Oh my goodness, darlings! Where to begin?! Today's adventure was a whirlwind of colour, tutus, and delightful surprises - just how I like it! As a proper Derbyshire lass, my travels generally involve a nice bit of countryside and a good gallop on my horse, but this morning I traded the stable for the station and embarked on a little train trip down to sunny Rainham.
This wouldn't be any ordinary train ride, no no. My bright yellow tutu, paired with a crisp white blouse and my trusty pink-hued satchel, set the tone for a day bursting with balletic bliss.
You see, dear readers, my latest obsession is the magical world of "ballet street" - that is, performing ballet in all sorts of unique and unexpected locations! From busy London Underground stations to quaint English market squares, there's just something utterly exhilarating about taking my art form to the streets. It’s a way to bring the magic of ballet to everyone and encourage people to give it a go. Why should only theatre audiences be privileged to the joy of twirls and leaps?
Rainham seemed the perfect location for a bit of street ballet. There’s something delightfully old-fashioned about it - quaint little shops, a lovely cobbled square, a green full of ducks and geese, and of course, the breathtaking Rainham Hall with its history steeped in royal drama and charm. This place just whispered "ballet" to me.
Before I started, I did have to resist the urge to skip into the Hall and maybe take a peek at the gardens (I do have a weakness for English country estates!), but I promised myself a wander later. After all, there's nothing quite like the feeling of watching my ballet shoes touch the pavement - or, in this case, the smooth marble flooring of the Town Hall square - and starting to weave my magic!
My programme included a mix of classic and modern movements. A delicate plié and relevé near the grand fountain in the square? Check! Some light footwork along the cobbled pathway next to the majestic church? Done and dusted! A flowing grand jeté at the top of the steps, drawing the attention of everyone passing by? Tick, tick, tick!
Let me tell you, darlings, it was a bit of a shock for the unsuspecting residents of Rainham to find themselves witness to an impromptu ballet performance in the heart of their town! It’s all part of my mission, you know - to break down the walls between classical ballet and the wider world. A world that could benefit greatly from a healthy dose of grace, strength, and of course, that beautiful balletic glow!
You see, it’s not just about the dancing itself. It's about creating a moment of joy, a sense of wonder. It's about inviting people to experience something different, something beautiful. And guess what, you lovely readers? People did respond! Some smiled, others stared in wide-eyed amazement, and some even clapped and cheered! One sweet old lady even gave me a bunch of flowers. You've got to admit, there’s something pretty special about performing on a street, surrounded by such kindness and open hearts.
The most fantastic moment was when a little boy, probably around six or seven, came up to me with eyes wide with excitement. "I wanna try it," he exclaimed, waving his arms with an imaginary barre.
Oh, my heart simply melted! Right then and there, I knew I'd made a difference. And wouldn't you know it, that was exactly the magic I was aiming for - a moment where the impossible seems possible, where the joy of dance touches hearts.
And of course, I can't finish this post without telling you about the wonderful, vibrant local wildlife I encountered in my wanderings around Rainham. You wouldn't believe the most adorable group of ducks, each sporting a fluffy white bib! It was like being in a watercolour painting! I have to admit, I’m becoming rather attached to my feathered friends - they remind me so much of my ballet class; those delicate, beautiful swans taking graceful dips in the lake!
Now, let’s not forget about my post-ballet afternoon at the majestic Rainham Hall! I spent a wonderful few hours getting lost in the history and beautiful gardens, marveling at the exquisite carvings, imagining grand balls and courtly dramas - all perfect material for a future ballet performance, wouldn’t you say? And as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over the parkland, I found myself pondering my next big ballet adventure. Could it be a village in Cornwall? Or a cobbled square in Edinburgh?
Who knows! But one thing’s for sure, my lovely readers: I’ll keep you posted, of course. As for me, I'm drifting off to sleep, dreaming of tutus, grand jetés, and the infectious delight of ballet street, a little smile on my face and a flutter of excitement in my heart for the adventures that await!
See you tomorrow!
Yours truly, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
