Hello darlings! It's Emma here, fresh from a whirlwind trip to Braintree, a town I never knew existed until last week! Now, I'm not sure if it's the magic of the railway journey, the undeniable allure of a cheap tutu, or the sheer excitement of discovering a new ballet scene, but this trip was absolutely delightful.
For those of you who don't know, Braintree is nestled in Essex, and my adventure began at the station in a haze of pink. Oh yes, pink was the colour of my day, thanks to this glorious pink tutu I snagged at a charity shop in Derby just before my train left! It's a bit "Cinderella's fairy godmother" and a lot "ready to prance through the countryside". I couldn't resist adding a touch of sparkle with some vintage brooches and a chunky silver necklace. Perfect for a day out on the town!
As I said, I arrived by train, the chugging and clatter of the carriage a perfect backdrop for planning my dance routine in my head. Every now and then, I'd let out a little pirouette (discreetly, of course!) to the astonishment of fellow passengers. They looked bewildered, but then again, what else do you expect when a tutu-clad girl pops up on the train to Manchester?
My first stop in Braintree was the glorious "Ballerina Boutique". Now, you guys know I'm a sucker for vintage ballet shoes and all things tutu. This shop was a dream come true! Rows and rows of silk tutus, old dance books, leotards in every colour under the rainbow (with a special nod to the pink ones, naturally!), and a whole corner dedicated to sparkly dancewear! The shop owner, Mrs. Pearce, was absolutely lovely. A former prima ballerina herself, she had the most wonderful stories of her days on stage and told me all about the history of dance in the area. She even let me try on one of her old costumes! Talk about living the dream.
I left the shop, overflowing with excitement, my ballet heart bursting with possibilities! My next stop was Braintree Theatre, the most stunning little venue tucked away on a quiet street. That evening, the Braintree Dance Academy were holding a performance featuring some of their youngest students. Oh my goodness, I was blown away! The children's passion and talent were infectious, their steps as light and fluid as if they were born on stage. There were beautiful pieces of classical ballet, but my favourite was a charming ballet adaptation of "The Little Mermaid." It truly was magical!
Braintree Dance Academy reminded me of the sheer joy of dance and how it can connect generations. After the performance, I spoke to the principal, Mrs. Higgins, who shared her dream of making ballet accessible to everyone. She talked about how ballet can empower children and instill in them confidence and a love of art. I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly. It’s not just about perfect pirouettes; it's about self-expression, artistry, and community.
Before leaving Braintree, I couldn't resist taking a ballet class with the Dance Academy. It's always a bit daunting going to a new class, but the instructors and the other dancers were so welcoming and encouraging. I even managed a couple of double piqués (much to the amazement of myself)! I learnt new combinations and was amazed by the beauty of the movements, reminding myself why I fell in love with ballet in the first place.
After class, I spent some time exploring the nearby countryside, and let me tell you, there is no better way to experience a new place than on horseback! Now, you'd be surprised to know that Braintree boasts a wonderful stable called "The Pink Pegasus." (How could I resist!) I went for a delightful trot through the fields and even saw a couple of cheeky rabbits pop out from under a bush. This might not seem like ballet, but the sense of grace, agility, and freedom was just as invigorating!
My weekend in Braintree flew by faster than a Balançoire in a ballet competition, but I left feeling inspired, joyful, and a bit tutu-obsessed. My heart was brimming with the magic of dance, and I’ve been dreaming of pirouettes in pink ever since!
So darlings, until next time, stay fabulous and embrace the power of a pink tutu. Remember, ballet is for everyone, and every day is a new opportunity to dance through life.
Yours truly,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
