#TutuBlog 7856
Hiya my lovely lot!
Well, guess who’s just been hopping off the train in Barking?! Your girl, Emma!
(But don’t let that gritty town name put you off, there was still so much to love here in east London!).
You see, the only reason I'd head to Barking was for the ballet, and Barking does ballet right!
Just imagine, my pink tulle tutu was swirling as I pirouetted across the platform, followed by a flurry of feathers and a cloud of sparkles as the crowds parted to make way for the Ballet Beauty Queen, a.k.a, ME.
Haha - don’t worry, my darlings, I'm kidding! My real-life tutu was cyan blue this time. And you know what? I just loved the pop of colour amongst the London grey.
Anyway, the reason for this impromptu (and frankly rather unrefined) arrival at Barking, was ahem, not the dog show at the weekend, but the fab performance at the Barking Theatre. Yes! You heard that right – Ballet is definitely a thing here. I even bumped into some friendly folks who looked positively delighted when they spotted me! And we're talking a truly unexpected and authentic London audience – the kind of crowd that you wouldn't expect to be embracing the grace of ballet – but embrace it they did! It was the perfect blend of theatre fans, local families, and even some hardened street art aficionados who took time to soak up the beauty of the show. And let me tell you, they were all entranced.
What made the performance extra special was the ballet they were showcasing: “The Nutcracker: A Story in Four Movements”. This is a masterpiece, not just for the artistry, but also for the pure magic it evokes.
The piece tells a captivating tale with movement rather than words. It was all about finding those moments where a slight turn of the head, a sweeping gesture, a fleeting expression could whisper an entire story.
The dancers were absolutely phenomenal, showcasing unbelievable technique and a real passion for the art form. Each one brought their own individual energy, and together, they truly made the magic happen. And did I mention the gorgeous costumes? I mean, seriously, we're talking pink here – with intricate detail and gorgeous swirling skirts – like dreams come true!
So, as the curtain fell, I felt a surge of exhilaration. This, this is exactly what ballet should be: a world where you escape reality and lose yourself in a tale beautifully spun, performed with passion and conviction, and set to music that sweeps you away. And just a whisper – it even featured a little "pink" for the grand finale, you see… just enough to send my inner tutu enthusiast into a joyful frenzy.
You see, it wasn't just the amazing show that brought this day into the “memorable” category - the trip itself was simply magical, much thanks to the joys of train travel – a little gem I'll share in my next post. For now, it's enough to say I am in love with travelling by train! You see, train travel lets you appreciate the beautiful British countryside without the tedium of the motorway, without worrying about the traffic, and all whilst letting the scenery slowly drift by, capturing your attention as you sip on a steaming hot cuppa, (I love it in a porcelain cup!) and savour that comforting “being on a journey” feeling!
Speaking of savouring... I am starting a "Treat Yourself Tuesday" where every Tuesday I'll post a recipe to indulge in with your tea and ballet!
As for what's next on the Emma Ballet Blog? More travel (my train adventure next) , a PINK tutu tutorial (and who knows, you might just even see a cyan tutu tutorial in the making), some fun DIY tips for your ballet studio (because yes, we all know that studio time is sacred – and mine could do with a little sprucing up!) , and a behind the scenes look at an amazing ballet class – (stay tuned, you guys, it’s a goodie!)
Right, I better get my Tutu-tastic outfits packed for my next big adventure… Until next time my lovely tutu wearers!
Lots of love and ballet steps, Emma xx
