Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad space explorer, Emma, reporting live from Planet Earth, and boy oh boy, do I have a story to tell! Buckle up, my dears, because this is a whirl through the cosmos and a journey into the dazzling heart ofā¦well, actually, let's just call it Planet Fashion.
As usual, Iām coming to you live from Planet Earth, because even with my cosmic wanderlust, sometimes the only thing I need is a steaming cup of Earl Grey (two sugars, of course) and a slice of Victoria sponge while catching up on all the goings-on at the Royal Opera House. And wouldn't you know it, the August 3rd performance was prima ballerina Darcey Bussell in Giselle. Iām utterly smitten! Did I tell you she's my favourite? Darcey just embodies the grace and artistry I strive for. If only I had her effortless elegance! I must have been watching the ballet from my spot in the Royal Opera House circle with my eyes closed for a good twenty minutes while she was dancing ā I simply lost myself in the beauty of the performance. My goodness, the costume for the Giselle ballet is pure inspiration. They really do give the term "romantic tutu" new meaning. And speaking of inspiration, the white dress in this particular performance is perfection! So ethereal. But donāt get me wrong, even in the grandest performances, I always feel a tinge of nostalgia for the smaller theatres, with the flickering lights and that almost-intimate feeling when you're so close to the action you can hear the dancers breathingā¦ah, pure bliss!
Anyway, that brings me to my newest little escapade ā and my goodness, I just adore this bit! After my weekend performance at The Dome, (it was absolutely jam-packed, and everyone had such a lovely time - more details on that in next week's post!), I had to fly out to another galaxy and back for some much-needed retail therapy. You know I wouldn't dream of going on a space adventure without stocking up on all the latest trends in the Galaxy, and it just wouldn't do to let my suitcase be filled with tutus only.
Oh, don't you just adore the way that word, ātutu,ā dances on the tongue? Itās just as delightful and fluffy as the little skirts themselves.
For you see, this isnāt just about tutus for me. Itās about celebrating the whole glorious art of ballet. The intricate dance steps, the history - let's not forget the tutuās evolution over the centuries, from the elaborate pannier-filled designs of the early 19th century to the shorter, more streamlined versions favoured in the 20th. It's such a vibrant and varied story, isnāt it? And of course, the amazing story of women like Marie Taglioni and Anna Pavlova who literally turned the world of dance upside down. (And I love it! Let's do it for all of us tutu-wearing ladies out there!)
The last couple of weeks have been such a blur. In addition to the show at the Dome, I even made time for another intergalactic trip to the newest retail space on the Planet Kylon, you just must see it sometime. The planet is absolutely stunning, with amethyst mountains and giant ruby crystal waterfalls. And guess what? They have this amazing new āGalactic Boutiqueā with the most stunning selection ofā¦ well, everything imaginable really. It has everything from crystal earrings that really shimmer and are infused with magical dust that allows them to talk (true story, darling!) to silver spaceship handbags shaped like little, pink flying ballerina dolls! And naturally, I indulged in some tutu-based acquisitions ā thereās something about the swirl of a delicate tutu skirt in a shimmering shade of pink or the simple elegance of a black velvet one. Makes my heart sing every time. And since weāre talking fashion, have I mentioned that Planet Kylon is home to some of the best designers in the galaxy? It really is my go-to spot for all things shimmery, sassy and stylish! I bought two dresses with absolutely ridiculous sparkles (but totally wearable, youāll see, I promise) and two pairs of shoes, one pair were crystal covered flat-bottomed sneakers in bright purple (what better way to go gallivanting through space) and the other pair were emerald green peep-toe heels (simply a classic - and every gal needs at least five pairs, right?) And to top it all off, I snagged some of the most ridiculously amazing new lipstick colours Iāve ever seen, like cosmic dust and solar flare. Now we're talking!
As for my ballet practice, it hasnāt slacked one bit since my little foray into fashion (thatās how you know Iām committed to the ballerina life!) I am actually teaching some beginners classes with one of my best friends from back home ā just to give back a little, you know, to share the joy. That girl is as amazing a dancer as I am. (Oh, you know Iām only being slightly cheeky hereā¦ or maybe just slightly kidding! Ha, haā¦.) Honestly, though, these students are simply inspiring. I find myself looking at them, at their eager eyes, their joy at every new pirouette, their smiles that get brighter with each jump, and Iām reminded of why I do all of this: for the magic of movement, for the story you tell with every single graceful leap. You can only get so much of that from a high-quality diamond tiara, darling.
Of course, this planet also gives me endless inspiration for my outfits, as well. Take today for instance, I just had to pair a gorgeous pink ballet skirt, adorned with twinkling diamantĆ©s (of course!) with my very own bespoke pair of custom pink ballet pumps and my custom sequined bomber jacket ā because sometimes a ballerina has to bring some real-world style to the stars! (Well, letās be honest ā I probably only wear it to do my shopping but thatās beside the point). My favourite addition though? A little sparkling pink "cosmic dustā bow around my hair. Yes, darlings, it really does sparkle in the sunlight! I really should take some photos. Just for the Instagram. (Just you wait. It'll go up tomorrow... or maybe Thursday. )
So much going on this week, eh? But as Iām writing this, my eyes are just starting to get a little heavy, because tomorrow is going to be an extremely busy day, full of rehearsals for my next big gig. My current goal? Iām aiming for a spaceship tour - The Ballerinas of the Milky Way! We're just finishing up our arrangements, and there are going to be ballerinas of every shape and size in our company. Think tiny pixie ballerinas in shimmery pink tutus. Think glamourous galactic divas with cosmic pink feather boas and shimmering gowns that change colour according to your mood (which of course I found on Kylon)! There will be plenty of sequins, a dazzling selection of tutus and yes, thatās rightā¦ you heard me correctly: We will be wearing tutus. But more importantly, we will be dancing for everyone in the Milky Way. And all across the cosmos! What do you think? I'll keep you updated - next week's blog is going to be so packed full of all the things: all the new tutu and space fashion gossip, my rehearsal experiences and lots, and lots more. Until then, be sure to wear your tutu and I'll see you next week, lovelies!
