Post #2542 - www.pink-tutu.com
Oh darling, you wouldn't believe the adventures this little pink tutu-wearing ballerina has been up to! This time, I swapped my Derbyshire hills for the picturesque coastal town of Chichester. Picture this: sun-drenched streets, quaint cafes buzzing with the aroma of fresh pastries, and a sky that was the bluest of blues - oh, I do love England when she's showing off her good side!
This trip wasn't just about the charming cobbled streets (although I did fall in love with the quaint boutique shops!). My true mission was a ballet pilgrimage! Yes, I travelled down in my trusty old Volvo (don't judge - she's got character!), loaded down with pink tutus, hairspray, and enough leg warmers for a whole dance studio. My goal? To see the beautiful, vibrant and ever-so-slightly intimidating Royal Ballet Theatre. Now, I don't just admire the theatre from the comfort of my living room sofa, oh no, I actually took a ballet class at their academy! Fancy that, a proper class.
Don't be fooled by my "ballerina with a twinkle in her eye" persona - I am definitely not a prima donna. Well, perhaps just a very slightly prima donna (let's be honest, we all have our moments, and a touch of dramatic flair can go a long way when you're swirling in a tutu!). But back to the class! I absolutely adored it. You wouldn't believe how quickly my nerves vanished the moment I stepped into the studio - it was like stepping back in time, surrounded by other dedicated dance enthusiasts.
My little tutu felt right at home amongst the classic elegance of the academy, even with the added modern flair that was thrown into the class. I confess, there was a small voice in my head saying “what are you doing here, Emma?”, as I struggled with some of the intricate moves, but the camaraderie and warmth of my fellow students and teachers, their passion and grace... it was infectious! And as the session ended, I realised I wasn't just enjoying the class, I was enjoying learning! The best kind of self-improvement comes hand-in-hand with a bit of self-indulgence, don't you think?
As for my ballet show adventure? Swoon! Oh, it was everything a ballet lover like myself could dream of. A whirlwind of emotion, technical prowess, and the purest beauty that only ballet can bring. Every move, every whisper of music, every moment… pure magic! It transported me right back to my childhood, to the innocent joy of dancing for the love of it, for the sheer magic of self-expression. Let's just say I almost cried happy tears!
It's funny how something so utterly glamorous can make you feel so down-to-earth. Maybe it's the shared sense of community, the sheer effort and discipline required, or maybe it's simply the beauty of it all. The ballet experience grounded me. I wasn't just a pink tutu-wearing blogger; I was a part of something much bigger, something that transcended any perceived barriers of age, background, or even experience.
After the performance, I treated myself to a beautiful Afternoon Tea (can a ballerina really ever have enough tea and cake?) at the Chichester Harbour Hotel, followed by a delightful stroll through the vibrant streets of Chichester. I popped into the gorgeous Chichester Cathedral (it really is breathtaking!), a place brimming with historical wonder, and even managed to sneak in some wildlife spotting on the beautiful South Downs nearby.
Chichester was the perfect blend of culture, charm and nature – everything I love rolled into one! The sun was shining, I felt completely invigorated and my trusty old pink tutu had had the most delightful time with me, swirling and twirling across the town! And you know what?
I had a crazy thought! Maybe… just maybe, it's time we all took a leap of faith and gave ballet a go. Who knows what wonderful adventures await when we step out of our comfort zones and try something new, especially if it means sporting a gorgeous pink tutu. Because let's face it, life's too short for boring beige!
Keep it pink, my darlings,
Emma x
P.S If you're ever in Chichester, I highly recommend The Goodwood for a bit of fine dining, a spot of horse-racing (what better way to travel!), or perhaps a spot of picnicking in the grounds (remember my Picnic With a Tutu post from last year?)!
P.P.S My favourite travel tip? When heading to a ballet performance, I always wear something that allows me to twirl easily (a ballerina must have her freedom!) And don't forget to wear your brightest pink tutu, because let's face it, the world is a better place when it's full of pink!
