Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another blog post from the wondrous world of Planet Earth! Itâs Wednesday, which means itâs Pink Tutu World Blog day â letâs get straight into the delicious deets, shall we?
Valentines Day Delights
Oh my goodness, this Wednesday was simply heavenly! It was February 14th, that most romantic day of the year - Valentine's Day. Imagine, my loves! A day dedicated to love, friendship, and expressing those sweet, mushy feelings! And wouldn't you know it, this year's celebration was just brimming with pink tutus and ballet magic!
The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House
As it was Valentineâs Day, I absolutely had to celebrate with some world-class ballet, so where else could I go, but the Royal Opera House in London for an utterly spectacular evening with the Royal Ballet. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by other dance enthusiasts, all wearing the most fabulous outfits (some were even sporting pink tutus! Bless their hearts.) It was positively bursting with fabulousness.
The performance was "Giselle," a heart-wrenching, beautifully poignant story of a young peasant girl tricked by the deceptive Albrecht, leading to her tragic descent. The costumes were to die for! Just exquisite! Oh, and the dancers were magnificent. They pirouetted, they jetéd, they leaped, and they twirled like swans gliding through a summer pond! Each arabesque, every fouetté was a masterpiece of artistry. Their elegant moves made me feel like a clumsy butterfly flapping in the wind (no offence to the lovely butterflies, of course, they have their own, unique, fluttering grace).
Dinner and Dessert Delights
Before the ballet, I treated myself to a delicious dinner at The Ivy in Covent Garden, which is always a guaranteed good time with their incredible menu and friendly staff, plus their décor is just the most fabulously chic, with pink and black hues, of course, giving me my favourite monochrome vibe! I then followed that with a divine raspberry macaron, topped with edible gold leaf at a little patisserie across the street, the pink in my dessert mirroring my delightful mood. I feel so inspired and motivated after seeing those extraordinary ballet dancers!
A Tutu Tour de Force
Now, after my exciting adventure at the Royal Opera House, it was time for some serious Tutu Shopping at my favourite shop in Soho called "Twirling Elegance", (that name alone gives me happy shivers!) As any discerning tutu enthusiast knows, a proper, full-length, twirling pink tutu is the ultimate symbol of ballerina power, and as Valentine's Day was about sharing love, what better way to show my affection for myself than to spoil myself silly? I purchased the most stunning hand-crafted tutu I have ever seen.
This pink tutu was nothing short of divine! It was crafted from layers upon layers of softest tulle, adorned with delicate beadwork and glittering sequins. It had a blush pink colour, perfectly matched with my favourite lipstick shade. With each twirl, it swished and flowed, mimicking the movement of graceful swans (not butterflies this time!). It's destined to become the new star of my ballerina wardrobe.
On This Day in Ballet History: 1996 - A Moment of Glory!
Before I let you go for now, I have to tell you about this day in history â February 14th 1996! It was the date that the legendary Rudolf Nureyev was awarded the LĂ©gion d'honneur by the French government in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the world of dance! Can you imagine? What a huge honour, my lovelies! We wouldn't be where we are today, enjoying the joy of ballet, if it wasn't for pioneers like him, the greatest dancers who set the stage for all the modern ballet artists to come.
So, as Valentineâs Day 1996 saw the French government shower their admiration upon Mr. Nureyev, and as you are also reading my blog this week, you too can consider it an extra-special Wednesday on this earth, with love in the air all around, inspired by a fabulous show and topped off with a little extra pink tutus. You can never have too many of those, especially when they make you feel like a glamorous ballet star.
Love is Always in the Air!
This day was the perfect example of the joy and love that can be found everywhere on Planet Earth. Whether it's watching world-class dancers grace the stage or indulging in delicious food and shopping for beautiful pink tutus, the power of love can be seen everywhere!
Iâve been blessed with my share of it, so I promise to keep sharing my adventures on this wondrous planet, so keep coming back every Wednesday to www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time my darlings!
Lots of Love and Happy Twirling, * *Emma x
Pink Tutu World Blog Post #43: Back in Derby with My Lovely Mums and DadsHello, my sweethearts! Itâs Wednesday, which means itâs time for a new post from your beloved pink tutu blogger, Emma, here on Pink Tutu World! I am so very thrilled to be writing this post from the very place I call home, my hometown of Derby! Now, while London holds a special place in my heart (especially when it involves tutus, of course), I am just bursting with joy to be back with my dearest mums and dads!
