Post #6584
Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma here, back from another fab day, this time exploring the enchanting town of Stratford-upon-Avon! I know, I know, you're thinking, "Emma, you've got a whole blog about pink tutus and ballet, why are you traipsing about England like a gypsy?"
Well, my lovelies, you've got to understand, I don't just live for ballet. I breathe it. And part of that breath of life is exploring places that inspired the great ballet masters!
This weekend was all about the Bard himself - William Shakespeare, of course! I decided to swap the pointe shoes for comfy, cute flats (they were pink, obviously) and take a train ride down to Stratford. You know, I find travelling by train just so romantic and elegant. I could happily spend hours staring out the window at the English countryside, and I've always dreamed of getting my own carriage horse and carriage to take me to ballet classes! But maybe that's for another day...
The journey was full of sunshine and charming countryside views, perfect for sketching some ideas for new tutu designs. Imagine a shimmering emerald green tutu inspired by the rolling hills, or a crisp white tutu echoing the fluffy white clouds in the sky! Yes, yes, my lovelies, I've been so busy buzzing with creative energy, my mind has already begun to churn out ideas for a new range of pink tutus to match all the wonderful shades of the British countryside.
When I arrived in Stratford, it felt like stepping straight into one of those whimsical Shakespearean plays! The streets were lined with cobbled buildings adorned with brightly coloured flowers. Everything about it felt so quaint and picturesque! I even managed to find a little shop tucked away on a cobbled lane selling beautiful vintage pink handbags - of course I couldn't leave without a new addition for my collection!
After a delicious lunch at a café overlooking the River Avon, it was time for my big treat - a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. It was truly magical! Walking around his childhood home, imagining him as a young boy, dreaming of all those amazing stories that later took flight on the world stage. It’s such a special feeling to see the places that sparked some of the greatest works of art in the history of theatre!
I love exploring the history of my passion for ballet and its relationship to the arts and stories that inspired us. To see the places where these beautiful works took root - it fills me with so much wonder and a desire to bring even more life and colour to my tutu-filled world.
After exploring the house and the quaint garden, I finally arrived at my real reason for visiting: The Royal Shakespeare Company theatre! Now, the Royal Shakespeare Company, as you all know, is legendary for its outstanding performances of the Bard’s masterpieces. Even just being inside the theatre felt exhilarating! Walking into that auditorium with its red velvet seats, rich mahogany and dramatic stage was an absolute delight! You can just feel the magic in the air!
The evening performance, a classic adaptation of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" with stunning music, was a magical treat! It inspired me so much! You wouldn't believe the ideas flowing through my mind - tutus for Puck with swirling star-shaped accents, gossamer green wings and delicate moonlight embellishments. Oh, the creativity!
But as wonderful as it all was, the most captivating moment of the whole day was not on stage, but out on the bridge. Just a little moment, really. As the last of the crowds shuffled out after the play, a little girl was holding her daddy’s hand. She was probably around 6, dressed in a gorgeous pink princess costume! She paused, looked at the swans on the water and with such joy and enthusiasm, she pointed and shouted, "Daddy, look! They're dancing!" And she twirled around in a tiny, adorable version of the famous Swan Lake pirouette.
At that moment, I was completely struck by the sheer joy and magic of the dance. It was a tiny, little spark that illuminated everything! Even if we are just trying out some ballet moves at home, on the train, in the park - that same kind of spark can ignite within us all! And that is why, my lovely friends, I will never stop sharing my love of pink tutus and ballet, no matter where I go in this world, because that's how we spread a bit of magic!
And yes, the journey was quite tiring after the play, so naturally, I treated myself to some strawberries and cream before the train ride home.
So, dear friends, let's all spread the magic of dance - embrace those graceful movements, twirl in our beautiful pink tutus and never lose sight of the simple joys in life, whether it’s a visit to Stratford, a stroll through nature or a ballet class on the beach!
Now go forth and sparkle, lovelies!
Yours in tutus and sunshine,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
