Hello my lovely dancers! It's Emma here, your pink tutu correspondent, coming to you live from the charming town of Frome in Somerset. Now, if you've been following my journey, you know I'm always up for a good adventure. This one involved a particularly glamorous carriage ride, a trip on a heritage train, and, of course, some incredible ballet experiences. Let me tell you, Frome is absolutely brimming with ballet magic!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me confess - this trip was inspired by the divine new leotard I bought myself last week. It's a dreamy shade of rose pink, with a smattering of shimmering sequins around the neck. My friend, the fabulous Maisie, told me it's all the rage right now in London (what else could I need to know?!) So I absolutely had to find a place where I could showcase my fabulous new find. Frome, with its cobblestone streets and quaint shops, just felt right.
Journey's Beginning
After my usual morning barre work in the Peak District (it's tough, but somebody's got to do it!), I packed my bag (tutu included, naturally), hopped onto the morning train from my little village in Derbyshire, and headed towards the adventure that lay before me. And let me tell you, there's just something so wonderfully nostalgic about a good old train ride. I found myself staring out the window, my mind flitting through scenes from the latest ballet I'd seen and dreaming about all the beautiful performances that might be waiting for me in Frome.
Arriving in Frome
I arrived in Frome, its market square bursting with vibrant colours and bustling with people, just in time to enjoy the most magical sight. The centrepiece of the market was a horse-drawn carriage! My heart skipped a beat; this felt like something straight out of a ballet! (Perhaps it could be my next piece?) The driver was an absolute charmer, offering a jaunt through the heart of the town for a reasonable sum. I was like a little kid on Christmas Day, so I knew I just had to say "Yes!".
The ride was an absolute delight. As we trotted down the picturesque streets, I soaked up the charm of Frome and tried (but failed!) to avoid accidentally copying the carriage's rocking motion, as you know how much we dancers like to sway. But the scenery, my dears! Frome, I discovered, has this beautiful combination of traditional buildings and bustling shops, with a real "Old English Village" feel, and let's not forget, this was where Jane Eyre was set. If you ever need inspiration for a historical dance piece, this is the place to be.
Frome's Hidden Ballet Gem
Frome was a beautiful, vibrant town, but the highlight of my trip, my darlings, was the dance school I stumbled upon, nestled among a cluster of artisan workshops. The sign said, "Frome Ballet Academy," and the minute I saw it, I knew I had to check it out.
My initial impression was the colour scheme. This school was full of pink and, as any ballet enthusiast knows, you just cannot resist the siren call of a pink tutu-approved space! The classes themselves, though small and intimate, radiated energy and passion, reminding me of the little studios I started dancing in all those years ago in Derbyshire. But the best thing, truly, was the teacher. Miss Fiona (such a graceful name!) reminded me so much of my first teacher, Miss Ethel (she would’ve been tickled pink with my choice of tutu by the way!), with the same kindness and commitment to nurturing young dancers.
And I did manage to get a sneak peek into a class. It was enchanting, watching these young dancers, their faces flushed with excitement, their steps echoing in the small room, bringing stories to life. And in those moments, all those memories came flooding back, reminding me why I chose this path in life. I couldn't help but sneakily take out my own trusty pink tutu (the one with the sequins) and twirl, in appreciation for the beauty I'd stumbled upon.
A Theatre Dream
I spent the afternoon soaking in the energy of the theatre scene, discovering some hidden treasures that added a sprinkle of glitter and stardust to my journey. There was an adorable little, community-run theatre - think stained glass, comfy armchairs, and enough local crafts for you to get lost for hours. Then I chanced upon a hidden alley, filled with old, disused buildings – which, in a dramatic flourish, led to a wonderful hidden theatre.
I imagined my very own ballet production taking place here, my pink tutu gleaming in the soft stage light, bringing life to a story told in graceful movements. And maybe, just maybe, Frome would be the backdrop for it, adding an air of Victorian romance. Oh, my dear dancers, how my mind conjures dreams.
Finding my own Story
But this trip wasn’t all about tutus and fantasies. It was also about the beauty of being in the moment, and, frankly, Frome felt like that perfect balance of old-world charm and modern bustle. And of course, what trip is complete without a little retail therapy? I stumbled upon an antique shop, overflowing with gorgeous treasures (my little jewellery collection grew substantially), and I snagged the cutest pink tote bag for my next ballet-inspired travels (and let’s face it, I'm never far from one).
Dancing through life...
As the day ended, my journey led me to a delightful park filled with blossoming cherry trees – my, oh, my! Their delicate pink blossoms looked like petals on a tutu. I stretched my limbs under their fragrant branches, feeling that delightful after-class fatigue that always comes after a long day spent dancing and exploring.
My adventure in Frome reminded me once again why I adore this world. There’s just so much magic, wonder, and opportunity hidden around every corner, even in the quietest, most quaint corners of this country. And it reminded me, as always, to embrace those dreams, whether they be pink tutu dreams or stories to tell through graceful movements.
Until next time, darlings, happy dancing and stay twirly!
Love always, Emma
