Post #3501
Good morning, darlings! It's a crisp February morning in Derbyshire, and already I can feel the thrill of a new adventure buzzing through my veins. Today's destination: Barnet! Yes, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, we're venturing north to the charming town of Barnet for a day filled with pirouettes, pink tulle, and the promise of ballet bliss.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Barnet? Is there a secret ballet academy hidden amongst the charming streets, or a grand theatre showcasing the world's best ballerinas? Sadly, no. But for a ballet-obsessed girl like myself, there's something magical about discovering the hidden beauty in even the most unexpected places. And I've got a secret – there's an independent dance studio nestled in Barnet that boasts the most enchanting Little Dancer bronze statue you've ever seen. Isn't that a reason to celebrate?
But let's get to the nitty-gritty, shall we? The real highlight of my trip to Barnet wasn't just a bronze statue. Nope! It was the opportunity to slip into my brand new, bright green tutu, a whimsical and playful design with ruffles galore that made me feel like a tiny green ballerina stepping straight out of a storybook. (I swear, if it could have spun on its own, I'd have had myself a whirling ballet in the station concourse!)
Since a good ballet blogger is always mindful of style, let's talk about the outfit! My green tutu (of course!), paired with my favourite pale pink cashmere jumper, delicate pearl necklace, and knee-high pink ballet shoes. Oh, and did I mention I wore my brand new "Dancing Delights" handbag – the one with the cute little pink tutu charms dangling off it? It’s a fabulous find from a tiny boutique in Bath, which I thought you'd enjoy hearing about.
Speaking of Bath, getting to Barnet meant a rather charming journey by train. It wasn't quite the same as being chauffeured around in a horse-drawn carriage (my personal dream transport method), but I always manage to find something delightful about train journeys. I love people-watching, sipping tea from a little floral mug, and catching up on the latest fashion blogs. This time, my journey was particularly special because I had the best time sketching some absolutely divine feathered fascinators worn by the lovely ladies sitting near me. They were pure inspiration for my next Tutu DIY project - I think a feathery tutu might be on the cards! You'll all be the first to know when I whip it up.
Of course, my travels wouldn't be complete without some delightful wildlife encounters. This time, my train journey presented a family of hedgehogs crossing the track at a remote country station. The smallest of the group was absolutely adorable! It was like a tiny ball of fur with a teeny pink nose. I think my fellow passengers noticed my squealing delight - they all got a giggle out of the spectacle, and I got to add yet another fluffy anecdote to my ever-growing list of ballet-related musings!
By the time I arrived in Barnet, I was practically brimming with glee and inspiration. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh-baked bread and the joyful sound of laughter spilling out from the cozy cafes. As I walked down the cobbled streets, admiring the charming old architecture, I found myself reminiscing about all the ballerina-themed travels that had taken me across the country – from the grand opera houses of London to the intimate dance studios nestled amongst quaint English villages.
Oh, and of course, we mustn't forget the bronze "Little Dancer" statue, now lovingly admired and sketched in my travel journal. She was a beautiful inspiration! I don't think anyone can resist the delicate grace and quiet beauty she emanates. Her little, dancing feet were as tempting as can be! Perhaps a few little spins by the pond at the Barnet park wouldn't hurt… just to remind myself how much fun ballet can be! I even had a conversation with a local who knew the dancer's story – she was so passionate about it and it was wonderful to share a moment of connection over such a shared love for art and beauty.
Honestly, you simply have to experience Barnet yourself! The charming streets, the captivating beauty of the "Little Dancer," and the energy of the vibrant dance studio will all fill you with the joyful spirit of ballet, guaranteed! It’s a little slice of ballet paradise waiting to be discovered.
Until next time, lovelies! Remember, my philosophy is simple – wear pink, wear tutus, and keep dancing.
With love and pirouettes,
Emma
P.S. I’ve been inspired to write a whole new ballet choreography set to a lovely, upbeat classical music score I heard on my travels. Think flowing tulle and delicate moves – a celebration of the magic of ballet, inspired by Barnet and its charming dance studio. I'll let you know when I film my latest routine, and of course, there’ll be plenty of pink tulle involved.
