Hello my darling dance devotees! 👋
Emma here, signing in from the glorious seaside city of Southampton! As you know, this blog is my way of sharing my love for all things ballet with you, and sharing my travels as I pursue my passion for dance across the world! And believe me, this trip was a total triumph of twirls and tutus.
It's post number 5422 and the sun is shining, so I thought it would be the perfect excuse to bring out my favourite black tutu – a real classic for a ballerina, you see! I'm never happier than when I can mix my love for black and my penchant for pink! Think black tulle, pink satin ribbon, a dash of shimmery blush eyeshadow – a ballet dancer's dream! 💫
Speaking of a dream, I started my Southampton escapade with a dreamy train journey! Nothing beats the rhythm of the wheels and the gorgeous views from the window – plus, I always find myself feeling so inspired as the landscape whizzes by. I packed a book about ballet history and a pink lip gloss (a must!) and settled in for a journey of blissful reading and self-indulgence.
Upon arrival in Southampton, I felt like I had stepped into a vintage postcard! I love how it mixes charming seaside vibes with a rich history – just perfect for my love of exploring. First stop, naturally, was a wander around the historical docklands. It's like stepping back in time – with old warehouses, bustling shops and the majestic Red Funnel ferry ready to whisk me off to the Isle of Wight. I just couldn't resist striking a pose next to the impressive Southampton Solent University – that building practically screams "dance!" at me! 😉
But before diving into the dance scene (literally!), I needed to nourish myself with some local goodness. My favourite discovery was this tiny little café on the waterfront serving delicious pastries – and yes, you guessed it, a pink latte! 😍 Every pink detail makes my heart sing. I practically inhaled the buttery croissants, fuelled by the promise of the dance class I had booked for the afternoon.
Speaking of, the Royal Ballet School's Summer Intensive in Southampton is legendary – a proper ballet bootcamp with classes from amazing choreographers and seasoned instructors. You could say I was more than a little giddy as I walked into the studios, ready to dance like no one was watching! My favourite part of the day was the classical ballet class, the feeling of graceful movement with other passionate dancers around me is like a symphony of expression. It just makes my heart leap!
To finish off the day, I was lucky enough to score tickets to Ballet Theatre Southampton's production of "Giselle". They do a fantastic job of bringing the classic ballet stories to life with innovative and beautiful set designs. I’ve never seen a 'Giselle' like this one - with all the drama and elegance, this production just floored me! As always, the beautiful story, the poignant music and the dancers' talent moved me deeply. The dancers, they just oozed that graceful passion and controlled power, it truly inspired me to practice even harder.
There’s a certain something special about a night at the theatre – the anticipation, the costumes, the artistry, and the pure magic that takes over the whole room when the curtains rise! As I made my way out, feeling uplifted and empowered, I knew I had to capture the magical feeling on camera! There I was, in the heart of Southampton, feeling perfectly at home, spinning around on the cobbled streets in my black tutu, a grin wider than a ballerina's leaps!
One thing I always find when I travel is that people are truly fascinated by ballet, and it never fails to bring joy and connection. So naturally, I struck up a conversation with a friendly cafe owner – he was captivated when he saw me in my tutu, and his eyes widened as I told him about the Royal Ballet School and all my ballet adventures! I even offered to give him a quick tutu-spinning lesson! 😉
This adventure was filled with so much passion, inspiration and a pinch of tutu-licious fun. From my black tutu escapades, to the breathtaking ballet performances and all the lovely local finds – this trip was absolutely a dream come true! It truly makes me feel so proud to be a ballet enthusiast, and sharing my joy with all of you! 💖
I have to share one last piece of magic – I was taking photos of a beautiful swan sculpture on the edge of the Southampton Docks, when the most majestic swan graced me with its presence, swimming right up to me and gliding majestically beside the sculpture! That was a true ballet-worthy moment of grace!
If you ever get the chance, visit Southampton. This seaside city offers the perfect balance of charming historic atmosphere and invigorating dance vibes. It's a hidden gem for anyone with a heart for ballet and a love for vibrant life – just like mine! 😉
Now, off I go, to practice my twirls in the living room and dream about my next tutu-ful adventure!
Until next time, my dear friends, may your steps be light and your spirit full of joy! 💕
