#TutuBlog 1996-07-24 in Solihull with a european style tutu.

Post #21 - www.pink-tutu.com

Oh, hello darlings! It’s your girl Emma, and boy, oh boy, have I got a story for you! This past weekend I ventured out of Derbyshire for a quick trip to the beautiful Solihull, a place that practically whispered ‘pink tutu’ the minute I stepped off the train.

It all began with a little (pink, of course) post-it note on my desk. “Solihull ballet extravaganza!” it declared in my favourite bubblegum font, complete with a tiny ballerina drawing (admittedly, a little wonky, but it had heart). My best friend, the fabulous Flo, had stumbled upon a local theatre’s performance of Swan Lake. She knew I’d be in my element – classic ballet in a picturesque location, what could be more perfect?

But, here’s the twist – my inner ‘tutu-diva’ had other plans! I envisioned myself flitting through the cobbled streets of Solihull, a whirlwind of pink tulle and graceful moves. I knew exactly which tutu to pack. It's a little masterpiece: European in style, with a subtle sheen that makes me feel like a modern-day fairytale princess. Imagine a symphony of pastel pink layers cascading down my legs, punctuated by delicate sequins and a satin ribbon tied with a perfect bow at my waist. It’s practically a poem in fabric, and it demanded an audience beyond the confines of the theatre.

Armed with this exquisite tutu and an unshakeable determination to infuse Solihull with a touch of ballet magic, I set off. I took the train, of course, my tulle floating gracefully in the train carriage (much to the delight of an elderly gentleman who told me he’d last seen a tutu like mine at the London Palladium). As the countryside whizzed past, I dreamt of the adventure that lay ahead.

Solihull, you are a gem! Charming shops bursting with quaint tea rooms and book stores lined the streets, while beautiful parklands offered a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. I felt an immediate connection with the town. I could already picture myself leading a ballet class on the verdant lawn of the botanical gardens, my tutu flowing as I demonstrate the arabesque. And it all started with a simple, "Why not?"

Now, the Swan Lake performance itself was stunning, as expected. The dancers were mesmerising, the costumes breathtaking, and the music made my toes tap like a frantic tap-dancer! But the real highlight, in my opinion, was the energy of the town itself. It pulsed with a sense of charm, beauty, and unassuming elegance. I think it’s something that people who live here don’t even fully realize!

However, my ballet odyssey didn't end with the theatre. It continued on cobblestone paths, amidst the vibrant gardens and buzzing cafes, always with a splash of pink in every step. I think Solihull would appreciate more colour in general! They're so wonderfully restrained, it just takes a touch of whimsy to really let the spirit of the place soar. I took a chance and stopped a few shoppers with a shy smile and an impromptu ballerina pose. They responded with joy! People seem to adore tutus; I’ve noticed they bring a smile to everyone's face! One lady even mentioned her granddaughter taking ballet classes, so we bonded over pink tights and the thrill of pirouettes.

There were even more than a few “why didn't I think of that?” moments, which only fuelled my desire to inspire everyone around me to embrace a little bit of ballet. Imagine, an office filled with pink tutus and graceful walks across the meeting rooms… Wouldn’t that be fantastic?

But don’t worry, I wasn’t a ballet-wielding tyrant in Solihull! My mission was far more gentle. I just encouraged everyone I met to tap into their inner ballerina, to see how a little movement and playful attitude could bring more joy into their day. I offered some gentle tips on posture (yes, even the gentlemen!) and suggested they experiment with a graceful, ballet-inspired stride on their walks. One gentleman was even inspired to try out some simple ballet moves, all in his office shirt and tie!

Of course, no trip to a new place is complete without an adventure or two. One afternoon, I found myself wandering the parklands, tucked away among ancient trees and babbling brooks. I couldn't help but imagine a whimsical scene of swans gliding gracefully through the water, mirrored by the ethereal figures of the ballerinas in Swan Lake. It was the perfect place to reconnect with nature and lose myself in my own little world of dance and fantasy.

Speaking of nature, I'm always on the lookout for our furry and feathered friends when I'm on my adventures. This time, it was a family of adorable squirrels I encountered in the local park. They scampered about the trees, so carefree and graceful! They really inspired me – it reminded me that life should be full of little bursts of energy and moments of joy, much like their quick hops and playful antics. I may have even offered one particularly friendly squirrel a tiny snippet of my pink tulle (just a little something for a whimsical outfit!), but he politely declined and scampered away with a rather inquisitive glint in his eye. I hope that made his day!

So, that’s Solihull for you – a charming town that embraced the unexpected twirl, the little bit of pink tulle, and the graceful energy I brought to it. It's proof positive that there’s a bit of ballet magic in every place, waiting to be discovered. And trust me, my fellow tutu-lovers, it’s an adventure worth taking.

Now, excuse me while I brush out the pink feathers from my tulle and start planning my next trip. The world is calling, and I'm ready to spread a touch of ballet magic to every corner.

Until next time, keep twirling!

-Emma, signing off from www.pink-tutu.com