Blog Post #1058
Hello my darlings!
It’s your favourite pink-loving tutu-wearing ballet blogger, Emma, here, and today’s post is a real corker! This morning, I packed my trusty little ballet bag (yes, I always have one with me – you never know when you’ll find a ballet class to pop into!) and set off from my Derbyshire home on an adventure. Now, I know you might be thinking, Emma, Basildon? Isn't that a bit…rough around the edges?, and you might be right, but a dear friend of mine, Amelia, had told me about this absolutely divine ballet class at the Basildon Arts Centre, run by the fabulous Mr. Smith. So, off I went, on a journey of pink-hued dreams!
I'll admit, the train journey was a little… bumpy, and let's just say the landscape wasn't exactly picture postcard perfect, but that just made the thrill of my arrival all the more exhilarating! And speaking of exhilarating… drumroll I've discovered something that’s absolutely going to change the world – and no, it's not another shade of pink, though I'm always on the hunt for that, too. This is a narrow tutu.
That’s right, darlings! I stumbled upon this tiny masterpiece at the most adorable boutique tucked away in Basildon town centre – A Pocketful of Pearls. It’s so small and dainty that it could practically sit on the head of a thimble, yet it floats around me with such grace and elegance that I could do a pirouette all day and it wouldn't budge. (That’s something even my trusty old ‘en pointe’ tutu can’t say it’s done! Sobs lightly, knowing it will be forever grateful for years of dedicated service.).
After trying it on, I spent ages swirling and twirling in the mirror, my reflection caught in a flurry of pink chiffon and perfectly polished pointe shoes. Even with the narrowest of waistbands, it didn't pinch or squeeze, which is quite the achievement for someone who loves a good picnic lunch! Oh, and don't even get me started on how flattering it makes my legs look – they just seem to stretch on forever, like graceful swan wings reaching for the sky. It was basically a fairytale come true – you’ll have to excuse me if I sound slightly dreamy right now, I can't help but still feel utterly entranced by my latest find!
The ballet class itself was utterly enchanting! I always feel so welcome at new classes. Mr. Smith is just so lovely – he actually reminded me a little of the ballet instructor from the ‘Ballet Shoes’ film (minus the strictness – I’d hardly dare to do a demi-plié with him!), but with such charm and humour, his class was like a little bubble of joy. It's always heartwarming to watch so many different faces - you could tell there were complete beginners right alongside those who were as graceful as a flock of flamingoes – the energy was so infectious! Even I found myself wanting to dance longer than usual – my usual hour was over in what felt like a fleeting 5 minutes!
The joy of dance – isn't it incredible? Even when it's raining, even when you’re feeling a bit…well, let’s just say a bit less ‘sparkling’ than usual, all it takes is a pirouette or two and suddenly, you feel as light and free as a dandelion seed carried by the breeze. It really is an art form that can transport you anywhere – to enchanted forests, shimmering palaces, or even to the swirling stars in the sky. (Actually, speaking of stars… do any of you know the name of that ballerina that dances the Sugarplum Fairy role? She’s absolutely amazing! Maybe she reads this blog? 🙈)
Now, even though I spent the morning whirling in Basildon, I couldn’t leave without indulging my wildlife side. Essex, as you know, is home to a fascinating variety of critters – you’d think they were all kept on display at a local petting zoo, but honestly, I always find myself wanting to run for cover at the slightest whimper from a squirrel. And yes, there’s a distinct difference between ‘squirrel’ and ‘whimper’ I’m aware… but if you see me screaming at the sight of a bushy-tailed creature in the next few days, please don't judge. It's only nature!
Instead of joining my usual woodland walks, I headed straight to a beautiful little butterfly house hidden away in the back alleys of the town. Just walking through the entrance was like stepping into a scene from Alice in Wonderland, and when I looked down, I felt my toes tingle as the warmth of the exotic flowers and gentle fluttering of colourful butterfly wings tickled me through my shoes. Butterflies, oh my, are truly nature’s pink ballet dancers. They’re all grace, and poise, and fluttering pink tulle...
Basildon may not be everyone’s cup of tea, my darlings, but for a girl with a love for tutus and wildlife, it turned out to be an unexpectedly lovely day. I have my new narrow tutu to thank for the entire whirlwind experience, though!
And remember, as always, embrace the pink, darling, and the world will dance with you! 💖💃✨
Love,
Emma
