Hello my darling dancers! Emma here, back with you from a whirlwind trip to Harrow, a real gem tucked away in Middlesex. I must say, it’s been absolutely lovely to get out of Derbyshire and see a different part of England. And as usual, my trusty travel companion – a pale pink tutu with a delicate silver snowflake design - made the journey all the more fabulous.
Train Tracks and Ballet Dreams
The journey itself was delightful. A first-class carriage on the train, big enough to practically pirouette in, and the most delicious strawberry tea. If you know me, you know I love travelling by train – the rhythmic clickety-clack, the panoramic views whizzing past... it’s so very inspiring. My mind was practically brimming with choreographic ideas! As the countryside streamed by, I couldn't help but think how much I adore the way London’s sprawling concrete jungle contrasts with the natural world, and how that kind of contrast could be beautiful on stage.
The Majestic Harrow Arts Centre
Anyway, Harrow. What a fantastically charming town! First stop was the Harrow Arts Centre, a beautiful building tucked away amidst some green gardens. It reminded me a bit of a stately home – a sense of grandeur and old-world charm, with an artsy twist, naturally! Inside, I wandered through a wonderful exhibition on local history, full of photos and fascinating facts about Harrow. It reminded me how important it is to stay grounded, appreciate where you come from, and remember where your inspiration can come from. It’s no coincidence my ballet often reflects stories about history and nature.
Ballet Bonanza!
After my history lesson, I couldn’t resist indulging in a real ballet bonanza. Harrow Arts Centre held a performance by the London Ballet Company, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. We were treated to a mix of classic and contemporary pieces – some full of playful leaps and jumps, others a more delicate exploration of emotion. One piece in particular truly stole my heart: a contemporary piece with ethereal costumes that reminded me of shimmering fireflies dancing through the night.
You know how much I love both traditional and contemporary ballet, and this performance had it all! I always say, there's something magical about seeing a group of talented dancers moving together, creating stories with their bodies and souls. Seeing the dancers soar through the air, the grace of their movements, the power of their expression - it's pure magic. It made me long to get back in my own pointe shoes and take a class!
A Pint and a Posy in the Village Square
The Arts Centre sits on the edge of Harrow’s beautiful village square. So naturally, after the show, I stopped for a delightful pint of locally-brewed beer at the Crooked Crown Pub, and while there I bought the sweetest posy of wild meadow flowers. The locals were lovely and chatty, and I even had a chance to share some tips for their next village fête!
It reminded me that dance is more than just a hobby, it's a language that transcends words, connecting us to each other on a deep level. Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon a group of youngsters having a spontaneous dance in the square! Turns out it was a youth ballet troupe practising. They were all beaming with energy and so full of life, and seeing their pure joy filled me with so much excitement.
Embracing the World’s Beauty – and Ballet’s Joy
From the charming gardens and architecture of the Harrow Arts Centre, to the lively energy of the village square and the grace of the London Ballet Company, Harrow is definitely a place to remember. It reminded me that beauty and magic can be found in the most unexpected of places. Sometimes you just need to look around and be open to experience them.
Harrow is definitely getting a permanent spot on my map! I know my blog readers love hearing about all my adventures, so be sure to stay tuned for more – my next stop is Cambridge, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of Shakespearean theatre, a glimpse into a unique and beautiful fusion of acting and dance. And, naturally, you know my fabulous pink tutu will be coming along for the ride!
As always, sending love and tutu-power your way,
Emma xoxo
PS: Keep dancing, keep dreaming, keep shining bright! And if you haven't already, embrace the world of ballet. Join a class, attend a performance – you might just discover your inner ballerina. Who knows? You could even rock a pink tutu, just like me!
