Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the stunningly beautiful city of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. Oh, the adventure! The past few days have been a whirlwind of ballet brilliance, breathtaking scenery, and a dash of, shall we say, "German tutus."
If you've been following along with my adventures on pink-tutu.com, you know that I recently went wild for all things equestrian. I swapped my usual ballet slippers for riding boots, galloping through the countryside and reveling in the thrill of a good canter. But a ballet girl can't be away from her pirouettes for long, can she? So, it was back to the world of pointe shoes and tutus for a magical trip to the land of the Rocky Mountains.
Now, you've all heard me sing the praises of travelling by train before. It’s a true delight. The world rushes past your window in a blur of colour and scenery, each clickety-clack a gentle metronome, urging your soul to sway. I highly recommend trying it at least once – you'll find it impossible to resist humming a happy little waltz in no time.
Reaching Edmonton, it was clear the city had been preparing for my arrival! My heart skipped a beat as I beheld the majestic, imposing Royal Alberta Museum. Its facade is like a fairytale castle, a beacon for all things fascinating and magnificent – a ballerina's dream come true, wouldn't you say?
I was soon swept away into the swirling magic of the world-famous Alberta Ballet. The performance I attended, Cinderella, was a breathtaking symphony of artistry, elegance, and drama. I confess, I almost wept during the opening scene. I was truly transported to the enchanting realm of fairytales. The choreography, the costumes, the breathtaking story... it all swirled into a whirlwind of beauty and magic that I couldn't tear myself away from. It simply must be witnessed, and experienced, to be believed.
A German Tutu: It's not all it's cracked up to be...
Speaking of costumes, you might be thinking "tutues" and immediately associate them with romantic swirls of soft pink and frothy tulle. Well, I discovered that German tutus, or what I affectionately call the “Tutus of the Wild,” are a slightly different breed.
They're these incredibly practical and stylish items made of thick, strong fabric, sometimes with just the slightest touch of embellishment, perfectly suitable for exploring the rugged wilds of Canada. They are not, shall we say, very "ballerina" at all. More "intrepid adventurer," you know, with sturdy buckles and adjustable straps.
This discovery of the German tutu took place in the picturesque Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. The air was crisp and filled with the calls of wild geese, their majestic flight mirrored by the towering mountain peaks that surrounded us. The moment I entered, it was as if time stopped, and the beauty of the natural world filled me to the brim.
This magnificent place was bursting with a fascinating menagerie of majestic animals, each captivating in its own unique way. We observed the majestic presence of bison grazing under a sky dusted with a fine dusting of snow, the sleek, silent grace of a mountain lion surveying its domain, and a friendly herd of elk, as if greeting me as a fellow traveler in their wilderness kingdom.
But what did a ballet girl do in a wildlife park, wearing her German tutu, you ask? It seems as if it wasn’t just for style alone. These tutus were the key to experiencing the wonders of wildlife up close, offering a safe space to observe their incredible behaviours without disturbing their natural routines. As a self-proclaimed ballet girl who cherishes everything about elegance and grace, I was amazed by the inherent beauty and strength of these creatures, living wild and free. I watched in awe as they stalked, they leaped, and they gracefully navigated their environment, a magnificent performance put on by nature itself.
I'll be honest; as I navigated my way through the park with my fellow “tuted” companions, there were moments I longed to leap into a proper, romantic tutu. It's truly what I feel most at home in. But, just like the animals in the park, I found a new kind of beauty, a newfound appreciation for the "less is more" philosophy that makes a German tutu, well... so wonderfully un-ballerina, yet surprisingly comfortable and versatile!
Embrace your inner Ballerina: A call for all the wonderful women and girls out there...
So, darlings, after a whirlwind trip across Canada, I’m ready to make a little proclamation! This incredible adventure has left me feeling utterly inspired. I believe it’s time for the world to experience the joy of a ballet tutu, German or otherwise, and embrace the power of grace.
What better way to experience the beauty of the world than with a playful twirl, a graceful leap, or even just a happy pirouette?
No matter your age, size, or background, don't let anything hold you back from finding your inner ballerina. Let your inner strength, your elegance, your passion for beauty come out. And just as these Canadian wildlife have inspired me to embrace new forms of tutues, embrace the challenges and the joys of the world with confidence, poise and, yes, a tutu, no matter the style!
You can join me on my journey of promoting pink tutus (or German tutus! - why not!) and celebrating everything about ballet by heading to the website at www.pink-tutu.com . Share your experiences with me, and together, we'll make the world a more beautiful, more graceful place one tutu at a time.
Stay beautiful,
Emma xx
