Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Berlin! You guys know I live for exploring new cities, especially when they boast beautiful ballet! So naturally, I packed my trusty pink tutu (it wouldn't be a trip without it!) and headed to the German capital for a taste of international dance.
The journey itself was pure fairytale. I took the train from Derbyshire - something about the rhythmic sway of the carriages and the scenery whizzing by always puts me in a creative mood. I even met a lovely lady on the way who collects vintage ballet shoes! Imagine, a whole wardrobe just for dancing! We spent the entire trip discussing our favourite ballerinas and even shared a delightful little pink macaron (I must admit, she did offer me a chocolate one but pink is my signature, after all!).
Arriving in Berlin, I felt a buzz of excitement! The city is vibrant and filled with energy. I'd picked a beautiful boutique hotel in the Mitte district - all pale pink walls and whimsical decor. They even had a little pink tutu hanging in the lobby! Clearly, this city was going to be a dream!
First on my Berlin itinerary was a visit to the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. Imagine a breathtaking neoclassical building adorned with grand statues. The opera house itself is a monument to the power of art! This beautiful venue boasts a long history of ballet performances, with a legacy that includes stars like Anna Pavlova! Oh, to be whisked away to that bygone era. I can almost hear the orchestra playing Tchaikovsky!
The performance itself was truly captivating. "The Sleeping Beauty" is such a classic, but the Berlin Ballet company presented it in a fresh and captivating way. It's incredible how one dancer's interpretation can infuse a familiar tale with such power. The finalé was unforgettable; all those shimmering pink tutus gracefully waltzing across the stage - truly a feast for the eyes!
Naturally, no ballet trip would be complete without a little sightseeing! Berlin is a treasure trove of historical wonders. We visited the Brandenburg Gate, climbed to the top of the Reichstag (with stunning views across the city), and wandered through the historic East Side Gallery, admiring the vibrantly coloured murals. All the while, I was daydreaming about adapting a certain ballerina's grace to Berlin's contemporary cityscape. Wouldn't it be incredible to have a ballet performance in front of the Brandenburg Gate, the tutus reflecting the city lights?
Of course, my Berlin ballet experience wouldn't be complete without a visit to a dance class. I found a delightful studio tucked away in a quiet courtyard - a haven of elegance and dedication. Imagine my delight when I saw the instructor was wearing a vintage pink tutu (perhaps I should offer her mine next time, it does feel quite lucky!).
The class was pure joy, an intoxicating blend of strength and fluidity. We were working on "La Bayadère," a classic piece I adore. My fellow dancers were a mix of serious professionals and dedicated amateurs, each moving with passion and dedication. There's something truly special about the ballet world, this connection across nationalities and experiences, all united by the same love for dance.
As the day turned into evening, we decided to see "Swan Lake" at the Komische Oper, a magnificent building filled with soaring architecture and a captivating history. I couldn't resist wearing my trusty pink tutu to the theatre - I know, I'm such a hopeless romantic! The energy of the performance was electric; the dancers' fluidity was mesmerizing. I could feel my heart thrumming along with the music!
During my travels, I saw a couple of other lovely things too: a beautiful display of sculptures, a stunning art installation on the wall of a museum, and an impressive horse-drawn carriage (just for me, it's not like I get to go for a ride in one every day!).
But what really struck me about Berlin was the welcoming nature of the people. I chatted with fellow dancers, a group of young performers eager to share their passion and inspire others, and I felt a real sense of community. There's something truly magical about sharing your passion with others!
Berlin truly embraced my love for the colour pink and the beauty of dance! It was a reminder that ballet is an art form for everyone - a beautiful expression of grace, elegance, and joy.
And to all of you: Remember, there's always a little bit of magic waiting to be discovered! So grab your pink tutus and get dancing! You might just find your own inner ballerina, darling!
With love and pirouettes, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
