Oh my darlings! Welcome back to my weekly planet Earth blog! It's Wednesday, January 22nd, and I’m bursting with excitement to share with you the absolutely delightful ballet experiences I've had this past week on Planet Earth!
This week was all about ballet! Not only did I catch the most extraordinary ballet show at the Royal Opera House, but I also popped into a vintage boutique and unearthed the most fabulous tutu! Plus, I finally tried that new café on Chancery Lane – they serve the best pink lattes. It’s amazing how even in the dullest of places you can still find little pockets of pink delight.
I can’t start my blog without sharing the latest in pink fashion: a divine blush pink vintage tutu, with exquisite hand-stitched lace and dazzling diamante embellishments! It has the most beautiful swirling layers of tulle that practically dance in the breeze. It's like it was created to pirouette under the starry sky! This beauty was the cherry on top of a gorgeous vintage dress haul from a little boutique on Wardour Street, in the heart of London. I even managed to find a pair of sparkly pink ballet flats to match, perfect for my future galactic explorations. You simply can’t wear anything other than pink when you're heading into the cosmos.
You might think it's silly to chase ballet history around the globe, but for me, it's a delicious exploration into a fascinating and truly magical art form. Imagine swirling your way through history - it's the ultimate time travel adventure! This week I spent hours at the Royal Ballet archives - oh, the stories they tell! I discovered a forgotten ballerina from the 1920s - oh how she twirled and danced and filled the stage with light! There's such beauty and drama, but also such elegance and poise in every single movement! They really don’t make ballet dancers like they used to, but oh my! The elegance! I could have easily lost myself for weeks there amongst those forgotten memories.
Speaking of which, the Royal Opera House performance! The Royal Ballet did a contemporary version of The Sleeping Beauty with a few tweaks and additions – there was some innovative use of lighting which was beautiful – a nod to space travel in the most magnificent ways. They really know how to dazzle! It wasn’t just the performance that was a spectacle though, oh no! It was a veritable feast for the senses! Everyone looked so very glamorous - feathers, beads, glitter! But of course, the highlight was my dazzling new vintage pink tutu, oh I truly did twinkle, you can bet your bottom dollar I was the only one in the room with a tutu – and I am so proud!
You may remember me raving about “Street Ballet” - a troupe of dancers who give performances right on the streets, spreading the joy of dance with their breathtaking talent. I am happy to report they have gone from strength to strength, and it's absolutely magical to watch their graceful artistry and creativity! Imagine my delight – I stumbled across them dancing near the Globe theatre! There they were, defying gravity, defying expectations, bringing art right into the heart of London! They certainly made an impact. It’s absolutely adorable - their ballet moves are all set to pop music! And let’s not forget the flamboyant costumes and the most glorious, twirling tutus – one pink with tiny, gleaming sequins! I have to say – the best thing was their absolutely stunning performance. A real burst of joy!
After the magical Royal Ballet performance, I joined the dance troupe – I had never joined a group before! Well… I always say, live life to the full! And when in London…do as the Londoners do, and when in Rome… well, you know how it goes! Anyway – they were absolutely fabulous, so warm and welcoming – it really made my day. I've actually even decided to add ‘London Street Ballerina’ to my bio… if you're ever walking around central London, look out for the pink tutu – and who knows you might get a chance to twirl alongside the Queen of Tutus herself! I’m always happy to have a twirl – I mean… where else would you twirl, eh?!
It was lovely to join in – everyone there was very encouraging, and it’s nice to spread a bit of magic to other Earthlings, just like you – the most fabulously stylish Pink Tutu Tribe! After my wonderful dance adventure, I was lucky enough to meet another ballet dancer – this time at that chic café in Chancery Lane. You can’t beat an artisan bakery for those delectable pink and white macarons and cream lattes – such indulgence, eh? – especially after the exhausting London Street Ballet.
Of course, being in the heart of London, it meant only one thing: a shopping trip! Oh how I love retail therapy and pink fashion! And there I was – in one of London's iconic shopping streets – Oxford Street. And do you know what I saw – well, it’s almost too good to be true, darling. It's a fashion haven – with a dazzling selection of pink tutus! Imagine! They practically beckoned to me with their soft, feathery allure. The owner, an absolute delight in a gorgeous blush pink dress (and a swoon worthy tulle tutu!) and the friendliest of staff… she told me all about this incredible shop which has the largest range of pink tutus in the whole of England! Of course, I bought every single pink tutu! The shelves were practically empty by the time I left – just another exciting day at Pink Tutu World – nothing beats a shopping spree.
Back at home on Planet Earth, my own personal haven – you know – where I've spent years in ballet lessons, twirling, turning, jumping, learning everything there is to know about all things pink! (It’s truly all about those glorious pink ballet shoes!.) - It’s a joy! All my adventures always inspire new ballet routines – for all of you to enjoy – and learn – *from the Queen of Pink Tutus herself!
Right, this is a ballet post and we haven’t even talked about ballet classes! What would the week be without a good ballet class? It was like I returned to my very first ballet class ever in that local studio in Derbyshire… and you know how I love a good pink leotard. It never ceases to amaze me how much ballet teaches you, not just about movement, but also about discipline, commitment, grace, strength, elegance and artistry! I always come out of class with new-found enthusiasm and ready to twirl my way across the world, one pink step at a time, bringing a pinch of sparkle to all who see my fabulous pink tutu.
I am a huge fan of the Derbyshire ballet scene – It’s full of bright young things full of such promise – we will go a long way – we just have to be patient and keep practicing! It’s the real heart and soul of ballet.
This week, however, we went back to basics in the studio! It was all about refining the classical ballet techniques, oh my! Basic steps, elegance, poise! So very beautiful! All so incredibly stylish. After this lovely class, I met a charming, elderly ballet dancer – he’s in his 90s now, still with his trademark silver-grey ballet shoes. You could say he is quite the inspiration. Oh, he could dance like no other – with such grace and lightness in every step! You never know your limit, even when you are ‘up there in years’ – never lose that passion – you might be able to inspire someone else.
My darling Pink Tutu tribe – have a fabulous time twirling! As you twirl, imagine me on a galactic voyage in my pink tutu! Sending you my love from a place far, far away – I know this world has so many tutus and fashion galore – and don’t forget – that magical, delightful world of ballet awaits you!
Don't forget to join me next Wednesday on Pink Tutu World – there's no place better for spreading love, laughter, ballet and twirls!
P.S. Be sure to check out the www.pink-tutu.com website to see my weekly planet Earth blog! Just don't tell everyone where I got all these lovely new pink tutus - oh, the surprise, it was such a good bargain, even in London. I must be good! Oh, by the way - if you see someone wearing a pink tutu, I hope you have a pink and a glamorous moment! Remember: Pink is the new Black – just a little bit more extra! *Until next time! *