Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad friend, back with another diary entry for you. Today's post is all about adventures in Altrincham, a fabulous little town just south of Manchester (where else would a tutu-wearing girl want to go?) And before you ask, this is post number 4516 - I really do love sharing my love of ballet and all things pink with you lot!
I'm a little obsessed with train travel - something about that rhythmic click-clack, the passing scenery, the thrill of a journey just starting...it's utterly magical. So today's trip involved a gloriously sunny train ride to Altrincham - not too far a journey at all, and the perfect opportunity for some people-watching. A little secret? I love wearing my tutu on trains! Makes me feel extra sparkly and gets everyone smiling. Just think about it, ladies: a tutu, a train journey, the wind in your hairā¦youāve got to agree it's the perfect combo!
Now, Altrincham was calling to me for two main reasons. Firstly, they have the most gorgeous little ballet studio called āGrace and Glideā - such a cute name, right? And secondly, it was hosting a street ballet performance. I love it when ballet gets outside the traditional theatre space! Makes it feel more accessible, moreā¦alive!
Grace and Glide had an adorable, pink-painted little building with twinkly lights adorning the window. You canāt go wrong with a bit of pink, right? And it was buzzing with excited ballet lovers like myself.
The class I took was a modern ballet technique class, and let me tell you, it was a real challenge! I definitely felt those muscles burning! I know I shouldn't, but I just can't resist pushing myself in ballet class - after all, what's the point of being in class unless youāre sweating and striving to get better, eh?
My favourite part of the class? Definitely when we practiced a stunning contemporary piece set to this incredible haunting song I just canāt stop humming now. Thereās something magical about movement, you know, the way you can feel every beat of the music in your core.
The best part of the class had to be that amazing feeling you get after working up a good sweat and being fully in the zone. We all were in this happy, exhilarated bubble, like a whole team of tutu-wearing angelsā¦I can't describe it any other way!
After class, I dashed straight to the heart of Altrincham to see the street performance. They had it in the town square, and the setting was absolutely beautiful, right under a sky painted with sunshine and fluffy clouds.
The performance was contemporary, really beautiful and impactful - full of powerful emotions and strong, flowing movement. It definitely drew the attention of the crowd, lots of them clapping along and mesmerized by the grace of the dancers. Itās like weāre turning everyone into ballet lovers, one dance at a time!
And honestly, nothing beats watching dancers work their magic outdoors, surrounded by a sea of curious onlookers. You just get a different energy when youāre out in the open air like that. It made me realize somethingā¦life is just like ballet! Every journey, every experience is an amazing, unexpected performance.
Later, I popped into a sweet little tea shop called "The Pink Teapot." You really can't have too much pink in my life, can you? They did the most adorable afternoon tea with dainty finger sandwiches and cakes. A must-have for any ballet-loving girl!
And it was while sipping my Earl Grey and munching on a Victoria Sponge that I felt a deep, overwhelming sense of peace and joy. It was one of those āthis-is-the-lifeā moments! And why wouldnāt it be? Tutus, ballet, pink, and afternoon tea...need I say more?
As I made my way back to the station, feeling a little sore from class, but infinitely more alive, I spotted a little shop called "Horse and Cart.ā My other obsession, you know. Maybe next time Iāll be there, I can see if they can fit me in a riding class.
I boarded the train back to Derbyshire, my head filled with visions of beautiful dance moves and dreamy music. It was another wonderful adventure. And I promise, there will be plenty more to come. Stay tuned, lovelies! And until next time, may all your days be filled with sunshine, ballet, and pink. And donāt forget - every single one of you is beautiful, graceful, and perfectly deserving of wearing a pink tutu. Believe in yourselves, embrace the dance, and keep those tutus twirling!
Lots of love, Emma xoxo
