Oh darling, what a day! I'm writing to you from the utterly charming town of Earley, nestled in Berkshire, just a quick train ride from my beloved Derbyshire. This quaint little place, full of quirky shops and cafes, just calls out for a little twirling in a feather tutu - and you know I can't resist a good opportunity for a pirouette! 😉
You see, dear readers, this trip wasn't about just taking in the sights, it was a pilgrimage to a true ballet haven. Earley boasts an amazing little dance studio tucked away on a cobbled side street. I found it by pure chance, lured by the tantalizing melodies spilling out of the open windows. I knew, the moment I saw that beautifully faded 'Ballet Bliss' sign, that I was meant to step inside.
And let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. Inside was a haven of grace and joy - floor to ceiling mirrors, warm, natural light, and the most wonderful smells of polished wooden floors and a hint of floral scent that always seems to accompany the dedication of a ballet dancer. It was absolutely captivating. The first thing I did, after signing up for a beginners class (because who can say no to a little ballet adventure!), was ask for a pink tutu! You can imagine my excitement when I realised they actually sold them - and even better, they had the most fabulous feathery option!
Imagine it: me, Emma, the proud owner of a brand-new pink tutu, all feather boa and whimsical delight, gliding across the studio floor in a world of my own! The feel of the feather tulle brushing against my legs was truly magical - it's a whole different kind of magic from the crisp, strong silk of my professional performance tutus.
My little foray into ballet class with the other ladies in Earley was so refreshing! These weren't seasoned pros like I am, but they all came to ballet with such dedication and a pure joy for movement that I almost cried, it was so beautiful! I may have taught them a little turn or two, and showed off a few simple, but impressive steps - because a girl can't resist spreading the ballet love, can she? It was the most beautiful ballet bonding moment I've had in a long time!
Afterwards, we all celebrated at the local tearoom, a truly adorable spot serving dainty cakes and creamy hot chocolate with little marshmallow swans (naturally). I even saw a woman knitting a beautiful pair of ballerina shoes with little bows - she gave me a beaming smile and said "Keep twirling!" – how wonderfully British is that!
As I sipped my hot chocolate, I thought back to all the extraordinary people and places that have crossed my path during my dance journey. It's incredible to think how a shared passion for dance, and a sprinkle of pink, can bring so much joy and connection into your life. And wouldn't you agree, dear readers, that life is truly magical when you’re wearing a tutu, especially if it’s pink and feathery?
But my trip to Earley didn't end there! It would be a crime to miss out on the beauty of the local wildlife - Earley is famed for its wild horses that roam the open fields, and seeing them graze in the golden afternoon light was something special. I watched them from a safe distance, of course, in awe of their power and elegance, wondering if they ever dreamed of a graceful twirl or a graceful leap... Maybe we should start a little ballet programme for the Earley horses, wouldn't that be utterly divine?!
But the highlight of my Earley adventure? The unexpected encounter at the local horse riding stables, the very kind lady who led me out to the stables and handed me the reins to the most majestic horse you ever did see - with the most delicate pink hoof paint I've ever witnessed (naturally)! This kind lady, who introduced herself as Ethel, explained to me that her great aunt had been a ballerina and that pink hoof paint was tradition. It truly felt like destiny had brought us together, you know?
Can you even imagine: Emma, twirling away in her pink feathery tutu, mounted on the most elegant pink-hoof painted horse, enjoying the thrill of a graceful ride through the fields? I might just have been the only one to truly experience the perfect ballet fusion - a touch of classical grace and the wild beauty of nature. I almost wished I had brought my ballerina flats to try a few pas de deux with the lovely horse – how chic would that have been?
My dear readers, I know this blog may sound a little whimsical, a little out there. But isn’t that what life is all about – the joyful embrace of a little magic, a touch of fantasy, and of course, a whole lot of pink! And let’s face it, with a pink feather tutu on, it’s impossible to take yourself too seriously! So what are you waiting for? Pick out the pinkest tutu you can find, twirl on, and let's make the world a little brighter together!
Oh, and if you’re ever in Earley, I recommend taking a walk down the cobbled street where Ballet Bliss hides and having a pink hot chocolate at the tea room! I'm just saying… 😊
Until next time, dear readers, keep your tutus twirling! 💖
P.S. Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more updates and ballet adventures!
