Oh my darlings,
I'm so excited to be back in Leith! It's such a charming little town, and I absolutely love the vibrant art scene here. This morning, I had the most wonderful time exploring the cobbled streets, soaking up the atmosphere, and admiring the colorful buildings. The air smelled faintly of salt and fresh baking, a delightful blend that instantly transported me to a cosy cafe nestled by the harbour.
Today was all about embracing the beautiful chaos of creativity. My first stop was a visit to the Leith Theatre. The grand facade took my breath away! You can just imagine the history these walls have seen! I could practically hear the whispers of legendary dancers from decades ago, their ethereal grace still lingering in the air. The smell of beeswax and old wood had me swooning. My new, sunshine yellow tutu was definitely making a statement.
And speaking of tutus... you know I couldn't come to Scotland without a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. Their incredible collection of antique textiles has got to be the most beautiful I've ever seen. It was like stepping into a fairytale! Imagine all those shimmering silks and brocades! I dreamt of recreating some of those historical costumes for a special ballet performance. The possibilities were endless!
Of course, no trip to Leith is complete without indulging in a spot of tea. A lovely little cafe nestled just around the corner from the theatre became my temporary haven. The delicious scent of Earl Grey filled the air and it felt like stepping back in time, just as my beloved Great Grandmother would have enjoyed it! A symphony of china cups, dainty sandwiches, and cakes made the world feel perfectly still.
I was so tempted to grab a bag of shortbread to bring back to Derbyshire for my little brother, but the afternoon was calling to me. The train journey back from Edinburgh was utterly romantic! Looking out of the window at the rolling hills, the sun setting, painting the landscape with hues of pink and orange... truly a moment that inspired my creative soul.
I love these moments. These small bursts of inspiration that take me back to the origins of ballet. Remember, darlings, it wasn't all grandeur and sparkling costumes. The history of dance is intertwined with everyday life. Our earliest ancestors would have celebrated harvests with improvised dance rituals. The essence of movement, the story we express, that's what truly matters. The tutu, my dear lovelies, it’s just the icing on the cake!
Before I drift off into the wonderful land of dreams filled with tutus and swirling melodies, I want to encourage you to join me on my journey! Whether you're in Derbyshire or Leith or somewhere entirely different, I challenge you to embrace your inner ballerina. Put on your favourite outfit, maybe a playful polka-dotted dress, or something equally fetching, and dance in your kitchen, on your lawn, or down the street! Feel the rhythm coursing through your veins and let the joy of movement carry you away.
Remember, my darlings, life is a performance. So put on your own spectacular show!
With all my love,
Emma
