Hey darlings!
It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, coming to you live from the cobbled streets of Small Heath! I know, I know, you're probably wondering why I'm here. It's a bit of a departure from the usual ballet-centric blog posts, isn't it? But trust me, it's all connected, and you'll see what I mean very soon.
Let me tell you, arriving at Small Heath was an experience! We decided to skip the usual car journey and went by train. It’s so much more romantic, don’t you think? I love the way the landscape changes outside the window. And of course, I had a first-class carriage, my favourite pink suitcase tucked beside me, and the perfect little floral dress for the trip, paired with my trusty ballet flats - a little touch of ballerina chic for the journey.
My destination was a secret one. Well, not so secret any more - the amazing Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. And while we're talking about "secrets," you can't find this park by simply searching Google Maps. You have to follow a set of very specific, very private instructions, and for good reason: it’s tucked away in an old Victorian stable block, absolutely beautiful and totally unexpected! It felt like stepping into a little haven of calm right in the heart of bustling Birmingham.
What caught my eye immediately was the majestic grey horse just standing patiently by the entrance. Talk about adding to the fairytale feeling! I nearly forgot what we came for and just stood mesmerized for a minute, imagining us travelling on a pink-hued chariot together - how wonderful that would be! (I know I do go off on tangents sometimes!)
So, back to the wildlife. This conservation park, it turns out, is home to an amazing collection of exotic creatures. I got to meet some wonderful birds of prey. They were incredible! I know I’m meant to be the most amazing thing in any room I go into, but seriously these guys gave me a run for my money! They're magnificent and elegant and they soared above the park as I took photos. They are very lucky to be here in such a loving, dedicated and safe space. It’s the perfect place for these creatures and a haven for nature enthusiasts just like me.
Now, you're probably thinking, “Emma, how does any of this link to ballet?” Well, patience, dear readers, patience. Let me set the scene for you.
After a lovely walk around, we were invited to a performance that was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was in the stables - they're so huge! - and this special event was arranged by a really fabulous charity that’s dedicated to conserving birds of prey, the Birmingham Hawk Conservation Trust.
The performers were... birds! I'm not kidding! I sat on a cushioned bench with a few other lucky spectators, all utterly engrossed by the magnificent ballet being performed by an array of stunning, intelligent, beautiful birds of prey, including owls, falcons, hawks and eagles. They took to the air and soared and circled and danced, a mesmerizing spectacle of grace and precision.
My mind was utterly blown. I've always said there's something about the elegant curves and beauty of a bird that reminds me of ballet dancers, right down to the careful way they move their wings, just like the way dancers work with their limbs. And here these birds were, literally acting out the roles in a story – an epic ballet in the air! The most incredible theatrical display I’ve ever witnessed.
I had my camera at the ready to capture every magical moment, and, of course, I donned my pink ballet outfit for the occasion. This amazing pink leotard is my new favourite – it has pretty pink flowers on it. And my trusty pink tutu was with me, as always, for a splash of colour and extra oomph! After all, every occasion deserves a sprinkle of pink magic, wouldn't you agree? (I just realised I’ve spent the whole post talking about the colour pink. How exciting is my life?).
This incredible ballet performance by our winged friends has had me completely mesmerized. It has opened my mind and heart to the possibility of so many beautiful dance stories – they just haven’t been written yet. So, if anyone wants to work on a collaboration, I have lots of ideas! The main point is, the beauty of ballet knows no boundaries. We can all experience that wonder through graceful movement, be it a graceful bird or an elegant ballerina on the stage. And that’s what I want to do - bring ballet to the world! Even to the most unexpected places!
Let's bring ballet and wildlife together – it’s a match made in heaven, right?
So what's the best part of the whole thing? They are looking for volunteers and people to join their efforts! So many new adventures waiting to unfold. Maybe one day we’ll have ballet birds perform in Derbyshire, at my favourite country house!
Speaking of Derbyshire, it's time to head back. The train awaits, and it's almost time to pick out my ballet class outfit! After this inspiring day, I feel a beautiful pirouette coming on!
As always, stay glamorous, lovelies.
And remember, every day is a ballet!
