Hello darlings, and welcome back to my weekly cosmic update from Pink Tutu World! It's Wednesday, 11th October, 2017, and I'm sitting here in my glittery, hot-pink dressing gown, sipping on some delicious rose-hip tea, and feeling super inspired after an absolutely fabulous trip back to Planet Earth! I've been out there amongst the stars, dancing my way through the constellations, but there's just nothing quite like coming back home to this little blue marble.
This week, my adventures led me to the magical, historic city of York. You see, darlings, my love for ballet isn't just limited to tutus and fancy footwork. I'm also absolutely fascinated by the rich history of ballet itself. And, oh, how York just oozes with it! From the stunning York Minster, to the atmospheric Shambles, to the adorable, cobbled alleys… It was simply irresistible. I could picture the stately ladies and gentlemen of old, with their flowing gowns and elaborate wigs, strolling these very streets, their shoes clicking rhythmically on the stones as they made their way to a glittering performance. It truly inspired me to channel my inner ballerina, even just in my own mind, and I simply couldn't help but twirl through the medieval alleyways, feeling as elegant as a duchess at a royal ball!
But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you all about my journey!
Tutu Take-Off: The Ultimate Cosmic Ballet Flight
I took off from my current home on Venus in my fabulous spaceship - which I’ve affectionately named "The Tutu Express", naturally - a gleaming hot-pink craft that can take me anywhere in the universe in the blink of an eye!
My intergalactic travel companions for this trip included the amazing intergalactic pop star, Zilla of the Andromeda Galaxy - we are totally working on a collab together, a "Galaxy Glitz" number with synchronized, flashing light-shows! Zilla, you see, is totally obsessed with pink tutus, and she’s actually agreed to be my brand ambassador across the Milky Way. It’s going to be fantastic. I'm envisioning holographic tutus and synchronized dancing, a vision of pure, galactic delight!
I also had the pleasure of being joined by Starfire, a fashion editor from planet Beta - 341 who knows how to rock a tutu! We spent most of our travel time sharing fabulous outfit inspiration, brainstorming celestial colour palettes, and exchanging design tips. It's a constant challenge, you see, to keep our looks fresh, because we’re constantly meeting new fabulous aliens from different planets, and everyone wants to up their style game. There's this incredibly popular celestial trend on the planet Xana, where they have these shimmering green capes with crystalized, iridescent butterflies, but it's just SO NOT US, right? So we have to be clever! It’s all about finding the perfect way to add a touch of intergalactic chic to a traditional, fabulous pink tutu. And the possibilities are endless!
And who could forget our charming astro-pilot, Captain Stardust! This dashing gentleman is so much more than just a pilot, though! He is actually a skilled choreographer from Jupiter's moon, Europa, and knows everything about cosmic ballet - even about that ancient, legendary, almost extinct "moon ballet" - he's truly a cosmic encyclopaedia in all things dance. He's actually been working with me on some tutu designs, too. I’ve got some fabulous new looks in the works, you know! One is a shimmery black and gold tutu - perfect for the interstellar runways - and another one with swirling galaxies - oh, my darling, you're just going to LOVE it! And we’re just starting with these! The "Cosmic Twirl" series of tutus are really going to revolutionize the look of fashion in the universe. Watch this space - and that's a literal instruction! I'm always putting my looks up online, on the intergalactic fashion blog "Stardust Chic", if you're interested!
Earthly Delights: York, Fashion & Ballet
As our Tutu Express descended through the atmosphere towards Earth, it became clear that it was time for a bit of planet-bound ballet therapy! Now, York, as you might already know, is a true treasure for lovers of history, culture, and, dare I say it? … fabulous shopping! I had so much fun exploring the tiny, adorable shops of The Shambles!
They really are so cute. You wouldn't believe how much character each and every shop has. And as for the selection - it was a real treasure trove of amazing finds! Just the thing to re-inspire me!
But it was the city’s rich ballet heritage that really stole my heart. There's a magical feeling here. Just imagine, darlings! This town actually used to have its very own professional ballet company! And the Grand Opera House, it really was stunning - just as beautiful as you’d imagine. I spent hours wandering its historical hallways. It really was as though I was stepping back in time. You can just feel all those amazing performers dancing here, all those dramatic costumes!
