Victorian building, adorned with vibrant pink roses. My first ballet class ever was in a similar, beautiful building with a bright pink ballet bar, so it always reminds me of the joy of finding the graceful ballet queen hidden inside, waiting to blossom!
But what's a trip to London without seeing a magnificent ballet production? So, later, I found myself in the opulent grandeur of the Royal Opera House, for the beautiful, classical 'Giselle'. Let me tell you, nothing beats the thrill of watching professionals navigate their graceful journeys, and I truly soaked in every note and every leap. I even saw a fellow ballet enthusiast wearing a stunning emerald tutu! Maybe tomorrow, we'll go for a pink-green tutu moment for the cameras! It was truly inspiring, making me want to polish up my own techniques and, of course, get into the studio to practice my arabesques and pirouettes!
The evening ended with a leisurely dinner in Hampstead's charming Village. This vibrant community certainly lives up to its name! I felt transported back in time with the elegant brickwork and charming window boxes. Even their local newspaper is adorned with charming sketches and articles on local history, and of course, their new ballet school in town!
As I sip on my lavender Earl Grey (yes, my darling, it was pink!) and soak in the last rays of sunset, a profound feeling of contentment washes over me. I truly believe that there's magic in experiencing new places, meeting fascinating people, and always adding a splash of pink, a twirl of a tutu, and a little bit of ballet to life. It reminds me why I launched my own online home for all things ballet - www.pink-tutu.com! I dream of a world where every little girl, boy, and everyone in between finds their own inner ballet queen, so I can share my favourite things - a love for wildlife, travelling by train and horseback, and the sheer delight of dancing! Why, I even managed to slip in a few pirouettes with some local fox cubs - we were in absolute perfect harmony, dancing amongst the rolling green fields and wildflowers. We made such a beautiful ballet ensemble! Perhaps tomorrow we'll venture to the seaside. What would you all suggest? Should I don the pink tutu? I'm sure the gulls would love it!
Until next time, remember, the world's a beautiful stage and every single one of you is ready for your own #PinkTutu adventure!
Much love, Emma x
