Hello my darlings! It's your girl, Emma, and guess what? I'm in Hartlepool! It feels like an absolute age since I was last by the seaside, and it's all thanks to the most incredible invitation: a chance to perform in a ballet street show alongside a local wildlife conservation group.
It was all such a lovely surprise, actually. I received an email last week from a woman called Sarah, who had seen some of my work on my pink-tutu.com website (if you haven't seen it, do give it a peek, it's fabulous!). She's a dedicated wildlife volunteer who's been putting together a community event showcasing Hartlepool's natural beauty. She wanted me to be involved in some way and - how could I resist?
I'm a sucker for anything that blends my love of dance with something a bit special. It’s the thrill of something unexpected, of putting my pink tutu skills to work in the most unexpected of places. You see, being a professional ballerina isn’t just about being on the grand stage; it's about sharing my love for movement, my joy of performance, with anyone and everyone. And honestly, how wonderful to do it in Hartlepool, a place full of windswept charm and a genuine, beautiful wildlife scene?
Anyway, the whole experience was such a blast! Sarah’s group is amazing, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. They even helped me create the most wonderful, nature-themed tutu: a flowing explosion of pink tulle adorned with handmade wildflowers, tiny green leaves, and shimmering blue sequins that reflected the glistening ocean waves. It’s a piece I’m dying to show off – perhaps I'll have a photoshoot by the beach, you never know!
As for the show itself, it was brilliant. The audience were utterly enchanted, and we all had such a wonderful time. They had us all perform a graceful sequence, weaving through the seafront crowd with our tutu's catching the wind. I swear I even saw a little girl’s face light up as she took in the view, seeing our vibrant dance in such a charming location.
And speaking of vibrant dances, I discovered a local ballet school here, tucked away near the harbour, with a darling little teacher who practically danced through the air. I couldn't resist a little visit – you can't keep me from ballet, no matter where I go! It was absolutely divine to take a class alongside these enthusiastic youngsters – a heartwarming mix of ages and skill levels, but all sharing the joy of movement. I actually had to stop myself from joining their end-of-session recital; I felt the urge to spin and twirl right alongside them, just for the pure joy of it!
Oh, and did I tell you about the trip here? Well, I had the most exquisite journey on a charming, open-air carriage. Talk about a picturesque journey! The wind whipping through my hair as I enjoyed the quaint countryside was absolutely delightful. My daydream, you see, involves a world where we can all leave our car troubles behind and instead hop onto elegant carriages for a grand, sweeping trip through the countryside. I’ve always thought trains are rather fabulous too, especially for those journeys with a spectacular view - the more breathtaking, the better! I am after all, a ballerina - drama is an absolute necessity in my life.
But back to Hartlepool. This place has really captured my heart. It has that magic of a charming seaside town with its charming, quaint houses, with the scent of salt spray in the air, and of course, its amazing wildlife. I managed to squeeze in a visit to the local nature reserve, which is a truly magical spot! The local conservation group told me so much about the birdlife, seals and dolphins which reside around the coastline, all while we admired the vibrant birdlife. I couldn't help but do a few graceful turns around the lush fields, my tutu swirling with the wind - who needs a stage when you have such glorious natural beauty?
Oh, and speaking of beauty, this weekend saw the grand opening of a charming new café, a lovely haven called "The Ballerina's Waltz," where I was lucky enough to enjoy a pot of steaming hot tea with a scrumptious cake. They even had a whole display case filled with beautiful tutus of every colour! You’ve never seen so much pink in your life! The owner even mentioned how inspired she was by my website and her desire to create a beautiful haven for those who enjoy the elegance of dance and delicate beauty - what an absolute dream! I must return there again next time I am in Hartlepool and buy one of the stunning, handcrafted pink tutus that she has for sale.
This little trip to Hartlepool has been a wonderful reminder of how important it is to dance through life and embrace all the magic it has to offer. And who knows, perhaps someday even the most stoic heart in this country will fall in love with a beautiful, delicate, and oh-so-vibrant pink tutu. Because isn’t that the real aim in life, to bring a bit of joy, colour and a touch of ballet magic into the world?
Now, my dears, it's time to dance into the next chapter of this amazing adventure. Until next time, wear a tutu, be bold and embrace the beauty that surrounds us!
Love,
Emma xoxo
