Post #4567
Helloooo lovely people!
Hope you're all well! This week has been utterly magical - I mean, I'm writing to you from a lovely hotel room in Arnold, a place I’ve wanted to visit for ages!
First off, a HUGE thank you to all of you who came to my ballet class yesterday in Derbyshire. You were an absolutely amazing group, and your enthusiasm made the whole class so much fun! We tackled the fouette, a spin that’s always tricky but really satisfying once you get it right, and you were all pros by the end! And, of course, everyone was looking absolutely smashing in their pink tutus – seriously, you all looked ready for the stage!
Now, back to Arnold, which has been everything I hoped it would be and more! I arrived on the train yesterday, after the class, and, yes, it was definitely one of those magical journeys where the countryside flew by and I felt completely at peace with the world. The moment the train pulled into the station, it felt like I'd stepped into a scene from one of those old, romantic films – cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and a whiff of fresh bread baking. So good!
And oh, the wildlife here! I just spotted a magnificent deer in the local park - its antlers were massive, and it had the most delicate eyes. And then there were those cute, fluffy lambs skipping through a field this morning, like tiny cotton balls bouncing in the sunshine. The beauty is simply astounding.
Of course, what's a trip to a new place without a visit to a ballet studio? It took a bit of detective work (because apparently I still haven't mastered Google Maps cough!), but I managed to find this amazing ballet school just off the main street. I wandered in with my big pink tutu in my bag and let them know I just wanted to pop in for a couple of hours. The teacher, Mrs. Peterson (a name worthy of a ballet school, I think!) welcomed me with a warm smile and gave me a tour. She said I could just sit in and observe their session if I liked, which I was happy to do. And oh, my goodness, these kids were good! So graceful and focused, I couldn’t believe their dedication – these are definitely future stars in the making! I even spotted a few cheeky giggles and giggles from the dancers. I mean, when else can you laugh and do a grand jeté?
Today's ballet show at the local theater was pretty amazing too. It was a classic ballet, "Swan Lake", and it blew me away. From the stunning costumes to the delicate choreography, I was mesmerised. I’m honestly considering joining a local theater here, which I'd never even considered before, because that production was just so captivating. And even better, at the end of the performance, I managed to meet the principal dancer, who, to my surprise, is actually a lovely lady from my own little Derbyshire village! I told her about my ballet class yesterday, and she was really keen on helping me with some new moves! I'm pretty excited for a future training session with a proper ballerina!
Speaking of my class back in Derbyshire, the highlight was definitely this incredible tutu that I found at a vintage shop in town. It was one of those pieces that makes you gasp out loud. It was all delicate silk and frills and a perfect pale pink – honestly, I looked like a giant cotton candy. And of course, I just HAD to wear it to class! My fellow tutu wearers all swooned at its beauty, and honestly, the extra swirl it gave me during a pirouette made my life. Seriously, I think the shop needs to know that they were meant to sell that tutu to me – I was destined for it!
Well, my lovely readers, it's time to say goodbye to Arnold – but I promise to keep you all updated with all my adventures. Tomorrow I'm back on the train, heading to my favourite quiet spot near the river to do some quiet reflecting. You know, a moment of pure peace and, yes, maybe a quick, tiny practice session on the riverbank with the new moves I'm learning from my ballerina friend. I'm even going to pack my pink tutu, because one never knows when an opportunity to spread some pink joy might arise!
Until next time!
Emma x
