Post #1318: 11th February 2000
Good morning darlings! Emma here, back with you from a whirlwind trip to Ilford! Yes, you heard me right - a quick flit to the East End! This Derbyshire lass has always been a bit of a travelling ballet butterfly, fluttering wherever the music takes me. This week, it led me to a delightful day filled with pink and pirouettes, so naturally, my dear pink tutu had to come along for the ride!
Now, I know what you’re thinking - Ilford? What could possibly be so tutu-tastic about that? Well, allow me to unveil my latest ballet discovery: a little gem called the Ilford Ballet School. Oh my goodness, my fellow dance enthusiasts, it's like stepping back in time! This charming school, tucked away in a quaint street, boasts an atmosphere of old-world elegance and genuine passion for dance.
I arrived by train, naturally, feeling like I’d stepped into a classic ballet movie, complete with those chic window views of English countryside (I might even have been humming the "Swan Lake" theme song). As soon as I arrived, a warm, floral scent filled my nostrils – they clearly believe in a good strong jasmine pot! Then, as I approached the school's double doors, my eyes widened at the sight of a beautiful little wooden sign, beautifully painted in the most stunning shade of pink, with "Ilford Ballet School" inscribed in flowing script. How utterly delightful, you see? You just know, with an entrance like that, you’re in for a treat!
I'd heard whispers of the legendary Ilford Ballet School. Rumour had it they have a beautiful ballroom-style studio that's perfect for waltzing and swirling in your prettiest tutu. So, I was excited to see it for myself and I can say without a doubt - it lives up to its reputation. It's a masterpiece!
Imagine, my darlings, this magnificent hall, with walls painted in the softest shades of blush pink and high, ornate windows that cast rainbows of sunlight across the dance floor. And the smell of that polish! You could practically taste it in the air. They use a lemon polish, which, by the way, is a little bit of a ballet dancer’s secret weapon - makes your slippers glide across the floor like a dream. They're truly committed to the tradition here - it felt as though I’d travelled back in time to the golden era of ballet!
There was just something truly special about that place, you know? The history seeped out of every inch of the room. They've got a collection of costumes that's truly impressive. Imagine tutus from the turn of the century! It’s all beautifully stored away, just waiting for another ballerina to come and breathe life into them. I might just have a little trip back soon for a wardrobe raid!
And don’t even get me started on the instructors! These amazing, experienced professionals clearly understand the magical world of dance. They had that twinkle in their eyes, like they could waltz a story straight out of their imaginations. It’s clear they take their teaching very seriously. Each class had a unique, personal approach that focused not just on technique, but also on cultivating artistry and graceful expression - you can't get a better balance than that!
During my visit, I had the pleasure of watching a demonstration of classical ballet, and it was nothing short of extraordinary! They gave us a taste of their upcoming recital – "Swan Lake" with an absolutely breathtaking ballerina as Odette and a brooding, emotive Odile! It was absolutely mesmerising! Watching the performers flow so effortlessly, the delicate extensions and those breathtaking leaps - I was utterly spellbound. It just goes to show - real ballet can transport you to another world entirely.
The sheer joy that emanated from everyone involved at Ilford Ballet School, from the dedicated instructors to the graceful students, is infectious. Everyone embraced the spirit of dance, and you just felt that this place holds something truly special. They even have their own troupe, and I had a chance to witness them rehearse, a magical blend of energy and discipline! I dare you not to get caught up in the spirit of it all! I know, I've fallen completely in love with this school. It's on my "must visit" list now!
So, what else can I tell you about my Ilford adventure? It’s like I said – it was the perfect day! It was a day filled with colour and sparkle. Now, you all know I adore tutus and pink. What's more satisfying than wearing a vibrant pink tutu while immersing yourself in the ballet world? So, to complete the perfect tutu-licious adventure, I simply couldn't leave Ilford without stopping at the most enchanting little tea shop on the corner of the main street. The walls were plastered with vintage ballet posters and framed photographs. It had this whole fairytale feel to it, a mix of ballet history and that perfect old-fashioned afternoon tea atmosphere, and you can't get more pink and perfect than that! My tutu got all the admiring glances from fellow patrons! So darling, how do I make you more than just a little bit envious of my pink, twirling, ballerina day out?
This whole day was the ultimate "tutu good" moment! It was a journey into the heart of classic ballet. I even caught the eye of one of the local horse-drawn carriage owners – just as well, my dear darling, that pink is the ultimate colour of charm, so we naturally exchanged a little bow. And with my lovely afternoon tea finished, I felt full of that sweet, sugar-plum joy! So, naturally, I finished off the evening watching a ballet film, nestled in a comfy armchair with a good book – it was all just divine, darling! But enough of me, what’s your favourite pink tutu colour for an exciting ballet journey?
You all know my motto is "tutu or not tutu, that is the question" but, my lovelies, why not choose both? Join me, join the movement! Everyone loves pink! And anyone can dance – the world is your stage, dear hearts! Don't just be an observer, step on stage with your own perfect pink tutu and give ballet a try – it might just be the magical, joyful adventure that you’ve been searching for.
Til next time, lovelies! Remember to dance to your heart's content, always strive for pink perfection, and always dream big!
Yours ever after,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
