Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing, ballet-loving, pink-obsessed blogger, Emma, back with another whirlwind adventure from the world of twirls and travel!
Today, we're taking a journey across the vast prairies of Canada to the bustling city of Edmonton. I confess, this little ballerina wasn't sure what to expect from Alberta - my knowledge of Canada mostly revolved around maple syrup, moose and hockey. However, this prairie province was about to blow my mind!
Firstly, you lot know my penchant for train travel. There's something undeniably romantic and elegant about hurtling across the landscape in a vintage carriage, observing the changing scenery. And my journey to Edmonton was no exception. Picture me, all pink and pretty in my custom-made tutu, settling into my first-class compartment with a glass of bubbly and a copy of "Pride and Prejudice". I practically felt like I was in a Jane Austen novel!
My first stop in Edmonton was a visit to the magnificent Alberta Ballet. This is a real gem, you see - I was absolutely blown away by their commitment to presenting ballet in innovative and accessible ways. They’ve got a fantastic community program with open classes, workshops, and outreach projects for all ages and abilities. It made my heart swell!
Oh, and let's not forget the show! The Alberta Ballet company's performance of “The Nutcracker” was quite simply divine. The choreography was truly breathtaking, with an enchanting blend of classic ballet and contemporary style. I particularly loved the pas de deux - the chemistry between the dancers was electric!
As an aside, did you know that Edmonton has a thriving dance community? It's home to a plethora of ballet schools, studios and performance spaces, making it a truly inspirational city for dancers of all levels. They’ve got a big focus on ballet outreach – making the artform accessible to everyone, which I find simply wonderful.
Speaking of inspiration, Edmonton is also a nature lover's paradise. On my second day, I took a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s sprawling River Valley Park. Can you imagine my delight? Riding through a verdant green valley, surrounded by majestic willows and cottonwood trees, with nothing but the gentle clip-clop of horseshoes and the sweet scent of pine needles in the air...Pure magic, I tell you!
Oh, and did I mention the wildlife? As I gazed at the lush green landscape, I spotted a cheeky deer enjoying a lazy afternoon sunbathe by the river. Now, you know how I adore wildlife. There's something so captivating about watching these creatures roam free, especially against such a stunning backdrop. I just adore the graceful way they move, reminiscent of ballet!
To top off this amazing adventure, I spent a delightful afternoon wandering through Old Strathcona. This historical district is just a joy to explore - cobbled streets lined with antique shops, quirky art galleries, and independent cafes – I even spotted a fabulous vintage boutique overflowing with gorgeous dresses, shoes and, of course, hats! The colours were simply divine.
However, it was the atmosphere that truly captured my heart. There's a sense of community in Old Strathcona that is utterly heartwarming. Everyone seems to know each other, there are children laughing, artists sketching in the street - it's a place where creativity truly thrives! You know how much I love to capture the spirit of each place I visit, and Old Strathcona's character truly jumped out at me. I simply had to include it in my next ballet performance - I've even started working on a new dance routine inspired by the energy and history of this amazing neighbourhood!
I must confess, my stay in Edmonton flew by in a glorious flurry of twirls and exploration. As I boarded my train back to Derbyshire, I couldn’t help but reflect on the enchanting experience that I had just had. Alberta - with its vast prairies, its vibrant art scene and its endearing charm - is truly a magical destination.
So, darlings, as I bid you farewell until next time, do remember – life's too short to wear anything but a pink tutu!
P.S. – For those of you who've been wondering, my pink tutu was the absolute star of the show in Edmonton! It's the most gorgeous, floaty, feather-light tulle concoction you've ever seen. And yes, it matched the magnificent Canadian prairies beautifully!
Until tomorrow, my sweet friends, may your lives be filled with pink and twirls!
