Post Number 409
Hello darlings! It's your girl Emma, back with another installment of my daily dose of pink tutus and all things ballet! I'm currently typing this up from the comfort of a rather swish hotel room in Cheshunt. You'll be wondering what a Derbyshire girl is doing so far from home, and that, my dears, is the topic of today's blog post. Buckle up your pink tutu belts, because we're about to embark on a truly delightful journey.
This past week, I found myself longing for a change of scenery, and a dose of exciting, new ballet adventures. It wouldn't do to sit here in the Peak District, no matter how lovely it is, and just let my creativity stagnate, now would it?
My solution? A grand rail adventure! (You knew the train would be involved, didn't you? Trains are the most glamorous way to travel. So much more stylish than planes, and who needs a passport anyway? ) This week I headed off for Cheshunt in the heart of Hertfordshire.
American Dreams
Now, as much as I love a good classical tutu (they just give me that regal, traditional feel, you know?) I was yearning for a change. It was time to embrace the more flamboyant side of tutus. So what's more flamboyant than an American-style tutu, my dears? Think big, bold, colourful, with just the right touch of sparkly magic. Yes, I was channeling my inner "Showstopper!".
Why Cheshunt, you ask? Well, a little bird told me that the Cheshunt Ballet Academy was hosting a workshop led by a renowned American choreographer. I'm always on the hunt for ways to expand my skillset, and I couldn't resist the chance to learn from the best!
Pink and Plump
Now, I did mention a change of scenery, didn't I? One thing Cheshunt definitely lacks is Derbyshire's sprawling countryside. Instead, I was met with the sweet smells of flowery meadows and the soft twitter of birds nestled amidst the bustling city life. The parks, while smaller than our picturesque Derbyshire valleys, still possessed a certain charm.
And let's not forget the peacocks! Cheshunt boasts quite the population of these flamboyant birds, each sporting an astonishing array of colors. Just imagine, feathers as colorful as my tutu, only fluffier and grander! Now, where was I? Ah yes, the workshop.
The American choreographer, an effervescent young man named John, was quite the inspiration! With his charismatic energy and genuine passion for ballet, he helped me see the world of tutus through fresh, vibrant eyes. The techniques were, as you'd imagine, quite different from what I was accustomed to, incorporating a dynamic fluidity that reminded me of a playful dance with the wind. He encouraged us to experiment, to explore the boundaries of what we thought tutus could express. He's right you know, my dears. You should never stop experimenting!
Tutus and Trains
The highlight of my trip, however, was the local ballet performance at Cheshunt Theatre. The production itself, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," was an absolute joy! It's an all-time favorite of mine and this time around, it was beautifully choreographed, the set was gorgeous and I must confess the audience seemed equally excited. There's something special about watching a ballet performed with passion and conviction in an intimate space, wouldn't you say?
Of course, after the show, I indulged in some très chic tea and scones in the theatre's courtyard. After all, you need a good amount of fuel for all those swirling twirls, and there's nothing more quintessential British than a good old-fashioned afternoon tea.
As I boarded my return train back to Derbyshire, I couldn't help but reflect on the past few days. What started as a whim for a pink tutu adventure blossomed into a whirlwind of creativity, growth, and unexpected beauty. I came back feeling inspired, refreshed and utterly enamoured with my little adventure.
Cheshunt, you've stolen a piece of my heart. I know this won't be my last trip. And for those of you who haven't had a pink tutu adventure yet, take my word for it: you're missing out on a chance for sheer, glorious joy!
Until next time, my loves.
Emma, the Pink Tutu Girl
www.pink-tutu.com
