Barnet Bound: Ballet and Bonnets in a Tutu, #1695
Posted on: 22nd February 2001
Darling readers! Today, my love for the tutu and my passion for ballet take me on an adventure to the vibrant town of Barnet, a charming spot just north of London. Buckle up, because I've got a whole lot of twirls, tulle, and tales to tell!
As a Derbyshire lass, travelling by train is like second nature. Stepping onto the carriage, my crisp white tutu perfectly framing my pale pink silk dress, I feel the eyes of my fellow passengers. A quiet smile blooms on my lips, I love it when people watch me, I feel like a fairytale character in motion. My journey is as much about the visual storytelling as it is about the destination.
And what a destination! Barnet holds a special place in my heart – it’s the town where I saw my first ballet performance, "Swan Lake," at the charming and historic Artsdepot theatre. The memory of those graceful swans, the soaring music, the sheer wonder of the stage, remains so vivid, it's truly etched onto my soul. It was the moment I fell head over heels for ballet – not just the graceful movements, the elegant costumes, but the sheer magic it evokes.
But my trip isn’t solely about reminiscing; I'm here to revel in a world of twirls! This time I'm visiting the world-famous The Place Dance Centre, a renowned centre for contemporary and classical dance. It’s buzzing with energy and creativity – a dream for a tutu-loving ballerina like myself! The studio’s airy space, filled with sunlight, vibrates with a contagious enthusiasm. I join a ballet class, every movement feeling oh-so-delicious. A symphony of graceful turns, elegant pliés, and dynamic leaps; the pure joy of movement is intoxicating. My own passion for ballet explodes within the confines of the dance studio, it’s like finding home again. The feeling is as if all of life has been leading up to this moment.
Lunch at Barnet's bustling market is a delightful affair. Imagine: creamy goat cheese and roasted peppers on artisan bread, washed down with a sweet and tart raspberry lemonade, the pink lemonade colour harmonising perfectly with my outfit. Such delightful and unexpected finds! I can’t help but pick up a beautifully woven straw hat to complement my already flamboyant look, I feel a little bit like a French country ballerina, what’s not to love?
The afternoon finds me at Barnet's beautiful All Saints' Church, with its intricate stained glass windows that shimmer with soft, multicoloured light. The peace of this place feels profound, almost a reflection of the peaceful calm I feel when dancing. The juxtaposition of my fluffy tutu, its elegance stark against the imposing structure of the church, is captivating – I look a little like an ethereal butterfly fluttering in the wind. And what does every beautiful, confident woman need in life, dear reader? The confidence to rock a pink tutu at an historical landmark, that’s what!
As I sit in the train back to Derbyshire, a sense of serenity washes over me. The sights of the city – the bustling markets, the majestic church, the energy of the dance studio, all have danced within my heart today. The feeling of joy that blooms within my heart with each twirl is profound.
As I’ve been sharing in previous posts, my aim is to inspire the world to embrace pink tutus and the sheer joy of ballet. This trip, dear reader, only reinforces this aim. From the streets of Barnet to the grand halls of The Place Dance Centre, I’ve embraced the sheer joy of dancing and reconnected with the child within me who fell head over heels for twirls, pirouettes, and the beauty of graceful movement.
So, go forth and dance, darlings! Don a pink tutu if you dare, and embrace the magic of ballet, whatever your age or background. After all, a ballerina isn't just a dancer; she’s a story teller, a creator of dreams, a living symbol of beauty, grace, and resilience. And she knows, deep within her soul, that she is free to move, twirl, and express herself however she desires.
See you all tomorrow for more ballet-related musings and delightful adventures! Until then, twirl, sparkle and always keep the dream of ballet alive in your hearts.
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
