Wednesday 18th December 2013
Helloooo darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing space explorer Emma, and this week, I'm bringing you all the fabulous frocks and sparkling shenanigans from my trip to Planet Earth's Emerald Isle, aka Ireland!
You know I'm a huge fan of exploring our beautiful universe, but sometimes, a gal just needs to get back to her roots, you know? Especially when there's such amazing ballet happening on home turf!
I landed in Dublin, which is a gorgeous little city, filled with cobblestone streets, charming pubs, and an atmosphere of artistic energy that just tingles the tutu! I mean, it's no secret I adore pink, and the colourful Victorian houses in Dublin were just begging to be a part of my Instagram feed. (Follow me at @PinkTutuEmma, darlings!)
A Night of Ballet Magic in the Irish capital
I headed straight to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for a night of absolute enchantment at the Irish National Ballet's performance of Swan Lake. Now, we're all familiar with this ballet classic, but this performance was truly special.
The sheer talent of the dancers, particularly the beautiful Odette, truly stole my heart. Each plié and pirouette seemed to flow into the next, an ethereal waltz that told a timeless story of love, betrayal, and redemption. Honestly, I nearly wept at the finale! I can't imagine what the poor ducks must think watching their feathered brethren soaring through the air, haha!
A Touch of Theatrical Glamour
And it wasn't just the dance that made the show truly magical. The costumes were simply exquisite. A stunning blend of classic white swan tutus, black velvet for the ominous villain Rothbart, and, of course, shimmering costumes that sparkled under the stage lights like a million tiny stars!
I absolutely loved the dramatic, Gothic feel of the scenery and costumes - the darkness contrasting beautifully with the ethereal lightness of the dancing. You know me, I'm a sucker for anything with a bit of theatre flair! It truly was a night of pure escapism and breathtaking beauty.
A Day of Irish Charm
After the performance, I treated myself to a lovely Irish breakfast. Think sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, tomatoes, black pudding - the works! It was absolutely divine, especially with a strong cup of tea to wash it down.
Afterwards, I wandered around the city, soaking up the atmosphere. I even ventured into the historic Guinness Storehouse, learning all about the legendary brew! Don't worry, I did my best to be a responsible traveller and I didn't consume any beer (only tea!) while on my travels. I mean, tutus are so not forgiving of spills!
Fashion Finds and Tutu-rific Shopping
Being the absolute fashionista that I am, no trip would be complete without a little retail therapy. And Dublin didn't disappoint! The city is brimming with stylish boutiques and independent designers, perfect for finding that unique piece that adds a touch of whimsy to my wardrobe.
I picked up a stunningly bright fuchsia scarf for myself, and for my dear readers, I found a lovely pink handbag with delicate pearl embellishments. Oh, and how could I resist a charming vintage tutu shop hidden away on a side street? It was like stepping back in time!
The shop owner, a sweet older woman named Bernadette, told me all about the history of tutus in ballet, right back to their early origins in the French courts! Who knew these whimsical costumes had such a regal history?
She showed me some absolutely beautiful tutus - there were fluffy white ones with elaborate bows and ruffles, shimmering purple ones adorned with sequins, and even a few bright pink ones with the most gorgeous detailing. It was tutu heaven! Of course, I made sure to grab a beautiful little vintage tutu for my own collection, adding another touch of pink sparkle to my life.
Time for Some Street Style
Even on the streets of Dublin, you could see the flair for fashion! The locals wear bold colours and daring prints with a touch of classic style. I spotted a beautiful pair of bright red boots, an oversized hat with a feathered embellishment, and even a little girl sporting a perfectly-fitted red tartan coat. Talk about adorable!
I, of course, added my own flair with a dazzling pink tutu and my new bright fuchsia scarf, accessorized with my signature sparkly tiara! (Never leave home without a tiara, darlings, it's a must for any aspiring pink tutu queen!) The city seemed to embrace my signature style, and people even stopped me for selfies, haha!
A Tutu-tastic Finale
I bid farewell to Dublin with a heavy heart, promising to return soon for more of its charming atmosphere and artistic spirit. You can bet I'll be adding a beautiful pink tutu to my travel essentials list, as it definitely made a statement in the Emerald Isle!
So, darling readers, I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my fabulous trip. Until next week, keep spreading the pink tutu love! Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest news, travel tips, and of course, plenty of tutu inspiration!
Love always,
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to tune in next week for a thrilling adventure in the depths of space. I hear Saturn's rings are fabulous for impromptu ballet performances! We all know pink goes with everything!