Oh my darlings, I'm writing this from a little haven of a hotel room overlooking the shimmering Solent. My travels took me down south by train today, a journey as much about the changing landscapes as it was about the exciting prospect of reaching my destination: Southampton, the city where ballet met sea!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I was aching to see the Royal Ballet's production of Swan Lake, and what better place to see this classic than on the south coast? There’s just something about the air down here, something so invigorating, it gets my creativity flowing faster than a pas de deux!
So, picture this, my dears: I'm strutting onto the train, dressed in a pink tweed skirt, a fluffy pink sweater with a little ballerina brooch, and – naturally – my trusty yellow tutu! This fabulous garment just oozes happiness, doesn't it? It really puts a spring in your step, even when the train is running a bit late. (A tip: keep a pair of stylish pink ballet flats in your bag! Perfect for slipping on once you’ve reached your destination.)
I couldn’t resist striking a few poses for the train windows - just for the sake of artistic expression, darling. After all, why should ballerinas be confined to the stage? I like to spread the ballet love wherever I go! Luckily, a charming gentleman sitting across from me found it all quite delightful. He even offered to take a photo of me by the station's flower beds with my tutu trailing behind me. He even seemed interested in joining a beginners' ballet class, who knows? Maybe the seeds of inspiration were sown today.
After a delicious, picture-perfect afternoon tea (of course I wore a pink teacup and saucer for added panache!), I arrived at the Mayflower Theatre. This glorious Victorian edifice seemed to whisper promises of magic, a promise beautifully fulfilled by the performance itself. The story of the swan maiden was spun to perfection, and as Odette, the ballet star, took her first graceful flight across the stage, my own spirit felt like it was taking wing. The music! The costumes! The sheer spectacle! Honestly, my heart soared like a swan with newly-found freedom.
You know, this whole ballet experience got me thinking about wildlife. The graceful movements, the silent power, the way they float and glide – all just so mesmerizing. It reminds me of the birds I love to see around Derbyshire, the majestic red kites and graceful swallows soaring overhead. Ballet and nature truly do seem to echo each other in some profound, almost magical way, don’t you think?
Speaking of birds, as the train journey home brought me through the twilight landscape, a flock of swans graced the waters alongside the tracks. A truly magical moment! They flew off in formation, echoing the choreography I'd witnessed in the Mayflower, only this was a ballet enacted by the heavens themselves. Such elegant, breathtaking creatures, truly worthy of admiration and respect. I even managed to take a couple of snapshots through the carriage window, and if the light’s good enough tomorrow, I’ll be sure to post them on www.pink-tutu.com.
Darling, if you ever get a chance, please do visit Southampton. Even if ballet isn’t your thing, the vibrant, welcoming spirit of this city is sure to make your heart sing. And remember, my darlings, no matter where you are in the world, put on your pink tutus and embrace the dance! Life’s a stage, and we’re all dancing through it, right?
Until tomorrow,
Emma
Emma's little side note: I was so lucky to meet some amazing ladies at the ballet tonight. I had a lovely chat with two girls from Winchester, and we decided to organise a dance night with our friends. If you're local to Derbyshire or fancy joining in on the fun, be sure to check my website or follow me on Insta @EmmaPinkTutu for details. It’ll be a proper tutu-clad affair, and I promise, a night to remember!
