Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the Black Country!
As you know, I love a good adventure and I've been itching to explore some new corners of England. I'm a huge fan of the countryside (horses, rolling hills, and that fresh, clean air - heaven!), but every now and then, it's good to be surrounded by bustling city life. So, I packed my bright pink tutu (itās the one I got for my 21st birthday!), grabbed my trusty train ticket and hopped aboard for a little jaunt to Rowley Regis.
I know what you're thinking, "Rowley Regis?" Well, believe me, it's more charming than it sounds! Nestled in the West Midlands, itās brimming with history, vibrant community spirit, and, best of all, the cutest little local ballet school!
The Black Country Ballet
Let me tell you, this little gem was a complete joy! Iād found out about it online while researching my trip and had to add it to my itinerary. You see, itās a big mission of mine to spread the love for ballet, and it's a joy to find these hidden pockets of brilliance ā and āBlack Country Balletā doesn't disappoint. A team of incredibly talented dancers were all ready to share their passion and dedication. The minute I walked in, there was a buzz in the air that was contagious!
The instructors, were as welcoming as they were inspiring. They gave me a tour, and you wonāt believe the amount of history in that space. They've got walls filled with awards and stories from generations of local ballet dancers.
And the dancing itself, well, let's just say it stole my heart. Each and every dancer, from the littlest poppets learning their first pirouettes to the more advanced students who soared across the dance floor, absolutely lit up the room! You could feel the love they have for the art form, it just radiated outwards.
I got to observe a class full of youngsters and their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were truly heartwarming. These children have so much natural grace and ability; itās almost like the Black Country air is filled with pixie dust!
Adventures beyond the barre
Now, Rowley Regis isnāt just about dancing, though that alone would have been a day worth travelling for!
We went to see the amazing Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust - itās this incredible canal network that spans the area, with this whole industrial heritage behind it. The canals were absolutely enchanting, especially seeing all the wildlife ā it was so relaxing after a day full of ballet bliss. Itās like the swans, geese, and ducks knew I was a city girl at heart, and they wanted to show me a little peace and quiet!
I couldnāt resist picking up some handmade crafts at a lovely little boutique. I bought a beautiful, pink handmade trinket box that just perfectly embodies my love for all things whimsical and pretty. I had a really yummy afternoon tea in a quirky cafe where I tried their Black Country pudding - so surprisingly delicious!
But, to be completely honest, my highlight was spending time with the ballet girls, both big and small. They were so chatty and friendly - the best bit is they didn't even bat an eyelid at my pink tutu! We talked all things ballet (including my absolute obsession with American style tutus) and life in the Black Country. These girls were absolutely a breath of fresh air. I love finding this little community hidden in a world of its own.
Taking the train back
My train ride back was the perfect ending to a magical day. As I watched the landscape blur past my window, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and inspiration. Rowley Regis truly blew me away with its charm, and Iām already planning a return trip, this time with my whole Derbyshire dance group!
But it was even more than the incredible experience that made my trip so special. It was the little moments - the warmth and enthusiasm from the ballet community, the quiet joy of the canals, and the chance to immerse myself in a culture I've only glimpsed from afar.
So, remember my little darlings, the world is a much more vibrant place when we dare to explore. Itās these journeys that fuel our creativity, shape our vision and open our minds. Itās in these experiences, in every corner of our planet, where we find magic! And a touch of magic is something we all need, donāt you think?
And for all my fabulous readers, please don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and find a pink tutu that fits! You might surprise yourself! I truly believe ballet, in its beautiful, creative form, can bring joy to everyone, no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you look like.
Until next time, my lovelies!
Emma xo
P.S. Keep an eye out for my upcoming posts, where Iāll be sharing a new dance routine Iāve been working on and some fab new ways to incorporate pink tutus into your everyday wardrobe! You donāt want to miss it!
www.pink-tutu.com
