Hey lovelies,
How are you all doing? It’s been another hectic week here at Tutu Towers (which is basically the name for my flat – it's mostly pink after all) and I’m finally able to take a little moment to catch up with you all! So, the last week or so has been all about Berlin. Yes! You guessed it. I’m living the dream, a tutu wearing ballet princess in the most exciting European capital.
It all started with a call from my ballet teacher back in Derbyshire. A new studio, "Schöner Tanz" ("Beautiful Dance") had opened in the heart of Berlin, and they were desperate to find some experienced teachers to help them. Oh, how could I say no? It felt like a whirlwind. Packing a suitcase overflowing with pink, my trusty ballet bag packed full of tutus and ribbons, and an air of pure excitement.
Arriving at the station was pretty surreal – a sea of people speaking German. I managed to navigate the ticket machines (I had practised on a previous trip to Vienna, don’t judge, we all have our travel challenges), and after a slightly nerve-wracking but enjoyable train journey, I finally landed at my destination. My little hotel, full of Parisian-inspired romance – cute little balconies with floral boxes overflowing, and a small, dimly lit lounge with the aroma of jasmine. I could practically smell a fairytale!
The next morning, I arrived at the studio, "Schöner Tanz". It was breathtaking. Located in a historic building, it has these big, bright, airy studios with huge windows looking out onto the street. It was absolutely bursting with dancers of all ages and sizes - little ones learning the basics with their mums, teenage boys practicing their leaps with their eyes closed, and seasoned professionals stretching with incredible grace and control. It felt like stepping into a scene from Swan Lake!
As for my first class - pure magic. Everyone in the class was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic, even with my slightly dodgy German. (You’ve heard of 'German efficiency,' it’s basically the equivalent of 'ballet dedication' but with slightly less twinkle).
Speaking of which – German tutus are… different. They’re all about precise structure, perfect symmetry and lines. Everything is very, very… neat. A far cry from my own collection. Think structured fabrics, super-smooth lines, with no ruffled edges in sight. And the pink, oh my dear lovelies – think blush pink, very delicate and understated, definitely more grown-up. Not really my style - my tutus are a bit more… expressive!
But don’t get me wrong. This German aesthetic is fascinating, just like the city itself! Evenings are for exploring - Strolling past the Brandenburg Gate with a giant, steaming, spicy hot dog and seeing the iconic East Side Gallery all lit up at night… pure magic. I even managed to find the most gorgeous vintage ballet shop just around the corner from my hotel, full of beautifully designed leotards, dance shoes that whispered stories of dancers long gone, and even an old-fashioned ballet bar. It was pure enchantment. The woman who owned it even had a very pink, very sparkly tutu (with a few sequins missing) hidden at the back of the shop – she wouldn’t let me touch it, she said it was "an heirloom."
My next adventure is going to be a visit to the Berlin Staatsoper - I've booked tickets for Swan Lake. (Don't worry - I'm not wearing my "sparkly tutu" in the opera house - it's way too glamorous. Plus, it might clash with the opera house. It's probably better for me to keep it at the studio and focus on perfecting the Russian plié! )
But for now, I’ll be taking you all with me, exploring this captivating city, sharing stories of dancers and dreams, and hopefully even inspiring you to try ballet! Who knows - maybe you’ll find your perfect pink tutu along the way!
Until tomorrow darlings.
Lots of love and pink sprinkles,
Emma
xx
