7th July, 2004
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, intergalactic ballet enthusiast, Emma, back with another dazzling post from Planet Earth. I've got to admit, this place has been quite the whirlwind these past few weeks, so hold onto your tutus because this one's a real humdinger!
A Universe of Tutus, a Universe of Possibilities
My latest journey to Planet Earth has been a bit different, not just because I got caught in a cosmic rainstorm in my fabulous pink feathered tutu (which, as you know, requires an emergency hair dryer!), but because this trip is about spreading the ballet love to a whole new audience. I'm not just talking about the dance enthusiasts, my loves – I'm talking about everyone! My dream is to see the entire universe twirling in pink tutus. Think of the possibilities! Imagine galactic ballerinas doing pirouettes in the rings of Saturn, or interplanetary barre classes under a blanket of stars. Imagine, darling, imagine!
A Derbyshire Girl at the Edinburgh Festival
I landed in Planet Earth’s Scotland (don’t even start on their bizarre weather; even with a sparkly silver sequin cape and diamond-studded rainboots, I found myself soaking wet!) – but my soggy socks were soon forgotten as I found myself transported to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! This cultural hub is truly the creme de la creme when it comes to performances. Ballet, theatre, street acts – you name it, the Fringe had it, and with so much variety, the competition for audience attention was intense. Thankfully, a few brilliant pink-tutu outfits and a little help from the magical power of dance helped us outshine the competition.
The Glamour of The Stage
Our performance in the Royal Mile was a truly joyous spectacle. My favourite part of the performance was when the music started and the energy from the crowd was palpable. My fellow dancers and I, we all knew this was more than just a performance; it was a statement. It was an invitation to embrace our passion, to spread the joy of dance, to inspire every single soul watching to find their own inner ballerina, regardless of size, shape or any of the other silly restrictions people seem to invent. And when we finished, I swear, it felt like every heart in that crowd was dancing alongside us!
Tutu Therapy & A Moment with Princess Diana
Backstage was a whirl of giggles, glitter and impromptu tutu-twirls (what else could it be!). And amongst the dressing table chaos, I found the perfect solution for anything life throws your way – Tutu Therapy! It works wonders on everything, from jet lag to grumpy little green men from Jupiter, all you have to do is spin. We talked about this revolutionary technique during our post-show coffee in that delightful little café in Edinburgh, surrounded by local tourists who watched in awestruck silence (probably just wondering what they were sipping on!), while we all bonded over ballet stories, tutu design secrets and our ultimate mission - conquering the world with the help of pink tutu-inspired fashion. And speaking of inspiration, just before we left, I spotted a framed photograph on the wall of Princess Diana at a Royal Opera House event - she's an icon, darlings, but you all already knew that, right? - with the most fabulous pink tutu-inspired gown! So if the Princess herself appreciates the elegance and power of the tutu, you know it's more than just a fashion choice!
A Shop Til You Drop Fashion Adventure
The Festival, however, wasn't all about the performance. The streets were practically a ballet-lover's paradise! Every corner had another fashion boutique, bursting with gorgeous designs and vibrant colours, like a rainbow exploding in a dress shop! Naturally, I found myself unable to resist a few purchases, which is a massive understatement! I snagged the most incredible tutu-inspired pieces; think layers of soft tulle in vibrant coral, and dazzling sequinned skirts in jewel tones with enough glitter to rival a star! I must admit, however, that my favourite find of the trip was a tiny boutique tucked away on a quiet lane, filled with vintage clothing – a whole haven of antique, vintage tutu designs! I had to use all my willpower (and a little bit of magical tutu dust!) to limit my purchases to a couple of the most divine tutu-inspired outfits - a beautiful silk lilac number and an amazing ruby red number that will make even the most stoic of intergalactic citizens blush!
An Edinburgh Surprise - 'The Ballet & The Baker'
I'm also delighted to announce the birth of a brilliant new bakery called 'The Ballet & The Baker'! Yes, darling, they serve beautiful baked creations in tutu-inspired shapes, which will certainly make a delicious change to those mundane donuts back on Jupiter. I am not joking - 'The Ballet & The Baker' has even dedicated a corner of the shop as a ballet exhibition - just another perfect blend of fashion, culture, and indulgence! So next time you're in Edinburgh (and I know you will be! – trust me!), head straight over there, enjoy some ballet inspired pastries (and don't even think about missing the strawberry & pink cream macaron !) and get yourself ready for some serious culture and fashion, all at the same time.
The Art of the Dance
Every performance is an experience. Whether you're dancing on a stage, watching from the audience, or just enjoying a good ballet book or DVD – ballet has the magical ability to connect us. It's the universal language of movement and beauty. But ballet also inspires us to be brave, to dream bigger, to be true to ourselves – all while twirling and gliding with effortless grace.
A Quick Trip to London!
My Edinburgh stay was wonderful but I wasn’t leaving Planet Earth without a trip to London. Oh, darling, London never ceases to amaze, it was practically screaming: "Come see me, Emma! I’ve got so much sparkle waiting just for you!” The city, a magnificent blend of old world charm and modern vibrancy. But let's talk about what truly brought me to London – fashion! Oh, the fashion! London is simply unforgettable.
The Best in Fashion - A Covent Garden Day Out
There’s a reason London is synonymous with fashion, and Covent Garden was a delightful journey through fashion and the finer things. I strolled down the cobbles of the market, admiring the street artists and the charming, unique shop fronts - I spotted an irresistible vintage boutique bursting with sparkling sequin dresses and tutus. I had to go in! After some serious shopping and some afternoon tea at The Covent Garden Hotel (think tiny, delicious pink macarons) and some delicious high tea. Oh, how lovely and perfectly tutu themed it was with adorable tiny tutu cookies! (The best I’ve ever had, darlings!), I felt completely refreshed.
Taking Flight
I'll leave you all with one final thought. This planet, for all its quirks and chaotic beauty, is an enchanting place. Planet Earth reminds us that the art of ballet transcends cultural boundaries. It is, ultimately, a beautiful language that binds us all. Now, darling, I must take my leave - a long flight awaits. I'll be travelling through the Milky Way with my heart brimming with ballet joy! Remember - every dance, every performance, and every pink tutu is a reminder of the magic that lies within each of us. Until next week, stay pink and twirl on!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday to catch a glimpse of our intergalactic ballet adventures.