Hello, darlings! It's Wednesday on Planet Earth, and as always, I'm bringing you the latest adventures from my little pink tutu-clad corner of the universe. Today, I'm bursting with excitement, because even though I'm supposed to post on Wednesdays, I just had to share a special moment that happened yesterday - a Tuesday - when the universe conspired to make my dreams a reality, well almost!
But before I get to the glorious story of my cosmic escapade, let's talk tutus! Did you know, dear readers, that 2008 marks the centenary of the "Romantic tutu" as we know it? It all began in the grand, glorious days of Diaghilev and Nijinsky, back in 1908. Now, the Romantic tutu wasn't quite like the floaty, whimsical one that makes me twirl so happily. Imagine a shorter version, tight, but with delicate ruffles. A very sensual affair. That was it. I'm making a note to get myself to a performance of 'The Dying Swan' by Mikhail Fokine (he designed it! how glamorous), just for old times' sake. And maybe a little tutu shopping to find some vintage romantic inspirations.
But enough about history - let's talk about today's exciting happenings! Now, as a seasoned intergalactic traveler, I am often asked "Emma, how do you afford your extravagant journeys across the cosmos?" Well, darlings, let's just say a bit of savvy budgeting and the sheer talent of a world-renowned ballerina makes wonders possible! When I'm on Planet Earth, I use my talents to wow audiences with performances and appearances that fund my explorations. Sometimes, even a little tutus-for-tutus swap helps with expenses! My latest "A Ballet Journey Across The Stars" has gone down a storm - everyone loves to see a bit of a glitzy galaxy glamour with a dash of celestial style, don't they?
Speaking of glamour, last night I was wandering through the vibrant city lights of Derby, my home town in beautiful Derbyshire (you should see it sometime!). Derby has such a charming Victorian-era charm to it, full of cute little tea shops with those beautiful floral wallpaper and lots of places to find fabulous pink hats - something I just cannot resist! But, alas, a very specific sort of shopping experience had brought me into Derby last night: the fabulous annual Fashion on the Streets gala! I have to say, dear readers, my eyes are still recovering from the dazzling array of fabulous ensembles and flamboyant tutus that I beheld! There was a whole selection of dance-inspired styles that were absolutely delightful. I was lucky enough to be chosen as a model for the event (which meant a bit of pre-show champagne!) which was an absolutely perfect excuse to pull out some of my most out-of-this-world creations.
The event took place at the Assembly Rooms. This historic landmark, I assure you, had a bit of intergalactic magic to it, with a lovely ballroom-like atmosphere that had echoes of ballrooms of old and whispered stories of beautiful costumes and twinkling dance steps. As soon as I stepped into that venue, my ballerina spirit just went wild! It was like the ballroom itself whispered "tutus are going to fly!" And it did! The models walked and the models danced in fabulous clothing. But for a moment, I felt like I had a peek behind the curtain. It wasn't all glittering gowns and confident strides, sometimes, you just get tired of the stilettos, and yearn for the beautiful comfort of tutu. Now, my darlings, that's when it happened. A wonderful cosmic moment, orchestrated by the celestial ballet, no doubt!
The show was ending and the crowds were dispersing, when a young, aspiring dancer, bright-eyed and excited (but a little unsure of her own fashion choices, alas) stopped me. With a nervous giggle, she asked "Excuse me Miss Emma...You look wonderful! Are you a real ballerina?" I always love being recognized, and my darling, my inner diva leaped up! I threw my head back with a little chuckle, (trying my best to maintain my composure while wearing my seven-layered tulle monstrosity!) "Of course I am darling, what else would I be in this dazzling tutu?" (This is a key secret of how to work the runway and avoid falling face-first. A little humor goes a long way!)
Well, she told me all about how she had been to the "Ballet On A Tuesday" event last night and was so mesmerized that she'd practically glued her eyes to the performance. The audience were transfixed by a spectacular performance, featuring a collection of celestial ballet dancers. But then her eyes were caught by someone even more dazzling - me. Now, this young hopeful had a lovely idea for a dance inspired by the cosmos, complete with a celestial ensemble that was more glamorous than a galaxy of stardust! Now, dear readers, we all know the universe works in mysterious ways. I, naturally, am always willing to lend a tutu-clad hand! (Or two - after all, you need them for pirouettes!). And that, dear readers, is exactly why I found myself in a little coffee shop a couple of hours later, chatting with this vibrant young talent.
