Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, bringing you a blast of pink straight from the heart of London town. After weeks of prepping for my Christmas performances at the Derbyshire Theatre, I’ve finally had a chance to shed my character’s costume and embrace the dazzling magic of the city. Oh, it’s been absolutely wonderful!
The moment I stepped off the train at Kings Cross (such a beautiful station, did you know it was a filming location for "Harry Potter"?), I knew this trip was going to be special. My trusty travel companion, a fabulous crimson suitcase filled with more tutus than I could ever dream of wearing, had even managed to evade the notoriously chaotic rush hour, arriving at the flat unscathed. Score!
Now, let me paint you a picture: It’s dusk, the iconic London skyline glows like a watercolour masterpiece against a sky the colour of blush pink, and the city hums with energy. My first stop? The British Museum. I adore museums – they’re brimming with stories whispered from the past, stories that ignite my imagination and inspire my dance. I've got to admit, though, it was a tad difficult to appreciate ancient artefacts when you're standing there surrounded by so much fabulousness! I felt the urge to twirl, just a little. Who needs a Rosetta Stone when you've got a tutu on, right?
Speaking of tutus, my new feather boa collection finally got their moment to shine in the dazzling city. Each feather was hand-selected – the pink, the blush, the fuschia - absolutely exquisite! They added a touch of sassy sophistication to every outfit, whether it was my vintage lace dress for an evening at the theatre or my cosy, knitted sweater for an afternoon of window shopping in Covent Garden. (The street performers were divine - seriously, London always knows how to keep things exciting!)
The theatre, oh the theatre! You see, London is just the most wonderful place for any ballerina, particularly one as enthusiastic as myself. We went to the Royal Opera House – the acoustics! The costumes! And of course, the dancing was utterly breathtaking! Ballet can be so expressive and emotional; it really does reach deep within you. They say there are a hundred different ways to perform a simple "chassé" – you know, the basic gliding step? Each dancer brought their own artistry and charisma to the stage, reminding me that every performance, every piece of art, holds something unique.
The city wasn't all ballet, of course! I had to find a few quiet corners to practice. After all, my inner ballerina never sleeps! A beautiful little park nestled between cobblestone streets and towering buildings, hidden in plain sight - there I was, twirling to the symphony of the city, lost in the moment. Even the pigeons seemed captivated! You see, dancing isn’t just about steps and routines - it's about sharing a feeling, a moment, and connecting with your surroundings.
Later, I stumbled across this lovely vintage clothing shop on Carnaby Street, and it had the most divine collection of vintage tutus - not just pink ones! Imagine a blush-coloured tulle tutu with a fluffy petticoat, topped with a dazzling sequined bodice - sheer elegance! Now, who needs a trip to a costume shop when you have a whole vintage shop to choose from, eh? It took all of my willpower to walk out with only one new tutu, though it did mean that my travel companion had to pack extra carefully.
And let's not forget the deliciousness! It’s simply impossible to resist the delicious smells wafting through the city streets, from traditional fish and chips to the divine aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Every little cafe held its own unique charm - there was one on Brick Lane where I spent the most glorious morning sketching, surrounded by the vibrant buzz of street art and conversation. I just had to document the sheer beauty and vibrancy! I do hope that someday, when I'm a well-established professional ballerina, I can have my own studio where all of my students can share this experience, and make art together.
The end of the weekend arrived far too soon, as weekends always do. A farewell dinner, full of laughs, good wine, and heartfelt stories, before catching the train back to Derbyshire, which felt like returning home to my pink-tutu haven. A little piece of London’s magic lingered though, in the way I felt a renewed passion for my craft and the sheer joy of twirling, even when it was only a single pirouette at the station before I boarded the train.
This city - its architecture, its music, its art, even the little green spaces, each one spoke to the dancer in me. And that's what it’s all about, isn’t it? Taking what inspires us and sharing it with the world.
So darlings, I challenge you, wherever you are, find your pink tutu (even if it’s a scarf, a pair of gloves, or a hat!), and channel that inner ballerina! And remember: if you dream it, you can twirl it!
Until next time, Emma
P.S. Follow my adventures and pink-tutu antics on Instagram at @pink_tutu. Love to hear from all of you! 💖
