Hello my lovely lot!
Emma here, reporting live from the bustling, beautiful town of Basingstoke! It’s Tuesday morning, and I’m feeling decidedly pink-tinted, full of that invigorating energy you get from a good barre session.
The journey here was a little unconventional, but always fabulously fun! No trains for me this time - I swapped my usual seat in First Class for a rather elegant horse drawn carriage, all gleaming wood and polished brass, and driven by a man with a beard like a walrus. I even found a little pocket in my Tutu to carry my little friend, Priscilla the porcupine! She does a great job of keeping me grounded (figuratively, of course! I'm way too busy twirling).
Now, Basingstoke, my darlings, is not exactly the most glamorous of destinations. But for a pink-tutu loving ballerina like myself, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here in Basingstoke, the air feels fresher, the people kinder, and even the trees seem to be holding their breath in anticipation of my arrival (and the glorious arrival of pink tutus of course!).
My trip is all about…ballet, of course! You already know that my mission in life is to inspire everyone to take a pirouette or two, to wear a pink tutu (even if it's just around the house) and most importantly to appreciate the art of dance in all its forms.
A Whirlwind of Basingstoke Ballet
Firstly, the Basingstoke Ballet Academy - an absolute gem! Such a welcoming, warm space filled with a buzz of eager ballerinas and brilliant teachers. I even had the chance to pop in for a class myself, a rather challenging but delightful combination of classic ballet techniques and some creative modern moves. It’s funny, you know, I often get asked if it’s hard being a ballerina - it is! But I’ll be honest, it’s much, much harder NOT to do ballet. It's just in my blood!
But the highlight of my trip has to be the stunning performance I saw last night: a theatrical adaption of The Nutcracker, performed by a troupe of wonderfully talented young dancers. Oh my, the joy! From the shimmering costumes, to the breathtaking set designs, to the exquisite grace and power of the dancers, the whole experience was pure enchantment. My heart truly skipped a beat when the sugar plum fairy floated across the stage in her elegant pink tulle, reminding me that every ballerina has a touch of magic inside of them.
The performance had a real ‘oomph’ that took me back to the times I’d excitedly grab my Dad’s hand as we’d leave a show and walk back to the car, buzzing about everything we’d just witnessed. There's a sense of camaraderie and community in those moments that stays with you.
Now, no trip to Basingstoke would be complete without exploring the beautiful park. After a hearty (and decidedly pink!) lunch of a strawberry and rhubarb crumble, I went for a wander around. I adore those wide-open spaces, the smell of fresh cut grass, the sight of children squealing with delight on the swings, and the sound of birdsong filtering through the air.
I’ve found myself truly enjoying a slower pace of life here, my usual hectic London schedule replaced by tranquil strolls, captivating ballet classes and wonderfully warm conversations with the local residents. It’s refreshing, truly. I even made friends with a particularly delightful squirrel in the park! (He did a lovely plié when he spotted my pink tutu, must be a ballerino at heart!)
The Call of The Pink Tutu
I'm finding this little escapade incredibly inspiring. I feel like I’m finding my 'pink-tutu' again, if you will! My focus is getting back to the simple joys of life. Watching children discover their own unique talents at the dance academy was a heart-warming experience - their sheer delight, the sheer joy of movement. It reminds me why I do what I do, and why I feel so passionate about sharing the joy of dance with everyone I meet.
I hope this little trip, this lovely detour into the charm of Basingstoke will inspire you all to try something new! It doesn't have to be a ballet class, but maybe a pottery lesson, a wild swim in the river, or just a good old-fashioned game of hide and seek. It’s about opening up to life, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and discovering the joy in those unexpected little adventures!
As for me, I’m off to enjoy the sunset on the edge of the park. I’ll be dreaming of sugar plum fairies and dancing squirrels as I drift off tonight. Until next time, darlings, remember: wear a pink tutu, twirl like no one’s watching, and keep dancing to your own beat!
Yours in Pink, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
