Post #6729
Hey beautiful ballet bunnies! 💖 Emma here, reporting live from the glorious Midlands! Today, my travels took me to Solihull, a little slice of England that somehow manages to feel both charming and bustling all at once. I mean, can you believe that I even managed to snag a train ticket? My love affair with the railways is reaching new heights - nothing beats that sense of freedom as you speed across the countryside!
As always, my trusty pink tutu was a crucial part of my travel ensemble. I mean, what else would you wear to make a grand entrance into the world of ballet, right? 😉 This particular number was a little extra special – a classic European style, with delicate layers of tulle and a soft pink hue that practically sang “Bonjour, mon chéri!” in a French accent. (Okay, maybe it didn't actually sing, but it sure looked like it, don't you think?)
My mission this trip was twofold: a little ballet therapy (because a girl's got to keep her pirouettes sharp!) followed by a grand soirée at the theatre. You know me, a show in every town! I landed at the Solihull School of Dance for a quick, but oh-so-necessary, ballet class. The studio had the most delightful atmosphere – windows letting in floods of sunshine, mirrors reflecting those gorgeous pirouettes, and the faint scent of wood polish hanging in the air. Just like old times, right? We had such a laugh with the other dancers. It’s amazing how the magic of ballet connects everyone, regardless of their background.
The afternoon saw me enjoying a delicious (and healthy!) lunch – salad with salmon, because this ballerina needs her protein! 😉 You'd be surprised how many good places to eat they have hidden in the Midlands! It was so lovely to soak up the afternoon sunshine whilst enjoying my lunch, before heading over to Solihull Arts Centre, the place to be for all things theatrical.
Solihull, a theatre lover's dream!
The stage lights glimmered, and my heart beat a little faster. It’s amazing, how a performance always feels like the whole world slows down – and that was definitely true for tonight’s production. I could barely contain myself – I had such a good feeling about this show, and it didn’t disappoint! I've been lucky enough to have seen many, many ballets, and let me tell you, the level of talent at Solihull Arts Centre was impressive.
The cast, comprised of both professionals and talented local dancers, performed with passion and precision. There was something so magical about watching them dance on stage, their movements flowing like ribbons in the wind. The choreography, infused with both classic grace and modern edge, captivated me from start to finish.
One scene particularly caught my attention - it was like watching an intricate painting come to life! Imagine, soaring jumps, twirls that took your breath away, and some of the most elegant footwork I’ve seen in a long time. I know I've mentioned this before, but the thing that truly fascinates me is that the dance can tell a story – without words. It can evoke so many emotions – from joy to sadness, from strength to fragility. And there’s no better feeling in the world than watching it all unfold before your eyes.
I must say, I felt very much at home at Solihull Arts Centre – a sense of welcoming and warmth. It wasn’t just about the performances, though. The staff were just lovely – chatty and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their passion for theatre. The foyer, bustling with people in their finest attire, became an impromptu ballet school – I caught myself teaching a little pirouette here, a little arabesque there! And everyone seemed happy to join in. We even did a few quick "pink tutu poses” in the lobby – imagine how beautiful that looked! Everyone loves a bit of ballet magic, don’t they?
Of course, I couldn't let the opportunity slip by without paying a visit to a few wildlife spots around the area. Solihull and its surroundings seem to be a haven for wildlife lovers. Imagine my delight when I spotted a beautiful kingfisher skimming across a sparkling river. Its colours were absolutely vibrant against the background of clear water and lush greenery.
And, of course, I managed to find my own little slice of pink heaven amidst all this gorgeousness – a charming shop in Solihull town centre stocked with adorable accessories, a whole section devoted to pink (I bought myself a sparkly pink ballet hair tie! 💅), and even a lovely cafe where I enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. My little treat for the day!
Leaving Solihull, I can’t help but smile, because this city feels like a tiny piece of magic! It has all the charm of a small town with the pulse of a big city. But more importantly, it has heart – for ballet, for the arts, for life!
I leave you today with this: why not don your best pink tutu, throw your head back and give yourself permission to twirl? It might feel silly at first, but let the laughter flow and the energy of dance take over! Who knows – maybe it’ll inspire someone else to try something new. Let’s create a world filled with dance, joy and beautiful pink tutus. 🩰 💖
See you all on the dance floor tomorrow! Until next time, Emma out!