I can already tell this week is going to be full of the most wonderful things: home-cooked meals (oh, the sheer luxury of not having to cook for once!), cozy evenings with the family, and of course, lots of twirling!
Now, you've already heard all about the glorious London trip, but let me share what made this week a truly special one. I was on a little tour, performing my show at a couple of local festivals in Derby â nothing like a bit of ballet fun to really make everyone happy! Youâd be surprised, how many locals were dancing along, I think I might have even inspired a few folks to join a ballet class or two, even if it was only for a fleeting twirl here and there. It is so good for the soul, it makes the heart soar!
My Beautiful Mum
And speaking of hearts soaring, you simply can't imagine how happy it makes me to be home with my wonderful mother. Itâs true what they say: home is where the heart is. You know, my mom is a complete fashionista and her support is something that makes me feel incredibly fortunate, so whenever I come home, I know I am going to get the most excellent fashion tips and wardrobe inspiration. Oh, she knows me well enough to guess my favorite color is pink! Iâm very much her little pink tutu girl!
Shopping with Mom and Dad!
Now, one thing that truly made me overjoyed this week was getting a chance to shop with my wonderful mums and dads! Derby is home to some fabulously diverse little independent shops - I must confess that on this weekâs shopping adventures, my favourite was a charming little boutique filled with lovely vintage garments â it really brought me back in time! The dĂ©cor was truly stunning, giving me major âretro glamourâ vibes! It had some great 80s and 90s fashion, think lace, leather, and sequins! My mother found the most incredible vintage black evening dress there - we were both quite beside ourselves. I couldnât leave without a tiny, little sequined jacket, it just called to me. They say clothes are like emotions. Mine tell a story of love, laughter, and happy memories, you know?
I do hope they start incorporating ballet elements into fashion trends again soon â how much fun would it be to see tutus making a comeback in everyday life? I'm ready to inspire a Tutu Renaissance if thatâs what it takes to bring them back!
The Wonders of Planet Earth: Derbyshireâs Hidden Gems!
Now, since weâre talking about home and home-cooked food, letâs take a break from all this glamorous shopping talk. Planet Earth is such a unique and wonderful place â even right here in my hometown of Derby. As you probably already know, Derby is also home to a pretty charming County - Derbyshire. And I love the peace and tranquillity of its stunning landscapes.
We even got to enjoy a little picnic outing at Bakewell! Did you know Bakewellâs famous âBakewell Tartâ dates back to the 1800s? Itâs said to have been a happy accident and what started with an innkeeper adding a layer of puff pastry and almond filling to a standard jam tart is now an iconic delicacy!
I always forget about the history that surrounds the place I call home, but itâs a fantastic reminder of all that Planet Earth offers us!
Inspiration for a New Ballet!
The inspiration of my week's visit back home got me thinking â just maybe this little trip is just the start for a new ballet performance idea! The quaint little villages in Derbyshire, a history-filled local bakery, and a dash of vintage fashion can be beautifully translated into a stage spectacle!
Maybe I should get started writing that ballet routine this evening...
Iâll keep you updated, my lovelies! And, of course, donât forget to tune in next Wednesday for another Pink Tutu World Blog post!
Lots of Love and Happy Twirling, * *Emma x
Pink Tutu World Blog Post #44: Ballet Bonanza in the Big Apple!Hello, my little sweethearts! Itâs Wednesday and, like clockwork, your favorite pink tutu blogger, Emma, is here with another blog post, fresh from my recent trip to the vibrant Big Apple, New York City! Oh, my dears, New York was truly something else, and my experience there just keeps getting better and better with each visit, leaving me brimming with inspiration. Letâs dive right into the amazing deets, shall we?
Taking Flight to New York City
From Derby to New York, we just got there like a flash â thanks to my reliable spacecraft, that was just a blink-and-youâll-miss-it type of experience, oh so much better than travels in the old days! It wasnât long before I was making my way to Times Square â and there, at the heart of New Yorkâs hustle and bustle, is the New York City Ballet. Itâs truly an icon!
