Hello, my darling dance-lovers!
It's Emma here, reporting live from the charming, cobbled streets of Hampstead. As you know, I'm always up for a little adventure, and this week's escapades have been positively delightful! Let me tell you all about it, with a little help from my trusty pink tutu, of course. 😉
Now, I'm a Derbyshire girl at heart, but London has a special place in my dancing soul. And when the opportunity arose to take a whirlwind weekend trip, I packed my tutu bag and hopped on the train. The carriage was surprisingly empty, so I indulged in a spot of tutu-twirling practice, which earned me a few curious glances – it's the best kind of attention!
After arriving at King's Cross station, I made a beeline for the charming, colourful Hampstead Heath. With the crisp winter air nipping at my nose, the lush green spaces provided the perfect setting for a pre-ballet warm-up routine. Honestly, I couldn't resist striking a few poses under the watchful eyes of a curious family of squirrels. These little critters clearly appreciate the beauty of dance – they gave me their most enthusiastic attention!
Speaking of squirrels, wildlife holds a special place in my heart. Seeing these cheeky little creatures darting around the trees, I was reminded of my ballet school days. Remember when our teachers used to say, "Move like a graceful bird, but with the agility of a nimble squirrel?" That's my personal dance mantra. I aim to channel the elegance of a swan and the quick wit of a mischievous fox – what a fun and fascinating combination!
But back to my Hampstead escapades…
After my outdoor warm-up, it was time for the main event: the Hampstead Theatre! My sister booked us tickets to see "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," a play based on a book by Mark Haddon. It was captivating, moving, and surprisingly funny, a fantastic way to experience a different style of performance art. I felt my own little story twirling away in my head as I walked home afterwards, wondering if my next tutu masterpiece would involve a curious dog...
Now, if you’re a lover of pink, like me, then Hampstead is definitely worth a visit. I even spotted a cute little shop with a window full of beautiful pink umbrellas – pure magic!
Sunday was all about experiencing the unique energy of London’s Covent Garden. You can't possibly be in London without stopping by this bustling centre of creativity! After a delightful lunch of pink grapefruit sorbet and strawberries (yes, even my meals are pink-tinted!) I went exploring the street performers and tucked into a quiet corner for some impromptu ballet practice. I swear, that corner feels like a hidden stage, especially when you're twirling in a fluffy pink tutu. You see, even everyday life can be an incredible dance floor when you let your inner ballerina shine.
Of course, no trip to London would be complete without seeing a show at the Royal Opera House! I've been fortunate to catch several performances this year – and I never tire of those glittering chandeliers, the rich velvet seats, and the exquisite choreography that transports me to another world. I can't imagine a better way to unwind and escape from the day-to-day.
That evening, as I relaxed back on the train, I realised how inspiring the weekend had been. I'd soaked in new energy, explored a new corner of the world, and shared wonderful experiences with my loved ones. But most importantly, I had rediscovered my own love for the simple things – a sunny day, a curious squirrel, the gentle sway of a tree.
That's the beauty of ballet, wouldn't you agree? It teaches you to find wonder in the most unexpected places. And it reminds us that even a little sprinkle of pink, a whimsical twirl, or a captivating performance can brighten up anyone's day.
So, dear reader, what are you waiting for? Go forth and explore your own unique dance adventures. Wear your tutu with pride, embrace your inner ballerina, and don't forget to spread the joy of pink tutus!
And until next time, happy dancing!
With love, Emma
P.S. If you've ever wondered how I get around in such a charming fashion, I have a secret weapon: a handsome chestnut gelding named Chestnut! He's my personal dance partner when I need to travel in style and a loyal friend. He loves all things pink, so needless to say, he has a tutu of his own. He’s just waiting for you to come visit and maybe, just maybe, we’ll have a little tutu dance-off. Who wouldn’t want to see a ballerina on a horse? 😉
