Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the charming town of Stretford! You might think I'm a bit odd for venturing out of Derbyshire in my trusty pink tutu, but there's just something magical about discovering new places with a bit of twirling sparkle, don't you think?
Stretford was calling to me. I’d been following this incredible ballet troupe on Instagram – they call themselves “The Stretford Swivels,” can you imagine? So glamorous! Their performances have been popping up all over social media, showcasing breathtaking street dance and ballet fused together. And what drew me in? Their stunningly vibrant tutus, of course! Pink, naturally!
So, I donned my favourite powder pink tulle masterpiece (it's my lucky one!), packed my dancing shoes and a pair of fabulous fluffy pink bunny slippers for the journey, and boarded a train straight to the heart of Stretford. The train journey was an adventure in itself. I spotted a little hedgehog curled up in a blackberry bush at the station, and then later a magnificent pair of grey horses galloping across the fields - perfect for a ballet inspired by nature, wouldn't you say?
The first thing that struck me about Stretford was the sheer energy and vibrancy. Even the shop signs seemed to be shimmying and swaying like dancers! My eyes lit up at the sight of a pastel pink cafe nestled in a cobbled square – just the perfect spot for a spot of tea and a chat with the local gossips, don’t you think? The girls in the cafe were as lovely as can be, serving me warm scones and a slice of Victoria sponge – perfect for fueling my dance-tastic adventures. Of course, I had to ask them if they liked tutus. “TutUs?” They exclaimed, “Of course we do. It is a dance city!”. They told me about the Stretford Swivels' monthly shows – they performed in a disused church building, the walls adorned with flickering fairy lights. How divine!
As I strolled through the town, a delightful group of people caught my eye. A choir of elderly ladies was singing on the corner – their beautiful voices carried on the breeze, enchanting the shoppers and sending shivers down my spine! They all looked simply stunning with their silver curls cascading over their shoulders and those vibrant fuchsia coats. A little ballerina herself, the elderly lady at the back was doing little shimmies and sways – it was adorable.
“Let’s start a chorus of “Swan Lake!”, I suggested as I took my place amongst them! These wonderful women didn’t hesitate. I can still hear those elegant high notes soaring into the air - oh, the joy!
Later that evening, the church doors swung open, welcoming us all into a magical realm. It was like stepping onto a fairytale stage. And the Stretford Swivels - oh, they were glorious! The stage lit up with their vibrant, coordinated movements, their leaps and twirls sending waves of excitement through the audience. I was mesmerised! Their tutus! Each one a masterpiece of color and artistry – bright pinks and yellows. I just wanted to leap on stage with them, spin and spin and let the magic take hold.
It wasn’t all just a dazzling spectacle. The Stretford Swivels shared their heartfelt stories with us, the way they started their troupe, how they’ve fought against the odds to build their dream and bring beauty and grace to their community. The passion in their eyes and their heartfelt performances just confirmed for me that ballet isn't just about dancing – it's about love, connection, and bringing a touch of magic to every corner of our lives.
It's no wonder my favourite color is pink. There's just something magical about it. When you feel good, it reflects that – the light shines from within and out. In Stretford, I felt the power of this in every dance, in every smile, in every piece of kindness that was exchanged. And as I write this, I feel like it's spreading from Stretford, through my keyboard and into your homes.
After the show, I strolled down the moonlit streets of Stretford, feeling my heart lighter than a tutu in flight. There's nothing quite like the energy of a vibrant dance community, don't you think? So, wherever you are in the world, find your dance, find your tutus and most importantly, spread the magic.
Love, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com