Hey there, fellow pink tutu enthusiasts!
It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind adventure from the heart of Derbyshire, this time to the charming and cultured streets of Kensington. Today, I’m donning a luscious pink tutu that practically shimmers with the joy of the journey. (Honestly, if it wasn't for this train journey being an absolute doddle, I might have opted for a full-on tulle-tastic travelling outfit. But you know me, practicality and a little pink sparkle can never be underestimated).
This little escapade has all the hallmarks of a perfect day for a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina like me. I'm starting my day with a proper English breakfast at the truly delightful Kensington Garden Cafe (where I’m happily ignoring the call of "full English" to stick to my usual – berries, yoghurt, and a poached egg for this queen. Did you know there’s a secret world of berry flavours beyond your basic strawberry? I'm always discovering something new, like those little gems called tayberries, which taste like a marriage between raspberries and blackberries. Seriously, you have to try them).
Ballet in the City:
Speaking of adventures, I’ve managed to sneak a private class at the Royal Ballet School! If you follow my blog you’ll know that a true pink tutu wearer like myself is always in pursuit of the perfect pirouette and graceful grand jeté, and who better to learn from than the very best? It’s like a dream come true – though honestly, I felt slightly out of place. Me, in my pink tutu, surrounded by young, up-and-coming talent who are likely going to make their names in the world of ballet one day! Thankfully, my pink tutu charm worked wonders. My instructor, Mr. Daniels, couldn't have been kinder, encouraging my attempts at double fouetté while offering helpful pointers that sent shivers of inspiration through my ballerina body. I came out feeling absolutely fantastic, my brain buzzing with a thousand different variations on a grand allegro.
Kensington's Green Heart:
Now, every journey needs a bit of relaxation and I’m so excited to be strolling through Kensington Gardens – it's the perfect antidote to the urban sprawl and is definitely my type of therapy. You’ll see me prancing through the pathways (with an air of ballerina elegance of course) before I find my spot to picnic with a thermos of Earl Grey (a true British delight) and a delicious cucumber sandwich (there’s nothing quite like it! I do try other things though - smoked salmon and cream cheese on sourdough bread is my recent go-to!) I love the feeling of being surrounded by nature and the majestic presence of the iconic Serpentine lake and The Albert Memorial is just the perfect background for some ballet inspired movement. You bet your tutu I'll be busting out a few impressive arabesques and relevés for the pleasure of the swans who have made their home in the Serpentine.
A touch of Culture & Theatre:
Now for a real treat: a trip to the V&A museum, it’s truly a treasure trove of beautiful things from all around the globe. But guess what? I have a special reason to go to the V&A today. They have a fascinating exhibition on the history of dance and, of course, I couldn’t miss it. From tutus and tights to the evolution of the ballet slipper, the exhibit truly takes you on a journey through the magic of dance. As I strolled through the exhibitions, my own little ballerina heart beat faster at each new discovery. I could almost feel the history and passion in each artefact and imagine the amazing dancers that came before me, making their marks on the world with their grace and talent. And of course, no trip to the V&A is complete without a quick visit to their beautiful cafe, a lovely spot for some traditional afternoon tea with the best scones (deliciously light, melt in your mouth) in all of London. And as if afternoon tea wasn’t enough, the show doesn’t end there! Today, the Olivier Theatre in the National Theatre hosts a performance of 'Giselle.' And you better believe this pink-tutu wearing girl is in the audience. The thrill of seeing an inspiring ballet live, from the first note of the orchestra to the final curtain call, makes my tutu flutter. The story, the emotion, the beauty, all intertwine to create a performance that I can only describe as breathtaking. The talent of the dancers and the technical brilliance of the production just blew my mind. It was an experience that will stay with me forever and makes me want to dance even harder and more creatively.
The Wonders of Wildlife:
While you may be wondering why wildlife is featured in a London post, the answer is pretty simple: I can’t escape the magic of our feathered friends! No trip to the city would be complete without visiting Regent’s Park, where you can find my favourites, the majestic and majestic (yes, I said majestic twice – that’s just how amazing they are) pelicans! They glide with grace over the water and remind me of all the elegance and beauty found in the world, and for a brief moment, even reminds me of how gracefully my little tutu floats as I glide across the dance floor!
And as you can tell, I love a touch of the wilderness to compliment the sparkle of city lights, the energy of ballet and my perfectly-pink tulle! So of course I’m popping into The London Zoo. I can’t deny the magnetic draw of wild things and their connection to nature - how they move, they feed and the way they interact with their world. It’s such a welcome reprieve from the frantic pace of city life and leaves me with an incredible feeling of calmness.
But let’s be honest, my main attraction for this trip was a little different - the snow leopards. Those big beautiful creatures are majestic and they have something really special, almost mystic, about them! As I stood there, awestruck, gazing into their intense eyes, it made me want to try and discover that little bit of mysterious majesty inside of me. To channel it into my dancing, my movements, and, of course, my little pink tutu.
Ballet, the Gift That Keeps Giving:
My little jaunt into London’s magical streets ended, as usual, with a trip to my favourite cafe for a piece of cake (today was all about the strawberry shortcake! - an absolute indulgence!) The cafe is practically hidden amongst Kensington’s bustling streets, so quiet and peaceful, allowing me a chance to contemplate the wonderful experience. It really has been a glorious day. And it makes me reflect – perhaps this whole pink-tutu journey isn’t just about me and my passion. Maybe it's about showing people the joy of a simple dance, the beauty of moving to the music, and the strength and elegance that ballet can empower you with.
My little trip to Kensington was about embracing the magic of dance, the love of a city's heart and a love for the world’s extraordinary creatures!
See you in my next post! And in the meantime, be sure to try on a pink tutu, embrace the joy of dance, and explore your inner ballerina! Until next time!
Stay sparkly,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