The sheer joy and vibrancy I experienced at The Grand Opera House was just the inspiration I needed. Of course, I just had to see a show. I went to a performance of Swan Lake. It's been one of my favourites ever since I saw it as a little girl back home in Derbyshire. There’s just something so moving about the classic story and the intricate dance sequences - absolutely divine, my darling. There’s a ballet for everyone out there, whether you prefer the bold movements of modern ballet, or the delicate choreography of traditional ballet, there's definitely something to fall in love with! I saw a lovely performance by the York Ballet Company - such incredibly talented young dancers. You could see the pure joy of the ballet in their every move. It's a really heartwarming experience watching the love and passion in their eyes when they're performing, just absolutely infectious! The company is, however, on a bit of a hiatus, which I find a little bit tragic if I must be honest - why, I ask you, is there a lack of love for ballet these days? I mean, I just don't understand it!
Tutu Traditions: Exploring Earth’s Ballet Heritage
And I really must say, darlings, there’s nothing more delightful than an evening at a ballet show! And it got me thinking - have I told you about my recent, little obsession? It's with the rich, romantic history of ballet! I love learning all about those fascinating ballerinas from the Victorian era, with their big, billowing skirts and those delicate silk ballet slippers! So chic! But my heart really beats for the Romantic ballet period of the 1830s to 1870s - oh, the costumes, darling! I am SO dreaming of a photoshoot in a costumed garden and with a bunch of amazing intergalactic ballerinas, because why not, right?
And that is why I spent my days in York going to all the ballet museums and galleries I could find! The museum, The York Story, has some fascinating pieces, all about the city's theatrical heritage - even about pantomime! And I did something I really should do more often: I actually took some proper ballet lessons from one of the amazing tutors at the York Ballet Company. I had completely forgotten just how invigorating and thrilling those classes really are! The way they push your limits, push your elegance, and just your general joie de vivre. It’s the reason why I do it! You simply must go and have a little dance, darling, if you want to feel inspired and energetic! It’s an elixir for your soul, a vibrant tonic for the spirit - or at least it is for me!
The Pink Tutu Manifesto: It's Not Just Clothes!
And you know, after this trip it really reinforced the meaning of "The Pink Tutu Manifesto": it's all about feeling empowered and ready to express yourself freely, and not letting anyone hold you back from following your own dreams - just like the beautiful ballerinas I saw in York.
I don't know what it is, but there's something special about the energy of ballet. There’s something almost magical about a tutu. Maybe it's the lightness, the graceful movement, or perhaps just the joy and passion that goes into each and every performance! The perfect pink tutu just lets me dance my heart out!
Oh, you should've seen my reaction to those gorgeous, perfectly made, delicate silk tutus I spotted in a shop in The Shambles - my jaw almost hit the floor, darlings! But of course, I bought the whole lot! How could I resist? They’re going to make a brilliant feature on my blog - my "Pink Tutu Diary"! And there was a perfect, fluffy, soft, cloud-like, hot-pink feather boa in a stall. I simply had to have it.
The most fun part about wearing pink tutus? Seeing those joyful smiles that they always inspire - from the littlest girl to the grandest dame! When everyone’s smiling, it's pure, blissful magic, darlings! So, if you want to see more photos of all of these goodies and my new adventures, you'll need to visit www.pink-tutu.com. It's updated weekly, on Wednesday of course, and it’s full of my intergalactic fashion adventures.
That’s all, for now, darlings! Until next time, and remember – wear your pink tutu with pride, and remember – don't ever be afraid to dance to your own tune.
And for now, I must be going.
I must go and plan my next galactic ballet adventure - it just can’t wait, my darling!
Yours, in a pink cloud of cosmic ballet joy,
Emma
P.S.: My dearest blog readers - what is YOUR favourite pink tutu for the stage? Let me know in the comments section. I just love hearing about what my followers wear. Oh, and don’t forget, I always need tutu inspiration! So feel free to share your best dance-wear photos in the comment section as well!