I couldn't resist taking a sip of latte, it had one of those artistic latte drawings that resembled an abstract galaxy (no doubt an intentional choice to complement the "Ballet On A Tuesday" show! What are the chances?!) and shared some wisdom with her. It felt like a lovely chat with a new friend, an intergalactic meeting of sorts! We talked about everything! My adventures, the "Ballet On A Tuesday", the art of fashion, what kind of shoes best complimented a space-inspired tutu, (don't ask!). All that with a side of fluffy clouds in my pink, sugar-dusted latte (if they weren't in pink, how else would I know it was meant to be!). She confided to me, (not in a gossipy way, more like a worried young ballerina with big dreams) that her outfit wasn't coming together the way she imagined.
We discussed fabrics - chiffon was always my favorite for celestial creations, always with a dash of sequins for that cosmic glimmer. I explained how a little bit of research is never a bad thing and a trip to the ballet history archives was a must (some of the very first celestial ballet creations can be traced back to the French court of Marie Antoinette. She was, after all, a queen of style!) and for a tutu to have true intergalactic flair, one can't go without a dash of that cosmic blue for a truly elegant effect. Oh, my darlings! The young ballerina just listened intently. We must have chatted for hours (well, it felt like that, anyway!) and I was truly entranced by this girl and her desire to connect with the celestial ballet - a dream that she intended to chase. The entire café was glowing from the sheer excitement emanating from this girl's determination!
Then it happened. She confessed. "You know," she said, looking down shyly (darling, don't get me started on those perfect-for-pirouette poses) "I know it sounds silly, but I really, truly wish I had your kind of cosmic pink tutu..." My heart swelled! Now, my readers know how important the tutu is, especially the one you use to perform "A Ballet Journey Across The Stars"! And as if by cosmic coincidence, (or as some might say "good fortune") my last 'A Ballet Journey Across The Stars" performance had resulted in a couple of pink tutus being left behind. And, with a twirl-worthy gesture, I told this brilliant ballerina, "My darling, you simply have to see it! If it fits, it's all yours."
The entire café, my darling, literally froze for a second! There were gasps of amazement. The coffee machine stopped pouring lattes and just...stared at the scene. You see, readers, these weren't just any ordinary pink tutus! The tutu I'd brought along that day was quite special. It was the most fabulous and majestic, the most glittering, most sparkling, the most cosmically stylish tutu in existence, and one that had received the ultimate galactic seal of approval: "Space Approved"! Now, I'm not going to lie, seeing that beautiful tutu worn by someone else did pinch a tiny little bit, but this was much, much bigger. It wasn't just about me; it was about sharing my passion, my love of dance, and my mission to spread joy through the cosmic beauty of pink tutus!
My darling, when this aspiring ballerina emerged from the fitting room wearing that celestial beauty, you would have thought she was stepping out of a starship! There was just something absolutely perfect about it. I almost did a triple pirouette, in front of the entire cafe, I swear I felt that the cafe's espresso maker was doing the same! My darling, her excitement made my heart so full of "pinky" joy. She then told me all about her plans for her big, glamorous debut "Ballet on A Tuesday" - yes, she actually plans to host her show every Tuesday, because why not! What is a bit of planetary tradition anyway?! And now, you see, her debut just took on an entirely different dimension with my pink, intergalactic "Space Approved" tutu as the centerpiece of the celestial performance! The entire cafe exploded with clapping. (even the espresso machine joined in, which I must say was incredibly impressive given the coffee pouring pressure!).
The cafe itself was almost giddy, it truly felt like we had experienced a little touch of cosmic magic. And that, darling readers, is what brings joy to "Ballet On A Tuesday," to intergalactic ballet, and to everything else, a tiny sprinkle of pink-tutu magic! The young ballerina was a perfect example, full of inspiration and talent. Seeing her embrace my pink tutu, the twinkle in her eyes, made me realise why I do this, why I spend countless hours training and travelling, why I invest so much time in picking the most fabulous fabrics, why I have that whole arsenal of cosmic glitter, why I never abandon a bit of bling... It's because I believe in the power of sharing.
Sharing the passion, the joy, the pure delight of "Ballet On A Tuesday", the magic of the "Ballet Journey Across The Stars," the power of that one "Space Approved" pink tutu, and of course, the simple, timeless wonder of the dance that continues to captivate our universe. So, let me ask you, my lovely readers, what brings joy to your corner of the universe? Let's all bring that energy and a little sparkle into this week. And remember, don't forget to dance!
Yours always in a twirl,
Emma.
P.S. If you have a wonderful fashion idea, any celestial-inspired outfits or just any great dancing memories - don't hesitate to send them my way. After all, sharing stories is just as important as sharing tutus! Until next Wednesday! www.pink-tutu.com
