Hey loves! It's Emma here, ready to share my latest ballet adventures! Today's blog post is number 8523 - can you believe it?! I feel like I'm sharing all my adventures with my very own little Pink Tutu family. 💖
Right, back to Leicester, because let me tell you, it was such a dream day! I knew I had to include a stop there on my little train jaunt - it's all about the journey for me, remember! And when you travel by train you have time to ponder…like, which colour tutu will best suit the surroundings? 😅
And, the answer, in a city known for its beautiful historical buildings, was definitely black. A touch of drama for a touch of heritage! I just couldn’t resist this little black number, paired with some cute pink socks – a little bit of signature Emma, don’t you think?
So, armed with my pink day bag and a book of poetry (always need some intellectual stimulus when travelling) I hopped on a train at my local station. Don’t get me wrong, the train station is far more modern and clean now than in the days I travelled by train to my old ballet classes in Chesterfield. But for a bit of that Derbyshire charm, you can't beat that old red-brick station at home! Anyway, back to my journey...
It’s a glorious day - crisp air and the sun shining, making the countryside look extra vibrant. I swear, Derbyshire scenery really takes the breath away. As we rolled through the beautiful hills, I saw a whole family of deer grazing in a field - my heart skipped a beat! Seeing these creatures reminds me how much I love animals - they truly remind me to embrace the simplicity of life. Just like in ballet – graceful and free.
When I arrived at Leicester Station, it was all hustle and bustle. A bit overwhelming but, once I emerged onto the bustling High Street, I felt a sense of wonder. I couldn't resist whipping out my phone to take some selfies, my black tutu swirling against the old stone buildings – absolutely divine!
I headed straight for Leicester's famous Curve Theatre - a must-see for any budding dancer like me! This place is a real gem - a theatre, performance space and education centre. What’s not to love? I grabbed a coffee and devoured a slice of chocolate cake (you can’t travel on an empty stomach!), taking in the buzzing atmosphere and excitement surrounding the upcoming ballet performance.
You’d think I would know by now, but no – I always get ridiculously giddy with excitement when it’s time to watch a show! Every time feels like my first - every movement, every costume, every set design, every story, the passion… it’s incredible. And this show was a perfect blend of ballet tradition and contemporary performance!
The performance featured stunning leaps, fluid movements, graceful leaps, and I have to admit I was so entranced, my heart was beating in time to the music! This show inspired me – to be bolder, more expressive and free in my movements – because ballet is, after all, about expressing yourself in the most elegant way.
As the show concluded, I just wanted to stand up and shout "Encore!" from the back of the theatre, and you know what? My soul was on fire and I immediately had to find the nearest ballet studio!
Luckily, after a quick internet search, I found an amazing little ballet studio - and they had space for a class later in the day. Honestly, finding a class to attend in the middle of your travel plans was such a wonderful bonus - as much as I love shows, my ballet journey has always been all about the dedication and love I feel when I am in the studio! I even managed to pick up a little pink leotard at a vintage boutique nearby - perfect for adding that extra bit of personality to my studio class. 💕
Back to the studio – oh my goodness! We started with some traditional barre exercises, but then things really started to get interesting. There were moments of intense focus where you could hear a pin drop, followed by laughter and genuine fun! There were no egos here, just people sharing a common love for ballet, with the ultimate goal to improve and get better!
And then, just before class ended, they brought out the little black tutu – just like the one I wore! A coincidence? I think not! Sometimes the Universe really does listen! 😅 I knew in that moment that this was meant to be.
Leaving the studio after class felt like stepping back into my own story - as though everything, even a city I had never been to before, was exactly where I needed to be. As I walked back to the train station with that light-hearted bounce in my step and the excitement for my trip back home building, I couldn’t help but ponder on this amazing adventure. I think this must have been my lucky day!
Don’t forget my lovely Tutu lovers, that you too can find adventure on a simple trip – in every place and in every situation there is an opportunity to learn and to find something you never thought possible, so go forth and make magic happen. After all, every journey, like the pink tutu I wear on every adventure, is truly special. Until tomorrow…
Stay radiant, stay pink, and don’t forget to keep dancing!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
