Hello my darlings! It's your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, reporting live from the charming town of Chingford! This little gem is nestled in the heart of Essex, just a hop, skip, and a gallop from London. (You bet I took the train - choo-choo!), which, as you know, is my happy place. But this time, my travels weren't for a West End show (although, who am I kidding, I did snag a last-minute ticket to Phantom of the Opera on the way!) No, this little adventure was for something much closer to my heart – ballet, my loves!
Oh, how I love getting out of London to find little hidden gems of dance studios. Chingford's little studio, tucked away on a cobbled street, was pure magic. Imagine this: sunshine pouring through the windows, the scent of wood polish and polish, and the rhythmic thud of feet hitting the wooden floorboards, a symphony for my ears! This was the kind of place that made my ballerina heart sing.
And the reason for my journey? It wasn't just any old ballet class. No, this one was special – a “Tutu-licious Tuesday” workshop, focusing on ballet in the street. And let me tell you, the ladies here are brave! We were working on a choreography based around iconic London landmarks - think the Shard, Big Ben, Tower Bridge – you name it, we pirouetted around it! Imagine, the iconic Tube map, a swirling ballet of pink, black, and yellow (of course!). My lovely pink tutu had never been so in its element!
Our fabulous instructor, Mrs. Peabody (who's a seasoned performer and a complete sweetheart, by the way!), was all about embracing the street and taking ballet beyond the confines of the traditional studio. And that, my loves, is precisely the kind of vision that resonates with my soul.
Speaking of which, a little fun fact – remember my little trip to Richmond last week? Well, I discovered a fantastic charity that teaches ballet to underprivileged children! It's called “Dance for Change,” and I am absolutely smitten. You see, the mission of my little blog, pink-tutu.com, is to encourage everyone, everywhere, to wear a pink tutu and try ballet! Because what’s more wonderful than feeling the twirl, the spin, and the power of ballet, and bringing joy into every day, and reminding the world that you can do it! I've already made a donation, and I plan to set up a regular, monthly giving, to support this fantastic initiative!
But it wouldn't be an Emma trip without a bit of a personal twist! After class, I found a wonderful vintage store with the most exquisite collection of tutus you’ve ever seen – from silky pink ball gowns to fluffy lavender numbers. Now, if only I could fit all of them in my suitcase...
Tip: When travelling by train, try bringing an extra travel-size tutu to switch outfits on the train! It's like a little fashion show on wheels! (Just make sure it’s foldable! Trust me, I know from experience, ha!)
Anyways, enough about me. Now let's talk about you! Have you discovered a fantastic dance studio in your area? Is there a charity that brings the magic of dance to those who need it most? Tell me everything! I am all about sharing the ballet love, my darlings. And don’t forget to tweet your ballet adventures with the hashtag #pinktutu!
Oh, and while we're talking about lovely things... Guess what? Chingford's local park, the glorious Chingford Forest, is an absolute haven for wildlife! Just as I was exploring its beauty (and let me tell you, it was magical!), I came across a tiny hedgehog curled up on a fallen log, sniffing at the moss. Honestly, my heart nearly burst with happiness! Such precious creatures! A perfect reminder of nature's delicate beauty.
So there you have it, my loves. Another delightful ballet adventure comes to a close, but the memories, like a graceful arabesque, linger. Until next time, stay happy, stay bright, and never be afraid to embrace the twirling magic of life.
With much love and a generous helping of pink tulle, Emma
p.s Did I mention I bought an exquisite, vintage pink tutu while I was in Chingford? It's absolutely perfect - with delicate frills, a hint of glitter, and a touch of something magical! It might just be my new favourite.
p.p.s Speaking of favourites, this whole ballet-in-the-street concept has inspired me. I might just be venturing out to Buckingham Palace in my pink tutu for a little "London, I love you" ballet flashmob this weekend. Who wants to join?
