Post number: 5871
Helloooo lovelies! Emma here, fresh from a trip to the beautiful and magical town of Falkirk. And yes, I wore a tutu! This time it was a gloriously sunny yellow, which seemed to perfectly match the sunny disposition of the locals (and who can resist the vibrant colour of the Kelpies!).
Falkirk is a little slice of heaven, just a short train journey from Derbyshire, and a perfect stop for any ballet aficionado, or indeed anyone who loves a bit of a cultural jaunt!
Now, I don't normally start a post with a ballet anecdote, but this trip truly began with one! On my journey up north, I was lucky enough to be sat next to a delightful gentleman who told me all about the Royal Ballet School's summer school, which is held right here in Falkirk. It felt like destiny - how could I not visit?
But before I even thought of stepping into a dance studio, the iconic Kelpies called my name! Those colossal, magnificent horses stood tall and proud, and it was like a real-life storybook came to life right in front of me. I was instantly captivated by the power and beauty of them, a perfect symbol of both grace and strength - not unlike a ballerina, wouldn't you say?
It was a crisp, bright morning, so I decided to stretch my legs and take a walk around the Helix, where the Kelpies reside. As I strolled through the peaceful parkland, I noticed little groups of kids and their families, all mesmerized by these magnificent sculptures. The pure joy on their faces was truly contagious! It made me think how important it is for young people to be exposed to such beauty and artistic expression. Perhaps, it might spark a passion in them for ballet or some other creative field.
But my little pink tutu-clad heart wasn’t going to be contained by just statues, magnificent as they were. I yearned for a touch of dance and theatre! My wanderings took me to the Hippodrome Cinema, which, I was delighted to find, was a converted theatre built back in 1902. This was the perfect excuse to put on my most dazzlingly pink and fluffy tutu and a pair of my favorite ruby-red heels! After all, who needs a stage when you can have the entire street as your backdrop? I think the people of Falkirk appreciated the surprise!
The Charm of a Historic Town
Once I was finished pirouetting on the pavement (and had received plenty of "you look beautiful" comments from local shopkeepers), it was time for me to delve into the heart of Falkirk and its history. My trip couldn't have come at a better time, as the town was all dressed up for its annual "Falkirk Beer Festival." This turned out to be an absolute blast!
The vibrant market square was brimming with stalls showcasing all kinds of craft beers, as well as tasty local delicacies like delicious cakes and pastries, and artisan cheeses.
To say it was colourful was an understatement! From bright orange squashy pumpkins to vibrant yellow and red apples, the market was bursting with beautiful hues that seemed to echo the shades of my sunny yellow tutu. But of course, it wasn't just the colours that charmed me.
The festival felt like a real community event. People came from all walks of life – from young families with strollers to seniors in comfy walking shoes. Everyone seemed to have the same idea – to simply enjoy good food, great drinks, and the lovely atmosphere.
Falkirk was bursting with stories, not just from the beer festival, but everywhere I looked! The ancient cobbled streets told tales of generations gone by, the old buildings whispering stories of bygone times. There’s an authentic charm about this historic town that feels a bit forgotten by time – a preciousness that I often find missing from busier, larger cities.
The Majesty of a Ballet Class
It was a treat to catch the last hour of the ballet class in the town's local dance studio. They were learning the beautiful Swan Lake. You see, Falkirk has its own Royal Ballet connection. The first ballet teacher in the town was a pupil of Cecchetti, and Cecchetti, of course, was a teacher of the Russian Imperial Ballet. So this town has a history of "serious ballet," which is the kind that appeals to me – classical ballet, traditional and dramatic.
Seeing these young dancers honing their skills, stretching their bodies, and losing themselves in the graceful movements – it was like witnessing a bit of magic. The atmosphere in the studio was electrifying, full of focus, dedication, and passion. Even the slightest squeak of the dance floor added to the mesmerizing aura. I just wish I’d brought my ballet shoes with me - I would have joined in! (It was quite tempting.)
Falkirk: More than a Trip, an Inspiration
I'll confess that before this trip, Falkirk was simply a place on a map to me. But after this experience, it's become so much more than that – it's an inspiration! I’m so grateful for the chance to have explored its beautiful corners, meet its lovely people, and discover the hidden gem that is its ballet tradition.
I’m also a bit more in love with ballet (if that’s even possible) after visiting the class in the studio. My plan, lovelies, is to try a local ballet class, and to report back to you on that soon. In the meantime, let me know your favorite ballet movements and ballets and I'll add those to my own ballet syllabus!
This journey to Falkirk has truly left me feeling energized and inspired. I hope you've enjoyed the story, and please share with me in the comments if you've had a ballet or theatre trip or any special moment this week. And, most importantly, let's keep spreading the love for pink tutus and dance!
Remember: Dance like no one is watching and wear your pink tutu proudly!
Love always,
Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
