Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad space traveller, back from another whirlwind adventure. Today I’m bringing you some juicy gossip about my latest intergalactic journey - this week I was off to… drumroll Planet Earth! Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, Earth? Why on earth (pun intended!) would you travel to a planet you’re already from?"
Well, you see, darlings, this wasn’t just any visit to Planet Earth. This time, I was there for the most fabulous occasion - the 18th of January 2012! Did you know that this very special date marked International Ballet Day? I mean, can you even imagine?! An entire day dedicated to the most elegant, graceful art form on the whole wide universe?! My heart just fluttered at the thought.
Now, you might be wondering why a cosmic pink tutu enthusiast like myself would choose to celebrate this special occasion on the very planet I’m from. Well, let me tell you, Planet Earth's ballet scene is absolutely bursting with history, talent and just plain sheer fabulousness. Think Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, the Birmingham Royal Ballet - these are some of the most iconic names in dance history, right? Plus, Earthlings are absolutely bonkers for their ballet, you know what I mean? They pack theatres full every single night, with absolutely stunning, elaborate, breath-taking costumes (many in shades of pink, of course!). There’s even an entire ballet shoe aisle at every shoe shop!
And trust me, this particular trip was well worth it, darlings! I managed to squeeze in three divine ballet shows - two on Tuesday the 17th, Swan Lake by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, London (an absolute dream come true), and Cinderella by the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum (just stunning!), and then Romeo & Juliet by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House again on the 18th - it was positively enchanting, simply unforgettable. Each production was an absolute symphony of graceful movement, stunning costumes (some with just a hint of pink!), and, of course, spectacular choreography that made my tutu-clad heart dance.
Now, I'm a true advocate of all things ballet - ballet class, ballet history, tutu history - you name it, I've got my eyes and ears on it. You can see, then, how thrilled I was when, after the Swan Lake performance, I stumbled upon this absolute treasure - the Royal Opera House Museum! Inside, darling, was a magical treasure trove of costumes, sketches, set designs, and letters written by the original performers! Honestly, it felt like being transported back to the golden age of ballet, surrounded by whispers of tutus, the music, and the stories of generations past. And the best bit, darling? They even had some beautiful pink tutus on display from legendary performances! I even spotted a little sketch by Frederick Ashton, and let me tell you, my inner ballerina just about exploded. You can tell why I have such a huge affection for ballet, can’t you? I honestly find it just so captivating! It’s almost spiritual in its elegance and precision. And the sheer grace… oh, it fills me with so much joy. I couldn’t help myself, darling, and had to indulge in some post-show souvenir shopping, a pink feather boa from one stall and some vintage ballet photographs, I simply had to get my hands on them, even though it’s such a struggle fitting the feather boa into my suitcase - I think it’s time I expand!
After a bit of shopping therapy, I ventured down to the Covent Garden market, the perfect place to continue my intergalactic mission - spreading pink tutu joy, of course! This charming little market in the heart of London, darling, is brimming with energy, music and so many fashion gems it’s simply phenomenal. And my, oh my, do Earthlings love their clothes! I spent ages looking through the most gorgeous little stalls - there was a stand full of amazing antique earrings, the colours were fabulous! I also found a pink feather bag, it goes perfectly with the boa! Honestly, this little market is it for vintage shopping - so much colour and style and all the right sort of kitsch you can handle! I felt right at home surrounded by the music, the laughter, the fashion and the colours of the place! And don't even get me started on the street performers! I even saw a little ballerina doing some incredible moves - I immediately felt a connection with her, and just had to get a selfie!
That evening, after I indulged in the Cinderella show (absolutely mesmerising), I wandered back into London to take in the sheer wonder that is Buckingham Palace all lit up in the night, its majesty truly illuminating the sky, it truly felt as if I were in the perfect fairy tale setting! And, let's be honest, after a day brimming with ballet, there is only one way to end a day like this, isn’t there? Well, naturally, it involves more tutus! I headed for the Liberty London store - they have the best, the best, the most fabulous tutus on Planet Earth. They even have pink tutus. A lot of them. Just saying.
