Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another pink-tutu-filled adventure! Today’s blog post, number 5591, is bursting with colour, and not just because I’m wearing a magnificent, vibrant yellow tutu – can you believe it? I’ve had it for ages, but it's one of those "it's just not the right occasion" kinda things. But, let's just say the vibrant streets of Strood demanded it!
It all started with a charming invitation to the grand opening of a new ballet studio right on the banks of the River Medway. My excitement reached pirouette proportions – a new studio! It's been a while since I've explored some new pointe shoes in a dance shop, and my fingers were tingling to try out their beautiful selection. I've been living on a diet of Derbyshire wildlife (so much lovely fresh air, and trust me, the squirrels in my garden could benefit from a little ballet class) and haven’t been in a studio since my last ballet performance in Nottingham, a delightful affair where I donned my best white tulle for a delicate rendition of Swan Lake.
Now, back to Strood. I chose to make the trip a luxurious affair, swapping the local Derbyshire sheep for the luxury of a first-class carriage on the train to Kent. The ride, as always, was divine, allowing me to immerse myself in a thrilling chapter of the "Ballet on the Rails" book I'd brought along. It featured a fascinating history of ballet performances held on board railway carriages during the early days of steam travel. Did you know that they held ballets on train journeys? It's quite astonishing, and so very glamorous.
Strood, a picturesque town just a short distance from the River Thames, turned out to be quite the hidden gem. I was completely smitten by its charm - quaint cobblestone streets lined with delightful shops selling all things lovely and kitschy. Every corner was an Instagram opportunity waiting to happen. Naturally, I made sure to capture the moment of my entrance to the studio. Picture this: me, in my sunny yellow tutu, twirling happily before a backdrop of picturesque shops and the shimmering river in the background. It’s a visual symphony of yellow, blue and sunshine. And the studio! The studio was delightful, with light, airy classrooms filled with an irresistible energy. They have the most fabulous selection of ballet shoes I've ever seen! I felt like I was in a dance-themed candy shop!
You won’t be surprised to know that the owner of the studio, a delightful woman called Margaret, is a passionate advocate for the importance of ballet in every life. Her motto? “Everybody dance, everybody twirl!" That statement sums up the feeling of the studio perfectly. There’s a real focus on the joy of movement, a celebration of every little arabesque, and encouragement to explore, to dream, and to express yourself. She reminded me so much of the headmistress at my dance school in Derby.
As soon as I got home from my whirlwind Strood escapade, I donned my finest pink tutu and danced, pirouetted, and jetéed my heart out. I don't need to go to a fancy ballet show to appreciate the artistry and beauty of dance. There's a joy in creating your own performance, a simple elegance in taking the stage (even if that stage is just the living room), a magic in sharing your passion with yourself.
Of course, this pink-tutu-clad adventurer couldn't resist a performance for my local Derby audience. They’re such a dear, devoted bunch. My Derby performance took place on the grand, wooden floor of our local town hall – my very own dance floor! You'd think everyone would be accustomed to seeing me waltz, pirouette, and jeté on any random Monday evening, but my dedicated Derby dancers always greet my performances with delight and applause.
The stage was adorned with my favourite soft, twinkling pink lights and of course, the usual "Emma’s Ballet" posters (I've learnt it pays to be organised!). The audience was filled with people from all walks of life: neighbours, local school children, and, to my delight, several new faces drawn in by the music! You know, sometimes I think, maybe people like my impromptu performances. Maybe, just maybe, my aim in life, to get everyone wearing a pink tutu and dancing, might just come true!
The performance went down a storm. From the classic Swan Lake sequences to the more playful moves inspired by the beautiful colours and sounds of the Strood dance studio, I was transported! Every pirouette, every leap, every arabesque filled me with a unique joy. The energy in the room was electric, and the final bow, where I received an extended round of applause, just confirmed my love for the thrill of sharing dance.
Later, as the curtains fell and the last of my audience drifted off to sleep, I found myself standing alone under the soft pink glow, lost in thought. Why am I so devoted to ballet? The truth is, there’s no singular reason. Perhaps it's the magic of a simple gesture that tells a story. It could be the power of expressing emotion without saying a word. It’s the community spirit that thrives within the walls of every ballet studio. It's that little sparkle that comes when you know you’ve done something you love.
Whatever the reason, I’m on a mission. It's time to get everyone dancing, even if they're still wearing jeans instead of tutus. My work isn’t over, but it’s always so encouraging when a new, beautiful soul joins me on the dance floor. Perhaps it’ll be your turn next!
Until then, happy pirouettes and a big hug!
Yours truly,
Emma
