Post #4973
Hey lovelies! It’s your favourite Derbyshire rose Emma here, back with another thrilling instalment from my fabulous life of pink tutus and travelling to the ends of the earth. (Well, maybe not the actual ends, I still need to get that train route to Antarctica figured out!).
This time, I’m reporting live from Edmonton, Canada. That’s right, my little ballet bun is currently nestled amongst the beautiful Rockies, surrounded by crisp Canadian air, majestic mountains and... well, the ever-present threat of frostbite if I’m not careful about the time I spend outside in this sparkly, sparkly pink tutu I brought with me!
This adventure started with a grand train journey, my favourite kind! We started with the Trans-Canada Railway, winding through the incredible heartland of America – mountains, canyons, desert, prairies, it was like stepping through every American film I’ve ever watched! I even spotted a majestic bald eagle swooping through the air – it was incredible! (I tried to entice it with a few strategically placed pink tulle ribbons, but sadly no luck. Maybe next time).
Once I arrived in Edmonton, it was time for my mission – to embrace all things ballet! You know me, can’t be without my favourite pastime even on a globetrotting expedition! Edmonton actually has a brilliant ballet scene. The Alberta Ballet is incredible, they have this whole program where they do these gorgeous ballet and modern dance combinations with a Canadian twist. Honestly, I can’t rave enough about them, they were incredible!
Then there’s the local scene, which was the absolute best. I popped into a class at the Edmonton Dance Centre, and oh my goodness! The energy there was electric! And these lovely, energetic dancers – I just have to encourage everyone, everyone! - to find your nearest ballet class and just have a go! It was a dream to watch. And you know, it always warms my heart to see how dance connects everyone – we had everyone from littlest ballerinas right through to mature, graceful, older dancers in this class, and everyone was smiling and laughing together.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Emma-adventure without some fantastic food stops. I mean, when in Canada, you have to indulge in all that delicious, wholesome cuisine, right?! We tried all sorts, from hearty poutine, which was a bit too greasy for my dainty palate but a great experience nonetheless, to some incredible local salmon that had a real, authentic smokey flavour (apparently this is how they cure it here - it’s definitely one to remember!).
Of course, I wouldn't be travelling to a whole new country without spreading my pink tutu message! As always, I managed to inspire several brave locals to slip on a tulle masterpiece! Honestly, there’s something magical about that pink, it just brings people together! A woman at a local tea shop called "The Twirling Teacup" (no joke, honestly! These Canadians have the BEST puns!), a family of three on the tram, and even an enthusiastic teenager skateboarding outside the mall – all ended up donning the tutu for a moment, spreading joy and pink all around!
The main event, however, was a visit to the beautiful and historic Art Gallery of Alberta, where the most incredible exhibition was running - “Dancing in the Desert.” This fantastic show took me on a journey of cultural discovery – through dance traditions from across the globe! It was so inspirational, showing the common language of movement we all share, no matter where we’re from! Plus, the gallery was beautiful – modern architecture with tons of light, perfect for my instagram-worthy tutu twirling photos!
As my trip comes to an end, Edmonton holds a special place in my heart. The energy, the scenery, the people – it’s truly unique and so special! I have to say, there’s something about seeing this magnificent land and then reflecting on the incredible legacy of dance we’ve got, it really does put things in perspective! We’re so lucky to have such amazing traditions to draw on, no matter where we’re from!
So, as I head back to Derbyshire, ready to write another chapter of my adventures, I leave you all with this message: embrace the magic of dance, embrace the joy of pink tutus, and embrace your inner-traveller, wherever it takes you!
Remember, everyone can wear a tutu – it doesn’t matter your age, size, shape or experience. If there's anything that will truly transform you from the inside out, it’s finding your inner ballerina and just taking a leap of faith!
Stay tuned for more pink adventures, and don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for even more inspiration and a whole world of pink and pirouettes!
Until next time, darlings!
Love,
Emma x
