#TutuBlog Post #1003
Hello lovelies! 💖
It's Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire ballerina, and I'm absolutely buzzing to share today's adventure with you!
You know how I feel about trains, right? There's something magical about the rhythm of the wheels, the swoosh of the scenery, and the feeling of being transported to a new and exciting place. And that's exactly what I did this morning – hopped on a train and headed north, all the way to Cramlington!
Cramlington might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think "ballet" but believe me, this little town is full of surprises! My friend, Chloe, who lives there, has been trying to get me to visit her dance school for ages. It's not exactly a "grand theatre" (those are amazing, but they're always so busy) but it has this wonderful old-fashioned charm about it. Think floorboards that creak just a bit, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels more like home than a performance space. It's exactly my kind of vibe.
So, I set off this morning in my absolute best outfit. A classic pink tutu, of course! The perfect shade of bubblegum, and a little black bodice that shows off my waist. I just love tutus! They make you feel so elegant and graceful. I'm sure that's why they call ballet dancers ballerinas, isn't it? (This little question will have to remain unanswered for now... I have a lot of opinions about names, so that could be a whole blog post in itself.)
Now, the best part about trains is that you get a great view! It was all farmland as I passed through my home county. It's a sight that makes me happy – rolling green hills, hedges, the occasional farmhouse, and fluffy clouds scudding across a blue, blue sky. A good time for daydreams too! I had one about this wonderful wildlife reserve I read about - think exotic birds in their natural habitat. I just love wildlife. Maybe that's why ballet is so captivating – the grace, the fluidity, and the sense of natural movement. It's like watching animals dance. 😊 (Chloe disagrees, but there's something about the movement...)
When I arrived at Cramlington station, Chloe met me with a big smile and a warm embrace. We jumped into her little white car, (it looked just like a sugarplum if you could picture it in car form!) and we drove straight to her dance school, "The Dancing Dreams."
The Dance School itself is tiny but oh, so cute! You have to climb up a steep little flight of stairs to get to it, but I swear, every single step just felt more magical as we got closer. The old floorboards made that glorious creaky sound with each step (and I thought those only existed in old Victorian homes!) The walls were painted in pale blue, with little ballerina figures stuck to them, which were painted gold! The room itself felt warm, just like the little girls who danced in it. They reminded me so much of my younger self! It took me straight back to my ballet classes at home.
We were greeted with an adorable little girl wearing her very own pink tutu. She was about 7, and she had this huge smile on her face. She said, "Welcome, Miss Emma!" and I just melted! It was so sweet. She looked so happy to see Chloe, and she just lit up the room.
As soon as I saw those girls practicing their moves, I felt a familiar twinge! It was pure inspiration. There was such joy and energy, they didn't mind being told to go over and over moves again and again - that dedication! It really brought it all back for me.
Chloe teaches every age and ability - a true passion for all things ballet, and they were clearly delighted with their teacher.
There was this little group of about 10 girls - and boys (it was a mix!) - dancing in a circular shape. I was absolutely mesmerised watching them, they were all wearing bright coloured costumes (think a touch of rainbow with an accent of pink!) and moving so gracefully to the music. It just reminded me of how much I love watching kids move! It’s so fun!
Chloe caught my eye and beckoned me closer. I couldn't resist - my heart always wants to join in and I just love learning new things. So, with a sigh and a smile, I slipped off my sandals (there’s just something so free about being barefoot in a dance studio, isn’t it?), and stepped onto the dance floor.
They were practicing for a big show - which Chloe told me about, "the spring recital" it's called - it sounded so impressive. I’ll definitely have to come and watch it. And of course, I have a feeling that my little pink tutu won’t be missing. 😊 I've already been planning my outfit for the day and everything!
But even better, they invited me to have a go myself. And who am I to say no to some spontaneous ballet?! It's not every day you get to experience the pure joy of dancing with a group of youngsters! We went through the basics, from warming up the feet and ankles to stretches that looked easy but felt oh, so good after travelling.
The next few hours just flew by! We practiced barre work, did some lovely flowing sequences, Chloe told me she always likes to work on pointe work - it's something you rarely get to do with dancers unless they are older - it really reminded me how important this ballet is in helping girls reach for something (that’s always something I found interesting.)
But best of all was just laughing and moving with them. It's incredible how ballet connects us all - from tiny dancers taking their first steps to adults like me, who have been dancing for as long as I can remember! As I say, I find such a comfort in routine, the sense of progression and improvement, the discipline. I know I get it from dancing - so thanks Chloe.
Then there were more ‘real’ classes - (those without me) with girls aged about 11 - a bunch of bubbly chatter and a wonderful burst of energy as Chloe introduced some newer steps (or rather, taught the old steps in new ways). I got a real sense of that connection that ballet gives (and it was just such fun to see all the excitement for this wonderful craft.
I can't believe how quickly the day flew by, but now, I'm back in Derbyshire. I feel like my heart has been left a little bit in Cramlington.
I am seriously inspired by all these "future ballerinas." I'm really determined to do my bit and encourage as many girls and boys as I can to explore the wonderful world of ballet.
It’s a journey and a craft you get to enjoy for life. It's the ultimate self-expression, and it just brings joy to your soul. I’m convinced, a good tutu, (my pink one especially) is just the start to a wonderfully adventurous journey! 💖
You all know that one of my goals is to get everyone to try ballet. What better time than now to put those pink tutus to good use? Think about it! 😊
Don’t forget to check back here for more posts! You can find all the new posts here at www.pink-tutu.com
Until next time… happy twirling, darlings! 💕
