Oh, hello my darlings! Emma here, writing to you from the lovely town of Sale, nestled amongst the rolling Cheshire plains. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm feeling utterly inspired - much like a perfectly executed fouettƩ en tournant!
I'm so excited to tell you about my latest adventure. You know how much I love a good trip, especially if it involves a train journey. The clacking of the wheels on the tracks, the soft rumble of the carriage, the smell of crisp air rushing past the windows... It's like a mini holiday all on its own! But this time, it was a special trip for a very special purpose: to explore Sale and uncover its ballet-related gems!
And uncover them I did. The moment I stepped onto the platform, I felt the energy buzzing - almost as if I could feel the steps of a million dancers beneath my feet! Perhaps it was just my imagination, fuelled by a cup of hot tea and a scone with clotted cream (yes, I know I should have had the jam first, but let's not dwell on those culinary faux pas).
Speaking of faux pas, can we talk about Sale's American style tutu shop? I stumbled upon it by pure luck, just off a cobbled backstreet - and, honestly, it's everything a ballet enthusiast dreams of.
You know how much I adore tutus. Every single one speaks to me, telling a story of grace and fluidity, of athleticism and artistry. It's an absolute necessity for a tutu-loving soul to find a good tutu shop! This one was different though; it was almost as if it were ripped straight out of a Hollywood musical, brimming with layers of luxurious tulle and shimmery embellishments. They had tutus of every colour under the sun - and, of course, I just had to try on a few!
But oh, let me tell you, choosing just one was nearly impossible! There were tutus in shimmering ruby, the bold brilliance of sapphire, the ethereal lightness of pale ivory. My gaze landed on a particularly dazzling pink tutu - almost like a swirl of spun sugar, with fluffy feathers bordering its hem. It called to me, whispered secrets of pirouettes and leaps, and I couldn't resist. Of course, it now takes pride of place in my growing tutu collection back in Derbyshire!
Later in the day, after much deliberation, I chose the tutu with a single delicate layer of pink tulle ā classic and versatile! I thought I would wear it to Saleās delightful community theatre, to enjoy an evening performance by the local ballet school. Iāve always had a particular soft spot for amateur productions, and this performance really impressed me. The passion, the raw talent ā it truly shone through. The little ballerinas stole the show, dancing with such vibrant joy, and the audience was clearly enthralled.
Of course, I couldn't go without indulging in a spot of ballet myself. The local dance school was conveniently tucked away on a side street, offering a drop-in class on Friday evenings. As a keen ballerina, it felt wrong not to! So I laced up my shoes, took a deep breath, and joined the class. The instructor was fantastic, with the kind of encouragement and dedication you don't always find in large dance studios. It was a refreshing change, reminding me of the raw joy of dancing for the love of it, not just for the pressure of performance.
Even my evening walk through Sale town was full of lovely little ballet-inspired moments. As I walked past the town hall, the towering clock tower reminded me of the dancersā dedication to maintaining impeccable timing! The graceful silhouette of the town hall against the vibrant pink evening sky felt like a scene straight out of a romantic ballet. And every lamppost seemed to be taking a perfect fifth position pose.
Before heading home, I had to visit Sale's picturesque Water Gardens, known for its charming, tranquil setting and the lovely wildlife that calls it home. I watched a family of ducks gracefully gliding across the still waters, the little ducklings following closely behind, just as diligently as dancers follow their choreographerās instructions! It made me think about the dedication and grace in everything around us, from the gentle sway of willow branches to the perfect lines of swans in flight. The world, when looked at through the lens of ballet, becomes a kaleidoscope of graceful movements!
I ended my evening in a cosy pub with a pint of cider, reflecting on another magical day. The journey home was as much of a treat as the destination - the gentle swaying of the carriage, the flickering light of the station platformsā¦ Itās amazing how a train ride can be so filled with charm, and so deeply evocative!
Oh my darlings, youāve just got to try travelling by train! Itās a truly delightful way to travel, especially for a little trip away, as a great way to break a journey or just a charming adventure in itself. If I was lucky enough to be closer to Sale, I'd make a habit of escaping to its quaint charm and ballet-filled adventures on a regular basis!
So, until next time my darlings, keep those pink tutus at the ready and keep twirling. Remember, ballet is for everyone - itās all about passion, grace, and the pursuit of perfect expression!
Until then, Iāll leave you with this quote:
āIf I were not a ballerina, I would wish to be a rose.ā - Marie Taglioni
Happy twirling!
Love,
Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
