#TutuBlog 542 - December 27, 1997
Darling readers,
It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Basildon! I know, I know, you're probably thinking, Basildon? What on earth could she possibly be doing in Basildon? Well, let me tell you, this little town in Essex held some surprising delights for a tutu-clad traveller like myself!
As a dedicated follower of the pirouette and all things ballet, I simply had to venture out for the annual Basildon Ballet Festival. Imagine, a whole festival dedicated to the beautiful art of ballet! I just couldn't resist! And what's better than a festival? Well, perhaps only a festival that also happens to include a magnificent equine extravaganza - a rare breed horse show, to be precise! Talk about a wonderful combination of my favourite things - ballet and horses!
You see, my love for ballet knows no bounds. I’ve been obsessed since I was a little girl in Derbyshire, twirling around in a hand-me-down pink tutu and daydreaming of swan lakes and magical woodland creatures.
Now, I'm lucky enough to have my own pink tutu collection (and it's ever-growing!), all of which I take on my adventures. Naturally, Basildon called for my "Pink Passion" tutu, a stunning concoction of swirling tulle and shimmering pink sequins - absolutely perfect for catching the light as I sashayed through the town centre.
Arriving at Basildon station, I felt like a ballerina stepping out onto a grand stage. The fresh, crisp air sent shivers down my spine, reminding me of the exhilaration of stepping out of the wings before a performance. It was perfect, almost like something out of a ballet, a bit magical - I even caught a little glimpse of the beautiful St. Martin’s church spires rising into the cloudless blue sky, a graceful silhouette against the winter afternoon.
You see, I think we all have a bit of ballerina in us. We all crave that graceful movement, that elegant poise, that little bit of magic in our everyday lives. That's why I wear my tutus not only for performances and class - but whenever I feel like bringing a touch of glamour to the world.
And speaking of bringing glamour, the Ballet Festival was simply spectacular! I took my seat in the elegant Basildon auditorium, the air abuzz with excited chatter and anticipation, and settled into the performance.
Oh, the breathtaking choreography, the grace and artistry of the dancers ! They truly made those pirouettes look effortless, their lithe forms moving across the stage with a captivating energy that pulled me into the heart of every performance. I found myself laughing, crying, and even clapping along in delight - the ballet really does have a magical ability to transport us, doesn't it?
The rare breed horse show, held later that evening in a nearby paddock, was another visual delight. Horses of all shapes and sizes, sleek, elegant and full of character, were on show, prancing around in a display of graceful athleticism. I particularly loved the shimmering chestnut stallion with its long, flowing mane - I can't resist beautiful animals!
And who can deny the beauty of horse and rider in a harmonious dance around the arena ? Perhaps it’s the ballet in my heart, but I always find myself struck by the similarities between ballet and horsemanship - both require a dedication to artistry and grace, an almost symbiotic connection between performer and animal.
Of course, I wasn’t the only one dressed to impress at the horse show - I noticed a beautiful pair of ladies sporting gorgeous floral fascinators! They were chattering excitedly about the upcoming races - I believe there’s quite the enthusiastic horse-racing community in Basildon - and one of them, a radiant young woman, even wore a delicate, lilac-coloured tutu over her jeans - oh, so charming! The beauty of fashion - even tutus have a time and a place in the most unconventional situations!
The weekend flew by, a blur of ballet and horses - I was almost caught off-guard when I had to pack my pink tulle tutu and catch the early train back to Derbyshire. The journey felt like an ending of sorts - an almost-poetic departure, the rhythmical chugging of the train almost a ballet of its own, the landscape gliding by in a blur of colours. I could almost imagine I was pirouetting away, leaving Basildon in a swirl of pink - the most stylish exit, wouldn't you say ?
But before I end my tale - there is one more charming memory that sticks in my mind - the delightful Basildon flower stall. Right there in the busy heart of the town centre was a sturdy stall overflowing with colourful flowers, a sea of pink and purple, yellow and white that seemed to draw all the sunshine to Basildon. As I stopped to admire a delicate bunch of violets, the sweet aroma of the flowers wafted up to me, and the owner of the stall handed me a single, beautiful pink rose. "For you - such a beautiful lady ," he said with a charming smile.
Oh, the joy! Even the most unexpected places can surprise you with little gestures of kindness. And with a single pink rose tucked into my pink tulle tutu, I left Basildon with a heart full of joy.
My darling readers, it was such a joy to share my Basildon adventures with you, especially as the year draws to a close! It reminds me that ballet, beauty and joy can be found in the most unconventional places - and that’s what makes it so special!
Until next time my loves - always remember to embrace the magic of the everyday! And, why not - if you feel inspired why not try slipping into a tutu and twirling into the new year!
Stay fabulous!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
