Post #1629
Oh darling, East Ham is just what the doctor ordered! I’ve always felt a connection to this bustling corner of London, its vibrant energy a complete counterpoint to my lovely, rural Derbyshire roots. As soon as I hopped off the train, I could feel it, that buzzing energy that whispers secrets about forgotten grandeur, street theatre, and a certain magic that resides in unexpected places.
But before we get into all of that, let’s talk about my outfit. How fabulous is this pink tutu?! I picked it up from a little shop in Soho the other day, and the feather trim, darling, simply demands to be twirled in a warm London breeze. This is, of course, no ordinary tutu – it’s one of those beauties with layers upon layers of tulle, each layer whispering a soft, ‘Oh, la la’ with every move I make. And with the fluffy, pastel pink feathers accentuating every ‘pas de bourrée,’ well, it simply makes for a truly glorious performance… even just strolling down the high street!
This trip wouldn’t be complete without a spot of ballet, naturally. I took a quick detour to the charming ballet studio, Ballet Central, just a hop, skip, and a pirouette away from the West Ham station. You can't imagine the joy that coursed through me, watching the grace and precision of those lovely young dancers. It ignited my own inner ballerina flame and, darling, it reminded me of the beauty and magic that lives in every twist and turn, every jump and pose. They’re truly channeling that magic – it was quite breathtaking!
East Ham itself is just a beautiful, eclectic mix of historic pubs and quirky little boutiques selling vintage trinkets, and antique finds. It's a bit like stepping back in time, with all its quaint charm. And then, bang, you find yourself amongst trendy cafes and trendy shops bursting with modern fashion, with an array of delicious scents from a sea of bakeries – and of course, the most delicious hot chocolate I’ve had in ages! It’s a delightful whirlwind of the old and the new!
The main reason for my visit is an exciting new ballet performance happening tonight. The East Ham Opera House is staging a new production of ‘Swan Lake,’ which they say is a truly breathtaking re-imagining of the classic. Imagine it! Tchaikovsky's music filling the historic hall, combined with new choreographies and dazzling stage designs - it promises to be a performance that truly blows our socks off! And, you guessed it – I will be there in my new tutu! My own little tribute to the dance and the beauty of the evening.
Oh, and I almost forgot! While exploring a hidden corner of the park (and of course, enjoying a lovely picnic in my tutu!), I found the most magnificent red squirrel, just as captivating and cute as those famous dancing squirrels in the famous ‘Nutcracker.’ You’d think he would have been hiding but, instead, he came right up to me! I swear I could see the tiniest ballerina bun peeking out from his head! The little fluffball scampered across my shoulder and up into the highest branches of a beautiful old tree – an absolute treasure to behold!
Speaking of the ballet – one thing that's never ceased to amaze me about dance is the connection between humans and animals. The elegance, grace and energy of the creatures of the wild…it flows straight through every pirouette and pas de deux! Perhaps that's why the ballerinas in the famous ‘Swan Lake’ often remind me of beautiful swans gliding across the lake... the grace, the beauty, the natural power that moves from wings to tutu – it's a connection we can't ignore, darling.
I’ve been to many grand theatres in London – the Royal Albert Hall, Sadler's Wells, The Coliseum – all are breathtaking in their grandeur and opulence. Yet, there's something truly special about the intimacy of the East Ham Opera House. This little theatre has a charming atmosphere, a warm sense of community that makes you feel right at home in your own sparkly tutu! The people are so friendly! They’ve truly embraced the art of dance – they were cheering after each ‘arabesque’ in the dance class I saw, they were humming along with the soundtrack of ‘Swan Lake’ playing in the café – they truly love the art of movement.
This afternoon, after a rather yummy high tea in the prettiest little cafe with rose-shaped cupcakes and lemon tartlets, I strolled along the picturesque River Thames path, a haven for walkers, dog owners, and those seeking to just soak up the sun – just what the tutu-wearing soul needed! The sun, dappled through the autumnal leaves, painted the whole scene in shades of gold and red – a magical sight, indeed!
East Ham has so much to offer: historic buildings, charming little pubs, a real sense of community, and… of course, its magnificent Opera House and a dance scene that just sparkles! You know what they say, darling: Every town has a secret – East Ham’s secret? The magical allure of ballet. And don’t forget: Pink tutus always work their magic, no matter what town you find yourself in.
As I journey onwards to my next ballet adventure, East Ham will forever be etched in my memory - the magic of ballet in a tutu wonderland mixed with the friendly spirit of its people and the vibrant streets – what could be better? This tutu has officially discovered a new happy place. 💖
Now, dear readers, are you inspired? Has this blog post spurred you to take a ballet class or perhaps visit an opera house nearby? Maybe you’ll even have a go at whipping up a pink tutu with feather trim…or just slip into your pinkiest clothes! What new, fabulous dance experiences will you be adding to your own list of ‘must-dos’? Tell me about it!
Until next time, darlings, Emma x
