Hello, my darling Tutu-ettes! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed adventurer Emma, signing in from the glorious, windswept plains of Llanelli!
It feels so good to be back in Wales, especially when the sun is shining and the sheep are all happily grazing (I just love their woolly faces – reminds me of my little sheep-print ballet slippers!). I’ve always adored travelling by train, and the journey from my Derbyshire home down to Llanelli was simply enchanting. It’s all about those stunning views – rolling green fields, charming villages, and that feeling of pure escapism as you speed past life whizzing by…
Of course, I couldn’t resist turning heads at the station in my latest, utterly gorgeous, bubblegum-pink tutu! It’s hand-crafted, featuring a delightful array of tiny, iridescent sequins that catch the light in the most captivating way. I’ve teamed it up with a chic white blouse and some seriously comfortable flats – perfect for dancing the day away (even if that means twirling through the train station)!
Speaking of dancing, my main reason for visiting Llanelli was a must-see ballet performance! "The Nutcracker" is one of my all-time favourite ballets, and this version, featuring the National Theatre of Wales, was simply divine! The stage design was exquisite, and the dancers, oh my, they were pure magic! It was as if the entire audience was swept away to a magical land of sweets and fantastical creatures, all thanks to the power of ballet.
Speaking of magical lands, before I headed for Llanelli I got to meet my dearest Auntie Jean. She brought out this amazing vintage box filled with treasures from her trip to Paris back in the 1950s! Inside, I discovered a whole pile of ballet memorabilia, from old tickets to programs to photos of ballerinas from that era. Seeing the artistry and elegance of that era – with those impossibly fluffy tutus and beautifully hand-painted costumes – really made me think about the evolution of ballet over the years. It’s such an inspiring reminder of how ballet continues to evolve while keeping its classic roots at its heart.
But don’t get me wrong, it's not all about vintage glamour and old photos for me! I am all about living in the now! I also did a brilliant ballet workshop led by a truly fabulous local teacher called Gwen. It was great to learn some new techniques and movements. It’s always fun to mix things up and explore new styles! Gwen even shared some great tips for staying in tip-top dancing shape. Turns out, a sprinkle of those yummy Llanelli cakes won’t do any harm, as long as I keep up with my exercises! I might just adopt those famous Llanelli "flapjacks" as my official post-ballet treat!
And my travels in Wales are far from over! Tonight, I'm off to a thrilling, modern-day, street ballet show in Swansea. Can you imagine, ballet on the streets, right in the heart of the city? I can’t wait! This particular group takes the tradition of ballet and gives it a real, urban, twist. Think high-energy street-style dancing, mixed with elements of classic ballet, all in a location bursting with atmosphere! My trusty tutu will be making a reappearance, of course, as I twirl, leap, and pirouette around the urban jungle. I'm even planning to sneak in a bit of the ‘Llanelli Cake Flapjack’ on the way, just to fuel those fancy footwork moves!
It’s moments like this, travelling the UK, soaking up different cultures and meeting the most amazing people, that I remember what I love about ballet: it truly brings everyone together. I’m dreaming of the day that all of you, dear Tutu-ettes, embrace the power of pink tutus and explore the wonder of ballet. Don’t be shy, just throw on your prettiest, most daring tutu and start twirling! Who knows, maybe you’ll even end up joining a ballet class or venturing to a show like the one I saw in Llanelli – you might even fall in love with it like I did.
And while I'm dreaming, imagine us all - you, me, and every ballet lover, meeting on a picturesque train journey to share our passion for the art! With all that tulle, it would be like a fairytale coming to life. I can't wait to see you all in the next post - perhaps in the Scottish Highlands for my next big dance adventure? Don’t forget to keep dancing and keep believing, you beautiful souls!
Until then, keep twirling in those pretty tutus,
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
