Post #2493
Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, reporting live from Dunstable, a charming little town just a hop, skip, and a train ride away from Derbyshire. My heart is overflowing with excitement as I'm about to embark on a tutu-filled adventure, but before I tell you all about it, I've got to gush about the journey!
Train travel is truly my happy place. There's something so romantic about the gentle rocking, the passing scenery, and the quiet rustling of pages as fellow passengers lose themselves in their own little worlds. Of course, I was rocking my favourite pink tutu for the occasion, which always seems to draw a few curious glances. Just the other day, a little girl in the station was staring at me with wide eyes. When I smiled and twirled, she let out a giggle and her Mum said, "See! It's okay to wear what makes you happy!" I just beamed! That's the spirit, darling!
Anyway, enough about train journeys (although I could talk about them for hours!) and onto the main event - Dunstable's enchanting ballet scene!
Yes, you read that right. This tiny town holds a special place in the world of ballet, thanks to its own unique, vibrant ballet school. The atmosphere was simply buzzing with excitement as I entered, and I was greeted by a sea of smiling faces - all adorned in pink, of course! (This school clearly knows their colours!). They even have a whole selection of pink tutus for rent - talk about heaven!
I couldn't resist a little peek into one of the classes. The air was filled with music, a symphony of pirouettes, and graceful leaps. It warmed my heart to see such passion for dance. And speaking of warmth, I had to buy a hot chocolate after my little ballet immersion. Dunstable's got this lovely cafe that serves the most divine chocolate with the cutest heart-shaped marshmallows.
Now, here's the reason I made the journey to Dunstable in the first place. I got wind of an absolutely fabulous ballet show showcasing local talent - and a rather peculiar theme: Italian Ballet! Now, who knew that Italian ballet existed? Apparently, it's all about bold, flamboyant movement, and the use of some fascinating Italian instruments. I couldn't wait to experience it!
The theatre was charming and quaint, much like the town itself. As the lights dimmed, I found myself drawn into the world of the stage. The performers, with their graceful movements and expressive faces, told a story without words. The music was captivating, with the sounds of a mandolin, a dulcimer, and even a melodica - an unexpected, but delightful instrument that I must get my hands on!
But the true highlight of the show was the choreography. The dancers embodied the spirit of Italy, their movements brimming with passion, playfulness, and a touch of saucy elegance. It was as if I was transported to a sun-drenched piazza, watching a passionate tango! And, let me tell you, a few moves from the performance have definitely found their way into my own practice.
But before I tell you more about that, I must pause to rave about the delicious Italian dinner I enjoyed after the show! It was at this cozy little trattoria with checkered tablecloths and a family of sparrows chirping happily outside the window. I had the most divine pasta, bursting with flavour, and finished the evening with a dreamy panna cotta. I may or may not have had a little tiramisu...
The next morning, I spent a couple of hours at a local park. Dunstable is a green haven, with pretty floral beds and charming duck ponds. It was here that I had a wonderful encounter with a majestic grey squirrel. I'm not going to lie, it was rather smitten with my pink tutu! We had a lovely conversation about the joys of nut-gathering and the challenges of city living. (Just kidding - it was mostly me chattering on.) But the little fellow seemed to enjoy my company!
I know I might sound crazy, but my life is all about embracing the unexpected and celebrating everything that makes us happy. And sometimes, that happiness comes in the form of a pink tutu, a trip on the train, or an encounter with a curious squirrel!
I've got to jet off now and start my own ballet practice. The show in Dunstable definitely got me feeling inspired! But before I go, let me leave you with a little bit of ballet wisdom that I picked up in this lovely town: “Dancing is a beautiful expression of the soul, so don’t be afraid to embrace the music and let your body move. Life is too short to be serious all the time, darling! So grab your tutu and go out there and dance!"
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com daily for your dose of pink tutu adventures!
Until next time, ballet bunnies!
Love, Emma xx
