Hello, darlings! Welcome to #TutuBlog post number 8088!
Today's adventure is taking me far from the barre and the boards, out of the elegant world of pointe shoes and tutus, and into the rather boisterous atmosphere of Rugby, a place far from my usual haunts. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, a ballet dancer in Rugby? Why on earth are you so far away from your pink tulle?"
Well, I can't stay tucked away in the ballet studio forever, can I? A dancer's gotta stretch their legs, both literally and metaphorically, and for me that means getting out there and exploring the world, one tutu at a time! And this week, that means experiencing the thrilling world of a Rugby match!
But of course, Emma couldn't just do rugby without a splash of her signature pink-tutu magic. So, my friends, picture this: the rolling hills of the English countryside, the sun glistening off the emerald green pitch, and me, sitting in the stands wearing a bright emerald green tutu over a shimmering pink dress. Let's just say, I stood out a little, but hey, who wants to be just blending in when you can be a vibrant, sparkling, pink-tutu-wearing ray of sunshine amidst the bleachers?
And while I may be miles away from the grand opera houses and intimate theatres of London, Rugby is surprisingly charming! It's a place of community, of passionate people who cheer their team with a vigour I've only witnessed on a theatre stage! The whole place has this infectious energy and excitement, it's no wonder rugby is a sport people feel so deeply about. It's just a different kind of passion, a raw, earthy passion. And while I was at the game, I saw so many happy faces, families together, friends catching up, and of course, that unbridled joy of chanting "We're on Fire!" that had the ground shaking with their voices.
The match itself was fantastic. The players are like graceful athletes, performing their own intricate dances on the field. A sort of ballet on a grand scale with some thrilling elements! There's so much strategic thinking, team work and fast-paced movement. The way the players are positioned, the anticipation before each play, it's quite captivating! Even with my limited knowledge of the sport, I could feel the thrill of the competition and understand how captivating this sport must be to others.
And of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the delicious food. There's just something about enjoying a delicious burger with a side of chips, sat in a stadium filled with joyous fans! I'm convinced food always tastes better when shared and celebrated, so my usual gourmet vegan fare took a little side trip this week!
My day at Rugby wasn't just about the sport, it was a day of new experiences. It made me see things with a fresh perspective. I realised that being a dancer doesn't confine me to one specific location, one specific genre, it’s a freedom, an open door to adventure! I want to try it all - dance, food, culture - everything that life throws at me, as long as it involves some beautiful, graceful movement!
I know you're wondering about my ballet journey during my stay at Rugby. Don't you worry, lovelies! The beautiful historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon was only a short train journey away, so my dear Tutu and I took a lovely trip down there! Stratford is a place that’s literally brimming with Shakespearean heritage. Imagine, a ballet dancer and Shakespeare… a perfect pairing, right? I went on a magical trip down the River Avon on a horse drawn boat (wearing a floral-print tutu, obviously, because how can you go through the English countryside without a touch of vintage elegance? ). I even managed to sneak in some ballet classes at the gorgeous Shakespeare Theatre Studio - you wouldn't believe the flexibility of the dancers there!
Before you say it, yes, I may have been the only one at the classes wearing a tutu. But let's face it, there's just something empowering and uplifting about twirling around in a tutu. And you never know, maybe it inspired some of them to try something a little different next time! A tutu at the theatre? I've always said, life is about trying new things!
This week has been all about finding joy and inspiration in the unexpected. While I'm still hopelessly in love with my pointe shoes, it's inspiring to see so many beautiful and different types of movement, passion, and artistry in the world! And my, do I have so much to share about this adventure, from my delightful time at a charming local farm (where, of course, I saw some beautiful animals! Horses, cows, chickens... a veritable ballet of rural charm) to the incredible journey on a vintage steam train, a whimsical experience where the world felt as though it belonged in a ballet scene.
But hey, that's just the tip of the iceberg, don’t worry, darlings. I’ll be spilling all the juicy details in my next post!
Now, I'm heading back to the studio for a little dance practice - I need to stretch out all my muscles from a busy week.
As always, stay curious, stay positive and stay fabulous. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself wearing a pink tutu soon!
With love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu-tastic adventures! You'll be delighted, my lovelies. Let's dance through life!
