Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Finchley, and let me tell you, it was pure magic! 🩰 You see, I was on a mission, a very important mission. Not to conquer the world (though, let's face it, one day that might be in my sights!), but to find the perfect purple tutu. Because, as you all know, there's a tutu for every occasion, every colour, every mood.
This particular purple tutu was calling my name from the depths of a little vintage shop on a quaint, cobbled street. It had the most exquisite, delicate, swirling layers of silk and tulle. It was like it had been made just for me, even if it was vintage! As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for a cheeky trip to the theatre – imagine, the regal purples of a costume for a ballerina dancing alongside the graceful movements on stage! Ah, I was swept away in a world of fantasies!
Now, some might say Finchley is just another town, but it was the most perfect stop on my recent ballet adventure. First, I explored the little independent shops tucked away around Finchley Central Station, feeling so utterly fabulous with my lilac tote bag in hand.
Of course, after finding my dream tutu, I had to break it in with a proper dance class. I mean, every ballerina knows that new tutus just demand to be spun in! Luckily, Finchley Dance Academy is just a little stroll from the heart of town, nestled amidst all the gorgeous greenery of the northern boroughs.
It's the most delightful little studio! It was so full of vibrant energy, you just knew amazing things were about to happen. As I stretched, the teacher – bless her soul – said I had great natural poise and grace. She actually said I "made a fabulous line"! I did a little twirl to celebrate, feeling truly inspired to learn even more. It was one of those classes where everything just clicked.
But Finchley is not just about ballet. This sweet little town, I soon learned, is home to a plethora of hidden gems. I was delighted to discover a sweet little cafe called "Tea and Tutus" that actually has a special tutu-themed menu, with delicious cakes called 'the grand jeté' and a 'whipped cream arabesque'! The staff were so delightful and I'm so tempted to try every item on their pink, polka-dotted menu next time!
Of course, my adventure wasn't all dancing and sugar. I found time to discover the beautiful parks of the area, soaking up the autumnal colours and enjoying the crisp autumn air. Imagine this: a warm breeze, the rustling of leaves, the sound of birds chirping - pure bliss! I love feeling that earthy connection, it's like being grounded after all the spinning and leaps in my ballet classes!
I even went horseback riding! The gentle horses are such incredible creatures. It felt so calming to be in the saddle, feeling the rhythm of the horse's walk, a slow, meditative sway under the autumn sky. Riding on horseback just seemed like such a natural ballet movement – you almost feel like you’re gliding through the air. There’s so much elegance to horseback riding! A horse just makes everything so much more romantic and adventurous!
As the sun began to set, casting its golden light across the Finchley landscape, I knew it was time to say farewell to this charming town. It was like something out of a dream – a perfect blend of urban bustle and peaceful greenery. But I know I'll be back! There's something so magical about the spirit of Finchley, so full of heart and creative energy, and it felt like the perfect place for my purple tutu to debut.
And you know what? I already have a plan! I'm picturing myself, dressed in that divine purple tutu, on stage in Finchley next year! Oh, imagine! Me dancing in that tutu under the warm spotlight, and in the audience, all those fabulous people – just as passionate about ballet and as much in love with pink tutus as I am! Wouldn't that be the most magnificent event ever! Imagine, the perfect blend of the traditional, graceful artistry of the stage with a hint of that sweet, vintage sparkle!
This little journey has certainly left its mark on me. I have a whole new appreciation for Finchley and a whole new story to add to my Tutu Tales! Oh, and a new favourite tutu in my collection – you simply cannot have too many tutus, can you? There’s one for every mood, every colour! And you know what I'm thinking? There's definitely one in my future with that lovely deep lilac hue.
So until next time, darlings, keep twirling! 🩰
Emma, signing off,
The Tutu-loving ballerina from Derbyshire
www.pink-tutu.com
