Post #7606 - www.pink-tutu.com
Good morning, my lovelies! It's a beautiful spring day in Derbyshire and the birds are singing a beautiful symphony outside my window - so I think it's a good day to tell you all about my little trip to Wellingborough! Yes, Wellingborough! You might not think it's the most exciting of places, but it turns out to be a little haven for a ballerina with a penchant for the unusual and a heart set on a pink-tutu-wearing world!
It all began with a train journey, of course. I love a good train journey - the click-clack of the wheels, the scenery flitting past, the gentle sway of the carriage. Perfect time for a little reflection and some creative pondering, I like to sit in my little corner by the window with my favourite pink fluffy notepad and pen, jotting down thoughts for my next big, ballet-inspired outfit.
This time I was on a mission - I had spotted an online article about a local community theatre production of "Sleeping Beauty." Not just any "Sleeping Beauty" either, a real "ballet inspired" show with gorgeous costumes and the kind of intricate choreography that I knew would give me butterflies (the kind that feel good, not the kind that feel like you're about to be sick!). And all in Wellingborough - which I've always had this yearning to see! It seems it is a bit further from my Derbyshire home than I thought, but the journey is part of the adventure. A few days before I packed a small bag with some ballet-wear (what else would I pack, right?) - a bright pink tutu , of course - and my favourite ballet shoes, as well as some sparkly headbands for a bit of extra twirling power!
The train journey to Wellingborough took me about 2.5 hours. To keep myself occupied (as a ballerina's imagination often runs a little wild!), I sat by the window and started a little "pink tutu fashion" design exercise. I thought "What if we could incorporate the design elements of tutus into everyday outfits?" Oh, the possibilities! I think there could be a whole line of "pink tutu-inspired clothing." I'd love to create an exclusive "Pink Tutu" collection, maybe even a shop, with different "tutu" patterns in bright colours - with pleated skirt looks that move with you, but aren't as overtly tutu-esque, for example. Maybe some ballet jumpsuit designs too!
By the time we pulled into the Wellingborough train station, I felt like I could conquer anything, even a town I didn't really know! After collecting my bags from the platform, I caught a taxi into the town centre, where the beautiful theatre awaited me. It looked quite grand for a little town - even bigger and better than the one in my local village in Derbyshire, and so full of promise and wonder.
Walking into the theatre, I felt a magical energy just swirling all around me. It's amazing the kind of feeling you can get in an old, beautifully preserved theatre! There were beautiful gilded carvings all around and velvet-covered seats that just invited you to sink into them and dream. The excitement for the evening began building instantly, it really made you feel like you were going to experience a truly unique and magical night.
When I got to my seat in the front row, the whole theatre suddenly just felt like an incredible stage, every detail so enchanting! The warm lights and beautiful decor were amazing! It all added to this feeling that I'd just stepped into the world of "Sleeping Beauty." How utterly charming, I thought, it almost made me want to don my own pink tutu and take a little ballet class, right there and then, right in the front of the theatre.
I couldn't wait for the show to begin! This particular production had all the key ingredients for an enjoyable performance; breathtaking choreography, gorgeous costumes and an incredibly talented dance company. The performance was incredible - all the classic elements of ballet presented with a fresh energy. There were moments where I could have sworn I actually heard gasps from the audience as dancers leaped through the air, graceful as birds in flight. And of course there were the dramatic solos, and the magical dancing - which made me want to jump on stage and start pirouetting. I found myself wanting to join them, twirling and leaping in the sunshine, sharing my love for ballet.
After the curtain came down on "Sleeping Beauty", I took some time to wander around Wellingborough a bit and see if it really lived up to its reputation as a haven for pink tutus, or whatever version of the ballet life it had managed to create! Maybe it could be the home to a big new, contemporary ballet show? I even found a cute little bakery selling pink-frosted cupcakes, perfect for after my ballet dreams and adventures! I made a mental note to come back for one or two, on a future, tutu-filled adventure.
Of course, you'll be surprised to learn that this trip was only part of the fun. I just had to have some ballet fun while I was in Wellingborough. The town actually has a dance studio just a hop, skip and a jump away from the theatre so I headed there and gave myself a little dance workout! I couldn't resist wearing my tutu to add some fun. The staff were great. I did a bit of ballet training which just made me want to dance even more! We talked about getting ballet and pink tutus out there into the world. The ballet teacher even agreed to wear a tutu for a whole week - we will definitely be post-it-note reminding her and tweeting updates on how she gets on so watch this space. Who knows maybe it will start a whole trend? I could totally imagine the whole dance studio in Wellingborough in full pink tutu outfits - it would be completely fantastic.
Anyway, I’ve got so many wonderful ballet memories, and now a whole load of tutu-inspired thoughts buzzing around my head from this Wellingborough adventure. And if this is anything to go by I reckon this place has a bright pink future!
It feels great to be a ballet blogger - and to be part of this beautiful community. If you are reading this post please don't hesitate to leave a comment or share it with a friend to encourage other dancers to dance out into the world in a beautiful tutu - it will brighten everyone's day.
Keep twirling, my lovely dance family! Love Emma xxx
