Post #543
Hello darlings! It's your girl, Emma, back from a whirlwind trip to the beautiful county of Kent. Now, before we delve into the delicious details of this fab adventure, let me just say – I think my Tutu-love has reached peak levels! It's not just any tutu I'm wearing either, mind you. It's my pinkest, fluffiest one. The one that could rival a marshmallow cloud. 💖☁️
I took the train, naturally. A beautiful, luxurious carriage journey. (Let's face it, the scenic routes of England really inspire creativity. Or maybe it's the scones – there's something very inspirational about scones). ☕️🍰
This trip, though, wasn't all about the pretty dresses and even prettier scenery. I was in Maidstone, Kent, for a rather exciting ballet production at the lovely Marlowe Theatre. Now, I've been a dedicated theatregoer for as long as I can remember – my earliest memory is of watching my sister's school play (all whilst dressed up in my Mum's oversized polka-dot blouse – think it's safe to say I had the fashion bug from day one).
But, the reason I was so excited about the production wasn’t simply because it was at a grand venue. It was because, my friends, I had been lucky enough to secure tickets to the much-anticipated 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Yes, a Shakespearean ballet! How elegant, how daring, how perfectly pink!
It’s a play that’s so whimsical and romantic, with just the right blend of fairy-dust, love-at-first-sight magic and even some mischievous impishness to keep it sassy. You couldn't ask for a better theme for a ballet! ✨
And the theatre? Simply enchanting. The air practically thrummed with excitement and anticipation. As I entered the auditorium, all eyes were drawn to the grand chandelier sparkling above. I swear, I could hear it twinkling with glee at the prospect of the night ahead! ✨
Before the play began, the venue was a kaleidoscope of colourful tutus and sleek dresses. A sea of smiling faces, and a buzzing excitement you just can't capture on camera. It was the most incredible ballet gathering I’d seen yet, and it definitely wasn't the worst outfit I wore that weekend either – that honour goes to a rather sparkly, fluffy, (and potentially pink) ensemble, more of which will be unveiled tomorrow!
You could feel the collective breath of the audience held, a tangible anticipation for the magic to begin. It did, of course, in a beautiful way, full of elegance and poise. As a ballerina myself, it’s not so much about a ballerina’s beauty but her powerful artistry that speaks to my heart – how they tell a story with their body, that's what truly captivated me!
And those graceful movements! I sat there in awe, lost in the world of love, intrigue and enchantment that unfolded before me. Each turn, each leap, told a tale of romance and destiny, woven into the fabric of the play. The way the choreography flowed and ebbed, mirroring the ebb and flow of human emotions – pure genius.
But the evening wasn’t all about Shakespeare and swirling tutus (although it certainly helped). The best part, you see, was the experience itself. The atmosphere, the energy, the collective gasp as the characters soared through the air – that's what made this trip to Maidstone so special. The sense of shared appreciation for the artform we all love, ballet, which truly brings everyone together. 💕
As the curtain fell and the final bows took their place, a wave of appreciation surged through the room. Clapping and cheering, we felt a genuine connection with the artists, their energy resonated and the magic stayed with us long after the final curtain. ✨
And, just in case the ballet wasn't enough, I decided to indulge my inner explorer! Maidstone, despite being a bustling town, is brimming with nature, especially around the River Medway. And that meant… a horse-riding adventure, of course!
I'll be honest – my first experience of galloping through fields with nothing but a glorious pink tutu on, and my trusted steed, a handsome grey called Jasper, was rather daunting. My initial anxieties were quelled when Jasper took off in a powerful, but gentle, stride, letting me enjoy the sensation of wind in my hair and the rolling hills unfolding before me. 🐎
That horse ride – it really did take my breath away! Riding on horseback gives you a completely different perspective, one that truly brings you closer to nature. It wasn’t just the horses; I saw so many adorable little hedgehogs along the path (that were unfortunately a tad shy, but just as adorable nonetheless)! I also found an old, twisted oak tree, so beautiful and gnarled, which made me think – maybe I'd write a new ballet piece about its journey. I do, after all, have the most whimsical ideas in pink fluffy tutus! 🌳
Now, that is a tale for another post, my friends, one filled with more dreamy tutus and captivating discoveries. But I’ll leave you with this, don't just watch ballet, dance it! Be inspired. Try something new! Maybe even pull out your very own, or maybe even newly acquired, pink tutu and let it twirl! 💃🏻🩰
Until next time, stay fabulous and tutu-ful. 💋
Emma, from www.pink-tutu.com
