Hello, darlings!
It's Emma here, and guess what? I'm writing this post from the most exciting place - Edmonton, Canada! If you've been following me for a while (and let's be honest, you wouldn't miss a day of Pink-Tutu, would you?), you'll know I have a rather special thing for tutus - pink tutus in particular. And when I tell you that Edmonton was a total whirlwind of tutus, I'm not exaggerating!
But before we get to the tutus (because honestly, where else would we start, right?!), let's talk about my journey. I absolutely adore train journeys - the gentle sway of the carriage, the rustling of the countryside as it zips by, the romantic little cafe stops where you can buy a steaming cup of tea and a delicious slice of Victoria sponge (or a cheeky éclair - I do have a weakness, you know). But, for a change of pace, this time, I found myself travelling on horseback! Yes, you heard right, a horse!
Imagine it: galloping across the Canadian plains, the wind in my hair, the scent of wild sage and wildflowers, feeling completely free. It was truly an experience that made my heart soar. And the best part? I wore my brand-new, absolutely divine, custom-made pink tutu (because you simply cannot go horseback riding without a fabulous tutu, can you?) I know it sounds ridiculous, but the freedom of riding on horseback combined with the feeling of that soft tulle flowing in the wind? Just sheer bliss!
Speaking of freedom, there's no place quite like Edmonton to feel a sense of wonder and adventure. The city was bursting with life and vibrant energy, and I fell head over heels with its beautiful, sprawling parks and gardens. I lost myself wandering through the lush, floral displays at the Muttart Conservatory, completely captivated by the rainbow of orchids, cacti and exotic plants from all corners of the globe. Honestly, it was like stepping into a botanical fairyland!
Of course, no trip to Edmonton would be complete without experiencing the thrill of the Fringe Festival! Oh my goodness, you haven't lived until you've seen street performers wearing outlandish costumes, juggling flaming torches, and dancing on stilts – all against a backdrop of incredible live music. It's an explosion of creativity, joy and utter spectacle, and it perfectly embodies Edmonton's energetic spirit.
And the ballet? Don't even get me started! My little heart was positively skipping a beat as I sat down to watch the Edmonton Ballet in their spectacular performance of "The Sleeping Beauty". From the breathtaking choreography and the grace of the dancers to the sheer opulence of the costumes, it was pure magic. It's a performance that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Edmonton truly embodies everything I love: a thriving arts scene, an intoxicating mix of old-world charm and modern flair, a boundless enthusiasm for creativity, and a healthy dose of, dare I say it, pink! (There was even a darling little cafe where I had the best pink iced latte - it even came decorated with a miniature pink tutu!).
You see, that's what's so amazing about ballet: It doesn't just inspire creativity on the stage. It encourages us to think outside the box, to push boundaries, to experiment and most importantly, to wear our hearts on our sleeves (or should I say, on our tutus?).
And let me tell you, Edmonton embraced this concept with open arms (and, I'm sure, open tutus!). Every corner I turned, there was another charming dance studio, each buzzing with life, with students young and old, beginners and seasoned performers, all twirling and leaping with equal amounts of enthusiasm. The energy was contagious, and I couldn't resist joining in on a few lessons myself! You wouldn't believe the number of stunning, vibrant pink tutus I saw – it felt like I'd stumbled upon a secret haven for all things twirly and sparkly!
It was a total dream, darlings. But alas, all good things must come to an end (at least, that's what my sensible Derbyshire roots keep telling me!). So, as I write this final line from my hotel room, a little bit of my heart remains in that vibrant, beautiful city. But you know what? That's a good thing! It means Edmonton's story will remain forever etched in the swirling patterns of my own little pink tutu, forever a reminder that life is a grand, magical adventure - especially when it involves horses, tutus, and an awful lot of pink!
Until next time, darlings, remember to keep on twirling, keep on dancing, and always, always wear your heart on your tutu!
See you soon,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for daily posts!
