Hello my darling dance-lovers! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the stunning coastal city of Chichester. Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous weekend it was!
This little city is steeped in history, with a charming cathedral that takes you right back to medieval times, and a cobbled square bursting with cafes, shops, and laughter. You just can't help but feel happy here. The sunshine even popped out, painting everything in a beautiful golden light.
But as a girly-girl who loves a little splash of colour in her life, my favourite bit about Chichester? It's the stunning location of Goodwood, home to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a place that practically shouts "speed" and "glamour" in equal measure. This year, I was absolutely thrilled to attend the Festival of Speed, the ultimate car enthusiast's dream.
And you know what else makes me even more thrilled? My fabulous, pink tutu was front and centre on this fabulous occasion. Now, don't think for a second I was going to twirl around a field of vintage racing cars - that's best left to the professionals (and even then, you wouldn't find a tutu in sight).
Instead, I chose to create a gorgeous nature-inspired leotard - something that screams "ballet" whilst paying tribute to my love of all things wild and wonderful. Imagine vibrant shades of green like those in a lush meadow, pops of fuchsia pink echoing the blossoming wildflowers, and hints of sunny yellow, like a field of buttercups basking in the sunlight. It was truly the perfect outfit for the day.
Speaking of sunshine, let's talk about the Goodwood Estate. This place is magical! Not just for car lovers, but for anyone who loves beautiful countryside scenery. I wandered around the estate, drinking in the vibrant shades of the summer wildflowers and admiring the ancient woodland, filled with the rustling of birdsong.
Now, if you know me, you know my weakness for animals! So I couldn't resist taking a leisurely stroll around the Goodwood Kennels. I'm a dog person through and through, so to be surrounded by the adorable faces and enthusiastic wags of these furry friends was truly heartwarming. I'd be lying if I said I didn't steal a few cuddles, and even got the opportunity to help feed the pups. What a day!
This little detour to Goodwood may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you see, I find beauty everywhere. It's about finding joy in the smallest details, whether that's the elegant grace of a thoroughbred racehorse, the intricate mechanics of a vintage car, or the joyful dance of a butterfly. It's all about embracing life with that childlike sense of wonder, right?
Anyway, after all this adventure, it's time for me to share my latest ballet discoveries! This weekend, I took a ballet class at Chichester Dance Academy. The studio was brimming with a joyful energy and the teacher, a lovely lady with an infectious smile, guided us with grace and patience. The focus was on "Balançoire", a graceful movement inspired by the swaying of a swing, and I must say, I felt a little like I was gliding through the air like a beautiful ballerina.
And of course, a trip to Chichester wouldn't be complete without a delightful evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre. I watched a captivating performance of "An Enemy of the People", a play that challenged my thinking and left me questioning societal norms, while reminding me of the importance of honesty and truth.
Later that evening, as the moonlight painted the cobbled streets silver and the soft chimes of the church bells rang through the night air, I wandered through Chichester's charming streets. Every corner offered a glimpse of beauty, reminding me that sometimes, the best things in life are found in the most unexpected places.
This trip was full of colour, laughter, and a little bit of ballet magic, leaving me with a warm glow and a grateful heart. Until next time, keep on twirling and remember, "The best moments in life are often found on the dance floor, in a beautiful tutu, or surrounded by amazing people".
And that's not all, my dear dance-loving friends! As always, you know I'm always up for sharing the joy of ballet! So let me know - have you been to Chichester? Have you ever danced with a touch of wildlife inspiration? And most importantly, tell me, how many of you have taken a leap and tried a ballet class recently? I'd love to hear your stories!
With love and a big pink tutu,
Emma xx
