#TutuBlog 8869
Hey darlings! It’s your girl Emma, back with another post from www.pink-tutu.com, ready to sprinkle some pink sparkle into your day!
This week, I decided to swap my trusty pink tutu for a new one – a luscious lavender dream. It's like a whispered promise of autumn, a swirl of velvety violet against the fading summer light. So, armed with my trusty travel satchel filled with a portable ballet barre, my trusty diary, and a pink scarf (one can never have too many, darling!), I headed off for a delightful trip to Finchley, North London.
Now, Finchley might not be the most obvious destination for a tutu-wearing ballerina, but I have a thing for uncovering hidden gems. And you know me, darlings, I never miss a chance for a ballet adventure!
The journey itself was a joy. I travelled by train, the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels putting me in the perfect mood for my Finchley escapade. It always fills me with a certain sense of magic, watching the landscape shift from Derbyshire greenery to the brick-lined streets of London.
My mission in Finchley: to find a magical spot that screamed "ballet" to my tutu-loving soul! My favourite app led me to a charming little café nestled in a quiet corner, bathed in sunshine, and boasting an absolutely delightful vintage décor. With a menu filled with pastel pink delights and teas fit for a royal ballerina, it was just the place to set up camp, spread my ballet barre and do a quick warm-up before exploring.
Let’s face it, darlings, sometimes it's the small moments that truly make a trip. The sun peeking through the window, the delicious aroma of cake, the sound of gentle laughter mingling with the soft music they played - all of it added up to the perfect setting for a delightful morning in Finchley.
After a bit of stretching, it was time to embrace the wonder that awaited. Finchley offered so much beauty! I loved the little park with its flower-filled beds, and a beautiful pond teeming with swans - their elegant grace reminded me of ballerinas gliding across a stage. The Victorian architecture, with its intricate details and charmingly wonky facades, brought to mind a classical ballet set design. And, I stumbled upon a charming antique shop overflowing with delicate porcelain and hand-painted treasures - each piece seemed to whisper of forgotten dreams and lost stories, much like a beautiful ballet narrative.
I wasn't just appreciating the scenery. Finchley offered something extra special for this ballerina, something I've been dreaming about for years – a visit to a real working ballet school! Walking through the doors of the Finchley Ballet Centre was a rush of pure magic, filled with the gentle tap, tap, tap of dancing feet, the musical excerpts drifting down the hallways, the faint smell of sweaty costumes – I felt instantly at home. The dancers themselves – both young and old, with dreams as big as the stage – inspired me to keep chasing my own.
Later, it was time for a dose of culture! Finchley has a beautiful little theatre, with a history spanning back over a century, and I just had to catch the local production of “The Nutcracker” – a classic never gets old, does it? The set was simple, but charming, the costumes enchanting, and the dancing, oh the dancing! Watching these talented, local performers give their hearts to their craft was a genuine joy.
I must admit, darling, even this seasoned ballerina felt a twinge of envy watching their passion for performance. It ignited a flame within me that was just waiting to be rekindled. So, after a delicious pot of tea at that gorgeous café (they had a whole section devoted to pink pastries, of course!), I grabbed my barre and my ballet shoes and headed out to Finchley Common.
Finchley Common is a green expanse, a hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. I set up my portable ballet barre on the soft grass, inspired by the open space and the serenity of the wind whispering through the trees. A pink flamingo scampering across the green - perhaps a distant cousin of my favorite ballet costume! A perfect finale to my day!
You see, darlings, ballet is a beautiful form of expression, and sometimes you just need to find the perfect place to let it out. Finchley, with its charm, beauty, and quiet magic, became my canvas, my stage, my pink-tutu-clad refuge.
But, even Finchley's quiet grace wasn't enough to hold onto my wanderlust. I knew the next adventure was calling - I was feeling a pull towards the coastal beauty of Brighton. Next week, I’m heading south, my lavender tutu in tow, ready to embrace the sea air and discover what new delights Brighton has in store for a ballet-loving traveler!
I’ll be sharing all the pink and purple tutu-licious fun with you on my blog. Until then, keep your heart light, your dreams big, and never forget the magic of movement.
With love and twirls,
Emma 💕🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
