Hello my lovely readers,
It's Emma here, reporting live from Boston, a city I've dreamt of visiting since I was a little girl! This incredible journey was actually fuelled by my absolute adoration for ballet, of course. This week Boston is hosting the annual American Ballet Theatre's summer season, a renowned showcase of classic and modern pieces performed by some of the best dancers in the world. And you just know, I had to be there, right?
A Pink Tutu's Train Ride
My trusty pink suitcase, bursting with fluffy tutus, is always a necessity when travelling! And I canāt tell you how thrilled I was to finally travel by train. Iāve been hankering after a scenic train journey for years! My little Derby heart truly blossomed as I journeyed across the countryside. Oh, the lush green fields and quaint villages flitting by were simply delightful.
Speaking of delight, I couldnāt resist a spot of wildlife spotting during our breaks at the station. There was a cheeky squirrel who seemed utterly fascinated with my sparkly ballet bag! Honestly, who can resist that adorable bushy tail? It truly felt like we were bonding over our love for dancingā¦well, he was attempting to get into the rhythm, at least.
Ballet Dreams and Tutus
Arriving in Boston, itās like stepping into a world straight out of a fairytale! Brick buildings with cobbled streets lined with little shops are perfect for exploring. Thereās a delightful buzz about the city, but the atmosphere still manages to feel calm and peaceful. Perfect for a day of ballet hopping!
I even managed to fit in a morning class at the Boston Ballet, just to get my body prepped and feeling perfectly āen pointeā for the upcoming performances!
My dear diary, let me tell you, the energy inside that studio was electric! The class itself felt like a kaleidoscope of effortless grace, where movement flowed seamlessly from one position to the next. The instructor had the most magical way of guiding everyone's bodies, creating a beautiful synergy.
For the afternoon, I couldnāt wait to unleash my inner prima ballerina, and slipped on my most luxurious pink tutu ā I chose one with a delicate layer of tulle, and a smattering of sparkling beads. Because even a simple afternoon walk around Boston's charming harbour area needs a touch of ballet magic!
Oh, the Boston harbour was simply beautiful! As I strolled along the promenade, I spotted so many different kinds of seabirds swooping down gracefully from the sky, and watched boats bobbing gently on the waves. The sun shimmered off the water creating a breathtaking display, just like the shimmering sequins on my ballet shoes!
American Ballet Theatre Magic
The theatre was just magical! It's grand and old, but in the most beautiful way imaginable, and the acoustics are sublime. When the curtain rose for the first performance, it was like the entire world had vanished, and only the stage remained, vibrating with passion, energy, and a timeless elegance. It felt like the most wonderful dream come true!
Every detail was simply captivating. From the intricate costume designs, to the perfect lighting, the orchestra's rich music filled the air and the graceful dancers effortlessly soared across the stage with such a deep connection to the music and each other. Every twist, turn, and jump felt completely effortless and the performance truly inspired me!
I caught three different performances this week, each one was so different! One day I was immersed in a breathtakingly modern piece exploring themes of freedom and connection, and then the next I found myself completely transported to a traditional story ballet ā so vibrant and full of romance.
One of my favourite parts of being at the theatre was the chance to see the dancers āen pointeā before they began their performance. To me, the anticipation builds a wonderful sense of excitement! I love catching that pre-show energy and admiring the effortless beauty of the dancers' āpointe shoes,ā especially those dazzling white and cream ones with that delicate little āswishā when they turn. They really make me feel like a ballerina too!
My Tutu Take-away
The main takeaway from my Boston trip? Ballet is a true universal language. No matter where you are in the world, you'll always feel that spark of magic and a sense of community when you see ballets performed.
This city, with its amazing spirit, the stunning ballet and the heartwarming scenery truly cemented the reason I love to travel - it's about experiencing something new and embracing all the wonder the world has to offer. Itās also a great way to inspire others to wear a pink tutu and take their own little dance journeys. And as I often say ā when life gives you lemonsā¦add some pink tulle!
So hereās to everyone getting their own ballet fix this week and exploring all the wonder of the world! And please, tell me, have you ever worn a pink tutu in a city? Let me know all about it on my Instagram or on the blog.
Keep on dancing and stay pink!
Love,
Emma x