I did get my little paws on one of the best tutus, you know, it just had my name written all over it, though to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if they used the same exact pink in their makeup - just phenomenal. And guess what, darlings? As I strutted through the aisles of Liberty in my pink tutu and my feather boa, feeling all sparkly and elegant, I met some rather exciting people - the most delightful bunch of aspiring ballerinas - it seems even Planet Earth's aspiring ballerinas are mad for pink tutus! So naturally, we talked, we danced, and, most importantly, we took the cutest selfie together! My mission is to inspire everyone to wear a pink tutu - and my oh my, did they feel inspired that evening!
But you know, there’s more to Earth than tutus, though they are an important part. I am an advocate of the fact that travelling is so much about more than just the destination, darling. It’s about experiencing, about finding those little bits of extra in every city, every country, every world - you know what I mean? So my London trip included some well-chosen extra.
Naturally, one needs to eat, so I did enjoy some delightful traditional English afternoon tea. Let me tell you, you have to experience afternoon tea on Earth at least once - delicate little sandwiches, the tastiest scones, cakes you simply dream about and a mountain of gorgeous loose leaf tea in every imaginable colour! But what’s better than one tea, darling? Three teas! Yes, that’s right. The very best afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason is thee iconic afternoon tea experience - the food is delicious, and the interior is pure glamour and kitsch in just the right way. If you are on Earth, make this an absolute priority and pop in for a special high tea - if it is your first trip then this will have to be on your to-do list (don’t even get me started on the pastries especially the lemon drizzle - pure heaven!)
The second extra, was an experience called The London Eye. Now this isn’t an intergalactic ride like my spaceship but it did provide a rather dazzling 360-degree view of London, with the most incredible sight, as we drifted above the Thames. There's just something magical about seeing a city lit up at night from up above - a perspective that reminds you of just how sprawling and incredible these worlds are, and how many more there are out there, and more importantly how all these places can be part of our little world.
It’s true what they say about Earth, darlings, it really is a place of contrasts! It can be filled with such frantic activity one minute, then serenity the next. In one moment I’m feeling absolutely enthralled with the latest Pink Tutu World designs ( I’m obsessed with the galaxy design!), and the next I’m walking along the banks of the Thames, surrounded by swans and serenity - this magical blend is why I simply had to add this to my trip - because after my day in the ballet bubble, I wanted to feel the earth below my feet. I love a good park at any time but my oh my, a riverside walk has a certain je ne sais quoi don't you think? I adore the fresh air, watching people strolling and relaxing on their day off.
In case you are not yet familiar with the intergalactic traveller, this girl is all about those amazing experiences, you know? As you have read, there is more than ballet in my life and if there is a more incredible experience than seeing one of the wonders of Planet Earth, I am yet to find it! Now you may think Earth might sound a bit obvious, as I’m a daughter of Earth but trust me, the Earthlings just keep creating such fantastic new adventures I feel absolutely compelled to return again and again, because darling, this is where you will truly feel the love.
But here's the thing - even though it was a short stay, it truly felt like an epic voyage into the heart of Earth's beauty, its ballet, its energy, and, of course, its fashion!
That’s my week darlings - thank you so much for reading, don't forget, you can read Pink Tutu World every Wednesday! Don't forget to catch me on www.pink-tutu.com where I will be posting another amazing adventures of pink tutu wearing, space-travelling and fashion-loving me next week. And as always, if you've got an awesome travel story, ballet-related tips or pink fashion news to share, please do drop me a comment - you can also contact me via the pink tutu portal.
And finally, darlings, I just want to remind everyone of what my purpose is - it’s to embrace the beauty in everything, and to remind you that, no matter where you are in the universe, a little pink tutu is just the perfect way to add a sprinkle of sparkle to your day. So, put on your best pink tutu (even if you're on Earth!), dance to your heart's content, and let's fill the universe with pink tutus and a lot of fabulous, sparkly fun!
Until next time, darling!
Much love,
Emma
