Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad space explorer, and it's Wednesday, so you know what that means! It's time for another exciting post from my adventures across the vast universe!
Planet Earth, 2008-08-27: I landed on this wonderful world earlier this week after a rather exhilarating trip from my favourite space-station hangout, the shimmering Andromeda nebula, in my custom-made spaceship (which is, of course, painted pink - can't help myself!) My mission this week: To immerse myself in the beautiful, swirling world of ballet!
And let me tell you, my darlings, I have been swept off my feet. I mean, what's not to love? This planet Earth has so much to offer: a breathtaking dance scene with a glorious history, breathtaking tutus, and, of course, the most divine array of clothes and accessories that even I, a seasoned space explorer, haven't seen before.
So, today, I'm sharing all my favourite ballet experiences and discoveries on my trip!
First things first, my darling, my fashion: Because no blog post about Earth would be complete without a little outfit inspiration, let's dive into the fabulous! I was lucky enough to find a breathtaking couture house here that just so happens to be bursting with gorgeous pink, pink and more pink. So naturally, I snapped up the most beautiful shade of pale pink silk tulle and created my own, one-of-a-kind tutu, fit for a ballerina who just touched down from space! I'm pairing it with a pair of sequined ballerina flats, my sparkling star necklace and, to really bring the "out of this world" vibe, I've topped off the look with a dazzling galactic headband. And don't even get me started on the adorable little alien brooch I found. It's simply out of this world, and it really is the perfect statement piece for my celestial look.
Okay, so enough about my outfit, back to the magic of Earthly ballet! My first stop had to be the magnificent Royal Ballet in London. Oh, the artistry, the precision, the sheer elegance! These performers took my breath away, their movements were like celestial constellations, stories swirling before my eyes. It truly was a masterpiece and the grand, opulent setting of the Royal Opera House made the whole experience even more breathtaking.
From London, I took a rocket ship down to Edinburgh for the Edinburgh International Festival. I knew from all my research that this festival is one of the biggest, most important gatherings of ballet companies on the planet, so I just had to see what it was all about. And let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed! There were troupes from all corners of the globe: Russia, China, Australia! And they brought with them such a vast array of stories and styles. It was exhilarating! There were moments that left me mesmerized, gasping for air. The emotions conveyed by the dancers were so powerful!
From the stage to the studio: It's not just about seeing performances, it's also about feeling the pulse of the world of dance. So, I decided to take a little detour to Derbyshire, my home town, and try out one of their lovely local ballet studios. Let me tell you, after all my travelling through the universe, it was so refreshing to return to the familiar sounds of pliés and grand jetés. Now, I'm no novice in the world of ballet, but you learn something new every day, and this studio had a teacher who was teaching a beautiful new technique I had never encountered before, combining elements of traditional ballet and some really fascinating techniques from contemporary dance. The other students were all so welcoming too, and it was fun to be surrounded by fellow passionate dance lovers, chatting and catching up in the studio afterwards.
Ballet history: On a more contemplative note, I decided to indulge my passion for all things tutu! Yes, it is my absolute mission to ensure everyone on every planet wears a tutu! My blog, Pink Tutu World, is just one small part of this great dream.
Well, it's safe to say that planet Earth doesn't disappoint when it comes to tutus, and I'm not just talking about the ones worn on stage! On this trip, I was able to visit several tutu makers, both in London and Derbyshire, to explore the intricate artistry behind those magical garments. Let me tell you, creating a tutu takes meticulous precision and artistry. Each fold, each stitch is crucial! One maker showed me her inspiration boards, full of intricate details, swatches of fabrics, and even vintage sketches! Another revealed her hidden archive of tutus from legendary dancers like Margot Fonteyn and Anna Pavlova! It was truly an honor to experience this intimate, creative world, to see the tutus not just on stage, but in their raw, untamed state, awaiting their magical journey.
Speaking of history, I'm a huge history buff (and, let's be honest, every space explorer needs a hobby!) and one of my most treasured discoveries was a trip to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Now, I know you might be thinking, what does the V&A have to do with pink tutus? Well, let me tell you! This place is a goldmine for ballet lovers! They have this stunning collection of historical ballet costumes, starting from the 18th century all the way to the present. The beauty, the detail, the craftsmanship! There's even a replica of the world-famous 'Aurora' tutu from The Sleeping Beauty! Seeing these historical masterpieces really solidified for me the long history and tradition of this amazing art form. It is like the universe was whispering to me: "Emma, embrace your journey and your pink tutus! Keep spreading the love, girl!"
Onwards, darlings! That's all for today, but don't forget, new adventures and more blog posts coming to you every Wednesday, on www.pink-tutu.com, so keep checking back for updates and let me know what you think. And always remember, dear readers: Life is too short to be anything but fabulously pink, so always embrace your inner tutu. Until next time, keep dancing!
Emma XOXO
PS: What's trending on planet Earth today:
Dance Scene: This date is all about a breathtaking ballet, "The Sleeping Beauty," by Tchaikovsky. Shopping: My favourite spot in London is "Harrods". Their costume department has an incredible selection of pink silk tulles. Fashion: The trend in tutus on this date: a dramatic return to a 19th-century aesthetic with intricate layering, ruffles, and ornate details. Oh my, so glamorous! Movies: It's the day for "Mamma Mia!" I know the story doesn't feature ballet but there is a delightful Greek island setting, a catchy musical score and some fabulously stylish outfits, and they've all been a big hit here! Food: You've got to try this amazing place "The Ivy" in London for a spot of lunch.
Stay Fabulous, and keep twirling!
