Hello darlings! It's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, back with another blog post, fresh from the magical world of Finchley! This one is going to be a doozy, my loves, so grab a glass of something sparkling, put on your fanciest frock and let's get ready to rumble… er, twirl.
Today's journey started with a hop onto the train, something I always adore, it's such a glamorous way to travel! You can relax, admire the passing scenery, and perhaps even catch a nap or two! My train trip to Finchley, was nothing short of delightful - bright lights, cheery passengers, and a rather handsome young man who kept staring at my sparkly pink traincase, so obvious. 😉
But why Finchley? I hear you ask. Well, darlings, this was a weekend extraordinaire! My mission? To conquer the North London Ballet Theatre! My heart was fluttering like a butterfly in a hurricane. I haven't seen a real ballet in forever, what with being on the road performing, and oh darling, this show was utterly sublime! I felt myself transported into a world of swirling tulle, soaring leaps, and powerful storytelling – pure magic!
The Finchley Ballet Theatre was as charming as can be. The lobby was bursting with pink and shimmering with light, the perfect backdrop for my sparkly pink tutu! (It did draw a few curious eyes, which I found rather entertaining).
Once the curtain rose, the show truly blew me away. I could feel the emotion pouring out of the dancers as they spun their tales on stage. The strength, the grace, the precision, and the pure passion for the art…it just made me wish I had taken up ballet myself, instead of science! But alas, as my darling scientist alter-ego Alex will attest to, one cannot always get what one wants in this life.
After the show, my friend and I (a very kind young man from Derbyshire, who may or may not be developing a rather soft spot for a pink tutu-wearing drag queen) splurged in a quaint little tea shop in the centre of Finchley, enjoying a very English afternoon tea complete with crumpets, clotted cream, and enough tiny finger sandwiches to feed a small village! Such delightful fare.
And as if that weren’t enough, we made a pilgrimage to the local crafts fair. You see, darling, I've been wanting a real antique dancing shoes to wear onstage and in the city and - well, I found my dream pair at this little stand run by a charming old lady who could spin a story about each shoe better than a world class ballerina. Let me tell you, finding an authentic antique dancing shoe in a quaint English town is as rare as finding a rainbow over a field of daffodils in November! And I snagged them, snagged them at a steal! Bargain Queen!
Our adventures didn't end there, though. We strolled along Finchley’s historic high street and had the absolute delight of stumbling upon a lovely shop selling absolutely stunning vintage tutus! Imagine, dear reader, the sheer bliss of browsing racks and racks of beautifully preserved tulle wonders, some with exquisite hand beading and delicate hand-stitched ribbons – it was practically heaven. Now, my own pink tutu collection is fairly substantial, if I say so myself but this shop, oh my! This shop just called to my tutu-obsessed soul! I simply couldn’t resist picking up a beautiful sky-blue vintage creation – divine!
Naturally, all of this fun-filled chaos called for a final celebratory dinner. We settled for a delectable pub with a roaring fire and generous helpings of shepherd's pie. The perfect way to end the most gloriously fabulous Finchley weekend!
But even the most extravagant and fulfilling trips must come to an end, darlings, and the very next morning, with a tinge of sadness, but with a whole lot of fond memories, I waved goodbye to Finchley. But, you know what, this adventure is just one of many! Who knows where the Pink Tutu Express will be carrying me next week?! Keep an eye on the blog, darlings!
Now, here are some helpful tips for your own travel adventures (in the event you are ever in the neighbourhood, or fancy recreating this glorious weekend)!
Finchley Central tube station is just around the corner from the heart of Finchley, offering easy access by public transportation! Perfect for escaping the perils of gasp parking!
If you’re craving some yummy English eats, head over to The Finchley Coffee and Cake shop. This delightful little café is full of treats fit for a queen! They serve amazing homemade cakes (the Victoria sponge is divine!), and the hot chocolate is so rich and creamy that it makes the pink tutu princess inside of me giggle with joy!
If vintage dancing shoes are your thing (as they clearly are mine, haha!) you absolutely have to check out the charming antique market held every second Saturday of the month. I bet I picked up a real steal, though they aren't exactly revealing their secrets online, you'll have to come and check out the hidden gem of the place yourselves!
Speaking of secret gems, dear reader, I urge you to experience the magic of North London Ballet Theatre in Finchley. It’s a truly special gem in the world of dance, offering a beautiful blend of classical and contemporary ballet performances. I’m already thinking about returning to the North London Ballet in February for their Winter ballet production of “The Nutcracker”. Just me and my magical antique dancing shoes – can you imagine the sartorial delight? 😉
Remember, darlings, a little bit of magic and a whole lot of pink tutus can make even the simplest of trips truly extraordinaire! Until next time, stay fabulous, keep your hearts open to the magic of the world, and dare to sparkle in your very own pink tutu!
Until next time!
Love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles 💖🩰
P.S For all my dear readers who don’t have access to the train and are a little more on the adventurous side - my best friend and I rode up to Finchley in his brand new, sparkly horse-drawn carriage – so much fun! And did I tell you? My bestie just discovered that his grandpa was a dancer, imagine my shock! He must have passed down the love of dancing. But anyway, he thinks I might convince him to wear a tutu one day! It's not about wearing it in a professional sense, it's a new style. This isn't actually him, but another him, like the many other selves I create, like Alex in a lab or me Pink Tutu Sparkles, wearing tutus at gigs, fairs and events and loving it. Just imagine it darling, it's pure fabulousness and you really can be whomever you choose. 😉
Please note, the above post has been written to the criteria in your request and has an exaggeratedly whimsical, bubbly and positive tone for comic effect. As requested, it does not include content suitable for adults only. If you want me to adapt the post, you could tell me to adjust the tone to something more neutral or serious, include more details about Alex and his science degree and/or remove any mentions of his love life. I am still learning, so your feedback will help me create even more compelling content in the future!
