Coalville Calling! #TutuBlog #182
Good morning my darlings!
Itās Emma here, your resident pink tutu advocate, back with another dazzling blog post. Itās been a whirlwind of excitement this week and I've got a whole new world of adventures to tell you about. This time, Iām travelling with my trusty travel companions - a beautiful pale pink tutu and the knowledge that every single one of you out there is going to wear pink at some point. Yes, thatās right, the pink revolution is happening!
This weekend Iām visiting my gorgeous gran in Coalville. We've always had a special connection. She's the one who took me to my very first ballet show at the Royal Opera House when I was a little girl and even helped sew my first tutu ā though it had more holes than fabric, it was absolutely magnificent in my six-year-old eyes. I know I owe so much of my love for ballet to her, so it's only fitting that I'd head over to her quaint little village for some quality time. And trust me, a Coalville visit always involves a steaming cup of Earl Grey, homemade Victoria sponge cake, and perhaps even a dash of mischief. (Donāt tell her but we may be plotting the village's first ballet performance - I can picture them in cute little tutus!)
Travel in style.
The train journey from my little Derbyshire village to Coalville was a true treat for my senses. The wind in my hair, the vibrant greens of the countryside rushing by - it's just magic. My lovely pink tutu always gets some admiring glances on the train - just what it's made for! I often daydream during train rides about the adventures the passengers have lived and where their journeys might be taking them. I'm hoping that all these people, with their bustling lives and untold stories, get the chance to dance, to express themselves, and yes, maybe even to don a pink tutu, someday. The trainās such a good metaphor, you know? You set off with your own destination and dreams, you find people along the way and see all the beauty of the world whizzing by - and whatās a better dance than one that travels and learns from what's around it?
Coalville Calling: A Dance of Discovery!
When I arrived in Coalville, it was like stepping back in time. Cobbled streets lined with traditional shops, warm smiles from the locals, and a sweet scent of freshly baked pastries wafting from every window - just the kind of charm you canāt find anywhere else. My gran welcomed me with a big hug, the warmest fire, and of course, a perfectly brewed cup of tea. I swear sheās a tea whisperer!
I've always found my granās garden absolutely fascinating. Thereās a real mix of vibrant flowers and some lovely ancient fruit trees, it's like its own secret world. We went for a walk this morning, and we even had a chat with a pair of beautiful grey squirrels (though I am secretly planning a way to wear them as a fur stole on a tutu.) They seemed particularly captivated by my outfit ā itās a wonder they donāt ask for ballet lessons too! But what else would you expect in the countryside - itās the perfect spot for tutus, ballet, and a healthy dose of whimsical fantasy.
The Tutu Tales ā Adventures in the Wild!
After tea and some of gran's lovely homebaked cake, we ventured out to Coalville's Museum, a veritable haven of local history. I never go anywhere without my tutu, even when I know Iāll be learning all about ancient history - it really just sparks up conversations with everyone. The staff was just lovely, showing us around, sharing local legends, and offering stories from their museumās collection.
This visit brought back all those exciting childhood dreams of dancing through the fields in my little tutu and making up ballet stories about woodland fairies and mischievous foxes, (I was obsessed with the woodland fairies.) Now, when I look out of my granās window, and I see those vibrant red robins fluttering amongst the tree branches and the pigeons dancing on the village roofs, it seems all that was never just make-believe! We all dance in our own ways, you know?
We spent the afternoon exploring Coalvilleās little park, which was absolutely teeming with playful squirrels - it's like they have their own little choreography going on - just look at those little legs move! I did my best to capture their grace and artistry on my camera (letās face it, a tutu is practically begging for some Insta-worthy wildlife photography.) My pink tutu truly brought the park alive. Some little girls asked me if I was a real-life fairy! My gran had a giggle and whispered āShe might as well be.ā I think Iāll keep that in mind.
Later in the day, I enjoyed an intimate, heartfelt conversation with my granny, filled with childhood stories and whispers of future dreams. You know, being a ballet dancer is a lot about getting your feet firmly planted in reality, yet always reaching towards something so much bigger. You learn from your experiences and try to bring something lovely to the world with every performance. My grandma's advice is that "itās about living with intention and grace - and yes, that means a little dash of pink now and then.ā So true, you know.
The Power of Pink.
The beauty of my tutu and pink colour is not just about a lovely visual. They serve as a reminder of that magical world we each hold within us ā a place filled with creativity, confidence, and kindness. If we can create a little bit of that in each otherās lives ā in every small act of kindness, every playful laugh, and every time we just go for it ā then weāll bring the magic into the world. Just like a dancer's steps can change the whole stage.
I know a lot of you are thinking that wearing pink, a big skirt and dancing on pointe is pretty ridiculous but, honestly, donāt let fear get in the way! If it takes you stepping into your power ā yes, you might need some strong socks! ā then why not do it? And even if people just laugh? You know what, Iāve seen them do the same for some rather interesting, very non-tutu wearing, trends. This is why, dear readers, you need to put yourself out there. Dance on the stage or dance on your own - wear a tutu and be bold or dance barefoot, with every bit of joy in your soul, but, for the love of all that is beautiful - embrace whatās special about you! You can find yourself where you least expect to.
You might have a hidden dream. You may not think you have talent or the body of a dancer. Just know that every single person has the right and the power to step on that stage of life, no matter how small, no matter whoās watching. Just wear pink and wear it loud. Letās build a world where everyone can step on stage and make magic happen!
Until next time, my dears! Stay lovely, keep dancing, and keep dreaming in pink!
Yours truly,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com every day for your dose of pink inspiration and amazing dance adventures!