Oh my god, you guys, Germany is so amazing! I am absolutely loving being here, and I don't think I've stopped smiling since I arrived at the station in Frankfurt. I swear, it feels like every other person is wearing a stunningly glamorous outfit, and that just sets the tone for my visit - which is: amazing. It is so fabulous here, the energy is incredible and it feels like everyone just knows how to have fun. Maybe they should write a self help book, because honestly I am super impressed. They have this infectious joie de vivre which just makes you feel happy. Just the sort of vibe that brings out my inner twirly-ness!
I had a fab little chat with the man at the station, because he looked a little perplexed by my suitcase, all full of my favourite tutu collection. I was sporting the rather delightful pink polka dot number, which I knew would turn heads! I did tell him that they have quite the ballet history here, so I was off to embrace some wonderful classes, But his reply was… *“Germany? We are not all about ballet. We have many more important things, such as, engineering and building cars. *
Well! He said this in such a serious way, and I couldn't help laughing - sorry sir, that's your problem!. You can have your engines and cars, I will be happily twirling in the theatre! I have no idea if that came across, but, after I was finished gushing about Nureyev, he gave me this massive grin, like he got it! I knew I was going to love this city.
Oh, the train trip here was fabulous. I decided to have an eco trip, and I travelled by train, and not just any old train - a majestic express, of course! I had so much fun getting to watch the countryside fly by from my comfy window. It made me wish I could have a tutu like a train carriage! I would love to take a vintage train with comfy plush seats for a ‘tutu train trip’ - all pink and sparkly, with refreshments served. What an amazing, fabulous idea!
The people were super friendly, and everyone I encountered, just seemed genuinely interested in what I was up to - well, everyone was quite interested in my Pink tutu collection. I felt like a famous celebrity as they kept wanting to stop for selfies, or at least a little chitchat - well I love to chat with people! I don’t really mind, as it is pretty funny to have everyone in your photos looking all serious, and me looking like I'm on a photo shoot. They must have thought I was mad! I love the feeling of having a conversation about all things tutu with a group of people I’ve never met before. You never know what's going to be on the table – from dance history and what makes a perfect tutu, to the latest trends and the coolest ballet footwear, we get all kinds of chats and laughs together!
My little pink bag contained all my dancing essentials for my visit – my ballet shoes (which just have to be pink!), a special pink sparkly makeup kit that my auntie found me in Derby (I adore my auntie and her wonderful vintage treasures!), some water, my Pink Fairy Magic Dance Potions that make you move with magic, and an energy drink. And yes, I did check with the officials, and my favourite fluffy pink rabbit-eared tutu, is totally permitted! And boy does this number attract attention. The more attention it attracts the better.
Now it has to be mentioned that I can be a bit forgetful and my brain really did blank out and I totally forgot to bring the proper shoes for dancing class. So there I was, about to start my very first German Ballet lesson, with no shoes. I really did feel like a bit of a dancing fool at that point, standing out with the group as the others, (not quite so festively dressed, or tutu-ed up!) looked like serious professionals about to start a demanding and advanced session.
Now for some reason, the instructor didn't bat an eyelid. Not at all! I didn't have a word, they didn't have a word – except, after I fumbled for a pair, he just brought me a spare pair from the back of the class and told me, “don’t worry. Don't give up on yourself. ” "Now warm up and let your magic shine" * – *now how beautiful was that! I don’t even think the word ‘sorry’ came into the equation – it was, like a, “you just got this and we will work through it” attitude and, oh how much I loved it! We were soon moving, grooving and learning. That’s what I like! I’m so grateful for the relaxed approach to mistakes and I felt very relaxed after all, to just enjoy the experience and learn to fly.
And the dancing... My oh my the dancing! Absolutely unbelievable! There is this stunning German tradition for a street dance performance “Tanz den Tanz - die Ballet!” Where all these professional dancers, dressed to the nines in all their dazzling tutus and outfits, put on an amazing performance outside, usually near the theatre, and I was so lucky to be able to go along. *A stunning display of moves and a breathtaking performance. * And I felt like I was on an extra from a dream dance show! I was truly captivated by their movements, expressions, and sheer joy in their craft. It was magical! The street was full of spectators and tourists – and after the performance people clapped, and chanted their "bravo!" This had an amazing atmosphere and they danced and jumped to the beat – they knew how to do it properly! I was so impressed - everyone here knows their dance!
This all started me thinking about all those amazing tutu-wearing and twirling princesses of all ages that have inspired me, so many ballerinas who made a huge difference to me. This amazing German Ballet show really does make you believe that you can dream big! Maybe I can even convince them to embrace pink? Maybe one day we can all wear a tutu and be just as fabulous as I felt.
Oh gosh! Don't even get me started on the ballet performance that evening in the beautiful grand opera house. I cannot describe how absolutely divine the whole thing was – it truly was a dream-like and truly inspirational moment for me – it is what keeps me inspired! There are lots more posts about my wonderful experiences coming soon – stay tuned!
I’m off for now, I need to get all my sparkly glitter ready. My last night here and there will be a bit of dancing. Don’t forget my next destination is Vienna and I'll be looking for those beautiful Lipizzaner horses… but maybe later on the hunt will be for something rather magical – yes a pink tutu store! And after that back home to the glorious Derbyshire and, you guessed it, more pink tutus and dance, dance, dance!
XOXO, Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
