Hello lovelies! Itās Emma here, bringing you another pink-tastic update from the wonderful world of tutu-tastic travel! Todayās blog is post number 4100, and youāre not going to believe where Iāve been.
This weekās journey took me all the way to Bromsgrove! A charming town in the heart of Worcestershire (with its very own medieval priory!), it felt a world away from my Derbyshire roots. I just adore exploring new corners of our beautiful country, especially when thereās a chance to discover some local ballet treasures.
So, how did I get there, you ask? Why, by train of course! The chug-chug rhythm of the train wheels always sets me in a wonderfully nostalgic mood. It's like being transported back in time - well, except for the wifi!
Once I arrived in Bromsgrove, I wasted no time in heading to the heart of the action: the Bromsgrove School, a place with a rich history and an incredible reputation for its arts programmes. I mean, how could I resist a school where ballet classes are a vital part of the curriculum? It truly gives the term "arts education" a whole new meaning, and the students were amazing.
My mission was to discover what made this place so special. I wanted to experience it from the perspective of a dancer - a feeling I haven't forgotten since I was just a little girl myself!
What struck me immediately was the palpable passion that everyone radiated. From the dedicated teachers, brimming with expertise and enthusiasm, to the eager students, throwing themselves into every plieĢ and arabesque with pure joy - the atmosphere was electric!
To immerse myself further, I decided to join a class for the afternoon. After all, one can never have too much ballet in one's life, right? My favourite move, you ask? The "arabesque" - I just canāt get enough of those elegant lines and the graceful flow.
Now, I'm no stranger to ballet - Derbyshire is home to some amazing dance studios, and I've even had a little brush with the stage in some theatre productions. But the sheer variety and calibre of the classes in Bromsgrove left me totally speechless.
One of my highlights was a āstreet danceā session. A vibrant mix of ballet and contemporary techniques - I loved seeing these young dancers bringing such expressive energy and attitude to the floor.
The teachers were absolute rockstars - they encouraged and inspired their students to push boundaries and explore their creative voices. Honestly, witnessing these dancers blossom before my very eyes was pure magic! It made me long for those days, the days of unbridled enthusiasm and the thrill of discovering something new.
I think this school has got a secret formula for unleashing that passion for ballet in everyone, from a young age. Itās truly heart-warming! I have a sneaking suspicion that one of these students might just be the next big thing - the next prima ballerina or perhaps even a renowned choreographer.
But Bromsgrove School wasnāt the only thing that captured my heart. The whole town exuded charm. I fell in love with its picturesque streets, adorned with charming shop fronts and traditional pubs, and I found myself drawn to its lively park, where I discovered a haven of peace amongst the gentle bustle. Itās one of those places where you truly feel connected to the natural world, even with its buzzing town centre.
Speaking of the natural world, no visit to Worcestershire would be complete without spotting some wildlife! While sipping my afternoon tea at the local bakery, I was treated to a glorious display of birdsong and saw a beautiful fox darting through the park, its reddish coat shining in the sunlight. The UK may not be famous for its exotic animals, but we certainly have some captivating creatures in our midst.
After a truly enriching day in Bromsgrove, it was time to head back to Derbyshire, filled with memories and inspired by the incredible talent and energy of these young dancers.
As always, my adventure sparked some new thoughts on my ultimate mission ā to encourage everyone to wear a pink tutu! And for all those who have yet to discover the joy of ballet, take my word for it: donāt let another day pass without trying it!
I am a huge believer that ballet is accessible to everyone - no matter your age or background. So, step into a studio, feel the music and the movement wash over you, and discover a whole new world of creativity and beauty.
And remember, no matter where your travels take you, be sure to look around, soak up the beauty, and never forget to spread a little bit of pink-tutu magic!
See you soon,
Emma x
