Hey lovelies! It's Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, and I'm positively bursting with excitement to share today's adventures! As a self-proclaimed champion of all things pink and twirly, you know my heart leaps when a journey involves a bit of train travel and the promise of ballet, and that's precisely what's in store for this lovely Tuesday.
Today, I'm venturing up to Chorley, a charming town nestled in the heart of Lancashire. Yes, you heard right - Chorley! This unassuming town boasts an absolutely delightful dance studio, "Dance World," and trust me, I wouldn't be making the trek all the way from my Derbyshire abode if it wasn't something special.
The train journey itself is a delight! I absolutely adore the rhythmic click-clack of the tracks and the charming views as the English countryside whizzes by. Today, the window seat offered me a panorama of rolling hills, quaint villages, and the occasional friendly cow mooing hello from a distant field. (They always seem so intrigued by my tutu - I think they appreciate the colour pink, just like I do!).
Of course, I wasn't just daydreaming about cows in tutus! My trusty travel bag, bursting with an assortment of colourful tulle, was ready to unleash a vibrant ballet wardrobe for the class. Speaking of colour, I've decided to grace Chorley with the "Pink Princess Tutu". This beauty is made from several layers of delicate tulle, with a burst of shimmering pink sequins around the waistline - pure fairytale glamour!
After a brisk but invigorating walk through Chorley town centre, I arrive at the dance studio - a cheery space brimming with laughter and music. It feels like the sort of place where dreams take flight, literally! And you know what? I can already tell I'm going to love this class. The teacher, Miss Davies, has the kindest smile and a truly infectious passion for ballet.
Let's just say my toes are tingling with anticipation, and my heart is practically singing along with the warming up tunes. I love the energy and camaraderie you find in dance studios - we're all there, moving and stretching together, chasing that perfect plie and the soaring feeling of a grand jeté.
It's during warm up that I get a peek at the student's routines. Miss Davies explains that the class will be working on a contemporary piece set to a piece by the brilliant Ed Sheeran, who’s become my new ballet music obsession, and with a dash of ballet fusion. It's absolutely brilliant! I couldn't help but scribble down a few moves in my notebook - I'm absolutely dying to try them out when I get back home!
I can tell that this isn't your typical dance studio. The classes offer such a diverse selection, from classical ballet to hip-hop, even belly dancing and ballroom, it's an absolute haven for movement! The studio also hosts an amazing monthly performance where students get the opportunity to shine on stage. You know I'll be keeping my eye out for that, right? Maybe a performance in Chorley is on the cards, hmm?
Speaking of performances, the other exciting reason for my trip was to catch a live show at the stunningly beautiful Chorley Little Theatre – a proper charming local theatre with real character! Today's performance was a masterpiece by the talented local group, "The Dance Dynamos." This fantastic troupe effortlessly blended the energy of modern dance with a dose of classical ballet magic. The intricate choreography, accompanied by an evocative soundtrack, transported me into another world - I swear, I lost track of time completely!
My highlight? Absolutely, hands down, was a captivating dance sequence where the dancers brought the spirit of the Chorley wilderness to life. The way they incorporated elements of nature – graceful movements that evoked a gentle breeze, stomping steps that mimicked the sound of a wild animal's paws, it was both powerful and hauntingly beautiful.
I'm always so amazed by the way dance can speak volumes without uttering a word. The stories that dancers weave, the emotions they evoke with every gesture and step, truly captivate my heart. There’s a reason why I always advocate for a life infused with ballet – it's pure artistry, passion, and a touch of magic, and everyone deserves a sprinkle of it in their lives!
As I write this blog post back on the train, I'm already reflecting on this beautiful day and thinking about my next adventure. It seems that Chorley has captured my heart, leaving me itching for more ballet bliss and another dose of pink-tutu fun. And of course, I have a whole load of inspiration for my own dance moves!
See you tomorrow, lovelies, for a post all about finding inspiration in the most unexpected places. Until then, stay pink, stay twirly, and remember: ballet is for everyone!
Love,
Emma 💖🩰
