Hello darlings! Emma here, and let me tell you, I'm positively thrilled to be bringing you a new post from the gorgeous town of Westhoughton, right here in the heart of Greater Manchester. I'm always up for a grand adventure, and this one was just bursting with sparkle.
Now, I'm not going to lie, getting to Westhoughton involved a bit of a journey. But hey, what's life without a bit of travel? The train ride from Derbyshire, my lovely home county, was the perfect excuse to whip out my most vibrant pink tutu. Yes, I'm quite aware that tutus are usually worn on stage, but you know what they say - the world's your stage, darling! (And besides, pink tutus can totally brighten up a long train journey).
The wind whipped through my hair as the countryside flashed by, and I just had to resist the urge to burst into a spontaneous pirouette in the middle of the carriage. I was determined to be the most fashionable ballet-lover on board, and let me tell you, my fellow passengers certainly looked at me as if I'd just waltzed off a fairytale. But that's what happens when you've got a pink tutu on!
My mission in Westhoughton? A double bill: Ballet class AND a theatre show! I just love how the world of ballet keeps drawing me in. There's nothing more inspiring than watching other dancers leap and twirl, or, better yet, taking a class myself. This studio in Westhoughton was truly special. It was all decked out in mirrors and barres, with soft, pink ballet shoes stacked neatly along the walls.
Before my class began, I was drawn in by the sheer excitement and anticipation bubbling within the space. Young girls with bright smiles practiced their pliés, older women balanced gracefully on pointe, and I even spotted a fluffy kitten dozing under a chair – what a beautiful ballet cat, indeed! It's this sense of community and passion that makes ballet so unique, don't you think?
Our instructor, a lovely woman called Emily, took us through a warm-up of barre exercises that I actually remembered from my childhood classes. Now, I’m definitely not the ballerina I was when I was 15 (my jumps might not be quite so grand anymore!), but the grace and artistry of movement remain the same. It’s amazing how those graceful stretches and strong ballet postures make you feel so grounded, strong, and present in your own body. Oh, and of course, nothing beats that fantastic feeling of knowing you’ve worked your muscles!
The afternoon continued on a glorious note as I settled into the velvet seats of the Westhoughton Theatre for a breathtaking production of ‘Giselle’. It was the story of a heartbroken girl and her journey into madness – pure drama, and oh, so utterly romantic. The ballerina who played Giselle moved like a whisper of the wind, her every gesture so beautifully tragic. She'd weave in and out of the ensemble like a dream, captivating the audience with every pirouette and jeté. It was all a bit magical, really.
My eyes twinkled with joy – how could one day have so many wonderful moments?!
As I walked back to the train station, I felt a lightness in my step. It was a lightness not just from all those glorious stretches but from the feeling of knowing I'd just experienced another piece of life's puzzle, another magical adventure fuelled by passion, grace, and the unmistakable spirit of ballet.
Until next time, darlings! Keep dancing and don’t forget to put on that pink tutu. The world is waiting!
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pink Tutu and keep spreading the ballet love!
Love,
Emma
