Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Edmonton, Canada! It was a wild ride – think Canadian prairies, sassy pink tutus, and ballet galore!
It's been a long time since I've hopped on a train for a bit of an adventure, and boy, did this one deliver! My journey started with a 12-hour train ride across the plains of Saskatchewan. I bundled up in my warmest coat (it gets surprisingly chilly in October, even in the prairie provinces!), my head nestled in my book and the comforting rhythm of the wheels on the track lulling me to sleep.
Edmonton greeted me with crisp autumn air and a charm that could only be found in a city steeped in prairie history. And wouldn't you know it, I found the perfect place to settle in – a gorgeous little hotel, decked out in a stunning, Victorian style. It was all grand, intricate details and rose-gold accents, with just the right touch of vintage charm that made me feel like a princess, if princesses travelled with their own ballet shoes in their luggage, of course!
My first order of business, of course, was to find a place to twirl! Thankfully, Edmonton is a real ballet haven! I joined a class at the local ballet school, where they even had an adorable little "tutu-tastic" boutique attached, full of the most gorgeous pink tulle creations. Can you imagine? I could have spent the whole day just browsing! Thankfully, I restrained myself, although not without adding a pretty blush-coloured tutu to my collection.
One thing that particularly delighted me about Edmonton was its breathtaking setting. Imagine: vast stretches of golden prairie dotted with little sparkling lakes. I even had a lovely chance to meet some of the local wildlife! On a morning walk through the city’s beautiful river valley park, I encountered a family of graceful white-tailed deer. Their eyes met mine for a moment, and for that brief encounter, we shared the stillness of the autumn morning.
And speaking of graceful creatures, my next stop was the Edmonton Ballet, where I was blown away by their production of “Swan Lake.” The dancers were truly spectacular – they floated and soared through the air like swans in a sunlit sky. I was transported to a magical world of graceful movements and expressive storytelling, and I found myself utterly mesmerised by the ballet’s timeless elegance.
However, my ballet journey in Edmonton didn't stop at traditional performance. The next day, I was so excited to experience a unique kind of ballet show - a breathtaking "ballet-on-the-streets" performance, held on a historic pedestrian bridge over the river. Imagine dancing gracefully against the backdrop of a vibrant city skyline! It was truly a sight to behold.
I found myself completely immersed in the atmosphere - the vibrant music, the excited chatter of the crowd, and the incredible energy of the dancers. There was a real sense of community, as everyone joined in to celebrate the art of ballet in such a vibrant, unexpected setting.
In the heart of Edmonton, surrounded by the captivating landscapes and the magic of the ballet world, I realised how much this city truly loves its dance heritage. Even on the streets, I could see little girls wearing beautiful tutus, their bright eyes sparkling with the joy of the dance.
I finished my time in Edmonton with a visit to the local zoo, where I met some amazing animals. I loved the playful antics of the baby chimpanzees and marvelled at the magnificent Canadian wolves.
It was during this moment of quiet observation, watching these animals move with such elegance and freedom, that I had my epiphany – "ballet is for everyone!" I know, it's probably what my blog is all about, but this moment really solidified it for me. Whether you’re twirling across a stage or leaping through the tall grasses of the Canadian prairies, ballet can help us all express our inner joy and connect with our natural grace.
As I packed my bags, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I’d left a piece of my heart in Edmonton, with the memories of twirling through its streets in a pink tutu, witnessing incredible dancers on stage, and sharing quiet moments of observation with wildlife in the sprawling river valley.
My adventure in Edmonton taught me so much more than I could have imagined: the power of embracing the unexpected, the beauty of a good ballet, and the fact that everyone can dance - if you just dare to twirl!
So my dear readers, let's take inspiration from the majestic plains and the vibrant heart of Edmonton! Remember: life's a dance, so get your own pink tutu and get twirling! Don't forget to follow me on my next journey, I have a feeling it will be an adventure too!
Lots of love,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
