Oh darling, you wouldn't BELIEVE what happened to me yesterday! I just had to pop over to Spalding for a little ballet-fuelled adventure, and as usual, the colour pink (and a sprinkle of glitter) went with me!
I'm getting used to life on the road now. After all, a girl's gotta spread the joy of the tutu, and that often means leaving my beloved Derbyshire behind for a while.
This time, it was the train for me. The rhythmic sway, the gentle clack of the tracks – I swear, I'm beginning to think they designed the railways specifically for dancers. You just feel the flow! Plus, it allowed me to people-watch with a capital 'P'. It's a skill you can't underestimate when you're looking for inspiration, darlings. One elderly gentleman with a ginger cat nestled in his arms (the cat had a tiny, velvet bow around its neck, obviously!), two giggling teenage girls planning their holiday to Benidorm, a young lad with a guitar case that almost swallowed him whole... You never know what will walk past on a train journey!
Spalding itself was delightful! I do love the charm of market towns. So many lovely shops, cafes with comfy wicker chairs... you know the sort! Plus, a good dose of history, all those Tudor and Georgian buildings just begged to be explored! And, just to top it off, there was a magnificent, ancient oak tree in the centre of the market square! My darling, this tree, oh my word, it looked like it had seen centuries worth of market stalls and bustling townsfolk! It was almost sacred! I know I sound corny but sometimes those little moments make my heart swell! It really is amazing how nature can just, well, exist, and we get to witness its majesty!
Speaking of majesty, though, the reason for my journey to Spalding? The "Spring Into Dance" festival! Imagine, three whole days dedicated to all things ballet! It's not often I come across something so utterly brilliant and inspiring. They had it all: classes, performances, workshops… oh, and the most gorgeous selection of tutus I'd ever seen. My favourite was a sparkling, sapphire blue number, and guess what? I've added it to my collection! Now I've just got to figure out where I'll wear it, my life just doesn't have enough tutu-worthy events as it is!
One of the highlights was this adorable performance by the local ballet school, all about the wildlife of the Fens. Imagine a graceful white swan gliding across the stage, a cheeky little fox stealing berries, and a flock of giggling geese... It was SO whimsical! The sheer talent and enthusiasm of these young dancers was inspiring, and the colour pink, of course, was a key element in their costumes. Pink, pink, pink... a theme you can't ignore! (Honestly, have you noticed how much it pops against the backdrop of that beautiful English countryside? They really knew how to make those dancers stand out.)
Speaking of inspiration, I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture by a former Royal Ballet dancer. He spoke so passionately about the history of ballet, and how it continues to evolve. I sat, completely captivated, taking in every word, feeling so deeply grateful to be part of this amazing world of dance! And, I mean, come on, who wouldn't be inspired by a dancer who can gracefully execute a triple pirouette with a twinkle in their eye? (Honestly, this man had a spark in his eye that would rival a disco ball). He told me something that just stuck with me… that everyone can find a way to express themselves through dance, no matter their age, shape, or size. And THAT, my dears, is a message I intend to shout from the rooftops.
As my trip to Spalding came to a close, I found myself gazing at a field of lavender. It seemed to stretch on forever, a fragrant sea of purple loveliness. The lavender, and that lovely oak tree, and the festival... there was a sense of beauty and serenity I’ve been chasing my whole life. Sometimes you just have to sit, watch, listen, and be present with it all. It's a real life lesson I learnt amongst the twirling dancers and the calming purple lavender.
Right, darlings, now that I’ve returned to my comfy little cottage in Derbyshire, you know what's coming next? That's right, my very own pink tutu-making extravaganza! I’ve got an arsenal of fabrics and feathers, sequins and lace – and a whole lotta pink paint. The aim? To make the world a prettier place one tutu at a time. I even thought I'd pop some of my new pieces into my etsy shop, because sharing the joy of a pink tutu with the world is simply something I must do! So watch out for updates, darlings, this pink princess has lots of lovely ideas brewing!
Until next time, remember: life's too short for dull outfits. Get out there, darlings, twirl like no one's watching (well, maybe a little…), and don't forget to embrace the joy of pink!
Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
