Oh my darling readers! You'll never believe where my sparkly ballet shoes have taken me today - Coalville! It's a town in Leicestershire, not far from my Derbyshire roots, but trust me, this little corner of England was positively bursting with the magic of ballet.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Coalville? Isn't that a bit, well, coal-y? Isn't it more for miners than ballerinas?"
Well, darling, let me tell you - you couldn't be more wrong! Coalville has definitely got a touch of coal dust, but that just adds a bit of grit and charm to this delightful place. Plus, a few hours spent watching ballet makes everything feel a little bit magical, even a pit town.
Today, I went all out for a delightful dance experience! I had been invited to be a guest artist for the Coalville Community Dance Festival. Of course, I couldn't possibly say no to a day full of dancing and a stage overflowing with excited faces, so I grabbed my best delux tutu, the one with all the sequins and layers of tulle, and hopped onto the train.
Train Travels
I simply adore train travel, especially when you're off to a special event. The chug-chug of the engine and the rhythm of the wheels are a fantastic prelude to any performance. Plus, there's something so wonderfully British about the whole experience, especially with a nice pot of tea in your hands and a little packet of biscuits. It's a little piece of calm before the whirlwind of excitement that's always awaiting me.
The station was buzzing with excitement as I stepped onto the platform. There was an almost tangible energy crackling through the air – that excited hum you get right before a show, or maybe a really fun birthday party. The anticipation for what the day would bring was thick enough to cut with a knife, and it made me feel like I was back at school waiting to go on the annual summer trip. I even had butterflies fluttering around in my tummy – which of course, is not quite as delightful as when I'm actually dancing!
Coalville Community Centre
Once I arrived, I was welcomed by the sweetest people - the Coalville Community Dance Centre crew. These guys are truly dedicated to bringing the magic of ballet to their town. The centre itself was lovely – a light-filled space that was humming with the energy of the students. It felt just like a ballet studio, with barres lining the walls, a beautifully polished dance floor, and an infectious atmosphere that just begs you to move your body.
The dance festival was set up to showcase all the hard work of their student dancers, from tiny little twinkle toes taking their first steps, right through to young performers who were truly taking to the stage and displaying their skills. It was a joy to watch the range of talent on display – from classic ballet pieces to jazz routines and even some sassy contemporary moves.
I was given the opportunity to share a bit of my knowledge and passion for the art form. I spoke to the younger dancers, encouraged them to dream big, and showed them some simple steps, including my signature twirl that everyone loves to try. Then, for a special treat, I presented my own solo dance, a playful little piece set to "Can't Help Falling In Love" - perfect for a romantic evening performance.
After my solo, it was back to watching these talented young dancers! Some of them were truly extraordinary, performing with a poise and grace that blew my mind! The joy in their faces, the fire in their eyes - these are the moments that remind me why I'm so passionate about bringing dance to everyone.
More Than Just Dance
But the day was much more than just dancing. During the festival, there was a whole selection of crafts and activities to entertain everyone, including face painting (always a classic!), some fantastic crafts using colourful beads and ribbons, and even a fun "make-your-own-tutu" stall where we got to indulge in our inner tutu enthusiasts.
And what’s a ballet celebration without treats? There was a delightful bake sale offering everything from cupcakes to cookies to lemon drizzle cake (my favourite!) and everyone enjoyed tea, coffee, and even the option of a delicious afternoon cream tea.
It's all about the community, you see, and the spirit of collaboration! You could see it in the way the families and friends gathered, cheering each other on, and even in the shared enjoyment of the yummy cakes and sweets! It was wonderful to feel part of this little community, even if just for a day.
A Touch of Pink (And Coal Dust!)
Of course, I made sure I added a bit of "Pink-Tutu" flair to the festivities. It wouldn’t be me without it!
I even saw a few people with little pink touches on their outfits, like hair ribbons or wrist cuffs - It was amazing to see!
You see, that’s what it's all about – encouraging everyone to embrace a little bit of ballet, a little bit of pink, and a little bit of sparkle in their lives.
As I boarded the train home, with a heart full of happiness and a touch of Coalville dust on my tutu, I realised that ballet isn't just a fancy form of dance, it’s a passion, an expression of individuality, and above all, a force that brings people together.
Call to Action!
I have a mission for you all. I want you to find your own “Coalville,” wherever you are, whether it's a local ballet class, a park, or even your living room. Put on your best tutu, embrace the pink, and most importantly - have some fun!
That's the true magic of ballet – it’s something that truly transforms lives, one twirl at a time.
And remember, if you’re looking for your own tutu adventure, my darling readers, just hop over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com. We’ve got tutus for everyone - for ballet, for playtime, for simply being you!
Until tomorrow!
Emma xo
