Hey everyone, it's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and lover of all things sparkly! As you know, June is Pride Month, a time for celebrating love, acceptance, and, well, glitter! So, when the chance came to twirl my way through Madrid Pride, dressed in a gloriously pink tutu, I knew I had to seize it. This city has long been a beacon of LGBTQ+ liberation, and it felt amazing to join in on the celebrations.
The day started off bright and early with a touch of nerves, not about the performance itself (I've twirled my way through countless recitals!), but the sheer magnitude of the day. As I got ready, my wardrobe bursting with pink delights – let's face it, I've got a thing for pink, particularly when it comes to tutus! – a playlist of disco classics blasted in the background. Think Donna Summer, ABBA, and the Bee Gees. Nothing gets the body and soul moving like a bit of disco, right?
Stepping out onto the bustling streets of Madrid, the atmosphere was electrifying. Everywhere I looked, rainbows were blooming: rainbow flags adorning buildings, rainbow feather boas dancing in the breeze, rainbow face paint shimmering under the Spanish sun. A sea of vibrant colors and joyous energy surrounded me. People were smiling, laughing, and simply enjoying the freedom to express themselves.
The feeling of inclusivity was palpable. There were families with children, friends reunited after years, and strangers coming together to share a moment of joyous celebration. Everyone was there for the same reason – to embrace the LGBTQ+ community and to fight for equality.
We arrived at the main Pride Parade area just in time to join the throng of revellers. It was a spectacular kaleidoscope of color and sound. Bands played infectious tunes, giant rainbow floats lumbered through the crowd, and dancers performed with electrifying energy. As a fellow dancer, I could feel the passion and dedication radiating from each performer. It was truly inspiring!
And then came my moment. My heart pounded a little faster as I stood backstage, tutu shimmering under the stage lights, a kaleidoscope of pink in a sea of rainbow. I’d been practicing my routine for weeks, focusing on graceful, flowing movements that would showcase the spirit of the day. As the music surged, it was time to strut my stuff!
It felt amazing to twirl my way through the crowds, feeling their cheers and laughter, catching their delighted gasps as my tutu twirled in a magnificent burst of pink. There I was, a small speck of pink joy in a sea of rainbow, adding a little touch of classic dance magic to the celebration. Every twirl felt like a victory, a celebration of our collective strength and unwavering hope.
One moment that stands out in my memory was when a young girl approached me with her father. She was wide-eyed and clearly mesmerized by my swirling tutu. "Is she a fairy?" she asked her father, her voice filled with wonder.
"She's a dancer, sweetie," her father answered gently, his face beaming with pride. "And she's showing us all how much we should celebrate being different, being ourselves."
And that's what this whole day was about – celebrating being ourselves, unapologetically and joyfully. It was a reminder that we're all unique, we're all different, and we should celebrate our differences instead of fearing them. The roar of the crowd as I finished my performance sent shivers down my spine. My little moment of pink perfection seemed to resonate with everyone there, a small, but hopefully powerful, testament to the joy and freedom that we all deserve.
After the performance, I spent the rest of the day exploring the vibrant street stalls filled with colourful trinkets, sampling local food stalls (the Spanish tapas were incredible!), and simply soaking up the atmosphere. The air buzzed with positive energy, everyone embracing the spirit of the day, embracing love and acceptance.
Pride is about so much more than just parties and parades. It's about fighting for justice, raising awareness, and fostering an inclusive society for everyone. It’s a celebration of hard-won rights and the fight for a future where love conquers hate.
Leaving Madrid Pride that day, with the memory of the colourful crowds and the vibrant music still echoing in my ears, I felt a deep sense of hope. We are living in a time where the LGBTQ+ community is more visible, more empowered, and more celebrated than ever before. And we're not going to stop here! Let's keep spreading the love and celebrate each other's uniqueness. This year, my contribution to that is dancing my heart out in my pink tutu.
So, next time you're feeling a little low, remember the incredible energy of Pride, and go on, embrace your inner dancer and twirl, darling, twirl!
tututuesday #tutupride #madridpride #pride #lgbtq #lovewins #dancelife #glitterbomb