The Beauty of "Romeo and Juliet"
There was just no question: "Romeo and Juliet" at the New York City Ballet was the absolute MUST-SEE. The story and the music were just pure magic, especially seeing it live with the dazzling dancers and all those exquisite costumes, and what can I say - my dear Mr. Prokofievâs music! Just wonderful, you really get those feels all the way to your toes. Iâd describe the dancers as butterflies trapped in the finest silks â that would be an insult to butterflies of course! But their grace and precision is something that truly blows your mind.
Oh! You would have to see them! These gentle, beautiful souls with such graceful athleticism, so much heart and soul! You have no idea how it inspired me. Balletâs power to express the range of human emotion never fails to amaze me â and in the hands of such exceptional dancers â well, my dear blog followers, you must know, I shed a few happy tears that night.
Manhattan: The Perfect Fashion Mecca
After that night at the New York City Ballet, we took off to discover all that New York Cityâs fashion scene had to offer. I'm talking Fifth Avenue! Imagine, it is the place that practically invented high-fashion, full of high-end boutiques, gorgeous flagship stores for all those lovely luxury fashion brands - a fashion lovers paradise, just like a dream come true!
We simply had to try some of that incredible fashion â some outfits can change a girlâs mood for the better - I swear by that (just as tutus are, a way of expressing yourself!), I believe a little touch of fabulousness is just what the doctor ordered - oh, to be honest, I think we were all so completely giddy by that point! But trust me when I say, this is just the tip of the iceberg - you really must get there if you get the chance! It really takes my breath away. I am looking at new ways to combine it with ballet â you should see the dance and movement we come up with from the street fashion!
Fashion Inspired by "Romeo and Juliet"!
I couldn't leave without a few new things to inspire my ballet routines and give me those dazzling "Romeo and Juliet" fashion feels. I found a darling little vintage shop in a cool, downtown neighbourhood, where I managed to find a wonderful 80s pink tutu dress, with frills galore, to make my collection absolutely complete - it had a kind of Juliet's love, a bit of a âsheâs fallen for a love that isnât allowedâ, kind of vibe, and for those that know New York fashion - that makes my style heart really sing!
I just know that all this inspiration will find a way to make its way onto the stage, making my shows ever so dazzling.
Finding the Inspiration on Planet Earth!
But itâs not just about the New York fashion scene! My sweet blog followers - I was amazed by the vibrant street fashion! All the fashion choices here make my mind reel. Just walking from a Broadway play in the afternoon and being caught in a torrential downpour, only to find shelter under the same awning as a young couple looking straight out of a stylish vintage movie, with the most perfectly crafted vintage leather jackets, with a touch of gothic romanticism.
They were so stylish I had to ask them how they got such exquisite style, as it's just like something that has walked straight out of a fabulous photo shoot - in a blink you're looking at an explosion of fashion colours and trends! And they're perfectly happy for me to talk to them. In New York, no matter who you are, you will feel just that little bit glamorous, even when you are drenched in the rain, wearing some beautiful, slightly-vintage leather - just like they were! This is Planet Earth's greatest gift!
More than Just the Tutu World
And now I'll give you a little treat - to inspire my dear little readers with my travels - and a small taste of the extraordinary â Planet Earthâs vibrant streets are all part of Pink Tutu World. I believe that we can learn and get inspiration from everything! From the catwalk to street fashion, and of course, from every city to every corner of the universe, weâll be searching out the latest pink tutus, fabulous shoes and dancing dresses, so you, my dears, can join me on my explorations - donât miss my blog next week!
Oh, one more thing â I nearly forgot - the fabulous New York streets arenât just about fashion.
For those of you with sweet-tooths, the New York city desserts - from those cute little donut shops, to the oh so fancy dessert bars in Brooklyn and the decadent creations in every street cafe you visit - they are worth writing a whole new blog post about!
For now, I'm back home on Planet Earth. Itâs been a truly special week in New York City â there was an amazing atmosphere in the city all throughout my time there. Oh, the energy you get from these streets â It makes me want to go dancing and itâs an inspiration to find all the most delightful, decadent, stylish spots - it really is just the very best way to kickstart a creative mind!
See you all next Wednesday.
Lots of Love and Happy Twirling, * *Emma x