Hello my darlings, and welcome to #TutuBlog post number 8629! Today I'm writing to you from the charming town of Loughborough, a real hidden gem in Leicestershire. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, why Loughborough?" Well, my lovelies, you see, this town holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it just a hop, skip, and a jump from my home county of Derbyshire, but it's also a haven for all things ballet!
A Journey By Rail
I embarked on my adventure from Derby station, which is the most magical place - it feels like stepping into a classic movie scene with all its old-fashioned grandeur. I love nothing more than a train journey, particularly in a comfortable first-class carriage with a good book. And for the record, yes, I wore a pink tutu! It wasn't just any pink tutu, either. It was a fluffy, sequined number that shimmered and twirled with every turn of the train wheels. My travel companion for the day was a delightful chap I met at the station. He seemed intrigued by my choice of attire - what can I say, some things just can't be contained, right?
The Ballet Sanctuary
My reason for being in Loughborough, however, was not simply the beautiful countryside and vintage trains (although those are certainly charming!), but the fantastic Loughborough Ballet School. Now, I don't know if you're familiar with this institution, but it is one of the leading schools for aspiring young dancers in the whole country! The sheer energy of the school was palpable the moment I stepped inside - a buzz of excitement, grace, and commitment, all with a dash of pink tutus thrown in for good measure. My dear friends at Loughborough Ballet were incredibly welcoming, showing me around and explaining their amazing curriculum. The energy was contagious - it truly reminded me of my younger self, obsessed with learning everything I could about ballet.
A Pink Tutu Parade
After a tour of the school, I felt a pang of nostalgia and decided to whip out my very own pink tutu. It didn't take much convincing for my newfound ballet friends to join in on a little tutu parade. It was glorious! We giggled and pranced around the studio, spreading our message of ballet love, all dressed in pink. I believe in the power of a shared giggle - it just brings so much joy to every occasion. The sheer joy of wearing a pink tutu, regardless of age, skill, or background, just reminded me that it's all about the feeling.
Cultural Delights
Later that evening, I enjoyed a captivating performance at the Queen's Hall in Loughborough. It wasn't your usual classical ballet, though. Instead, the performers were part of the local "Dance Extravaganza", a unique blend of dance styles - from contemporary and modern to lyrical and even street dance! I am always enthralled by performances that are not confined to tradition, that embrace innovation and explore the diverse forms of dance. This troupe showcased their unique flair with confidence and energy, captivating the audience with their artistic interpretation and captivating choreography.
A Culinary Delight
And of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in the local delicacies. Loughborough did not disappoint! The afternoon tea at The Granby Hotel was delightful, the sandwiches dainty and perfectly arranged, the scones warm and buttery, and the tea selection vast. It felt very Downton Abbey - very posh and quintessentially British. It's those little details that make all the difference in making a day memorable.
Connecting with Nature
As I ended my journey back to Derby, I couldn't help but be awestruck by the serene countryside. The sight of rolling hills, fields dappled with sunshine, and distant farmhouses calmed my senses and filled me with a sense of tranquility. As the train travelled through meadows and wooded areas, I thought about how closely intertwined human activity is with nature, and how much it influences our artistic creations and dance forms.
Spreading The Tutu Love
So, there you have it, my little darlings, another adventure in my beloved tutu, bringing a touch of pink to a new place, spreading a message of ballet and kindness wherever I go! Loughborough has a special charm and I can't wait to come back. But in the meantime, I urge you, my dearest readers, to embrace your inner ballerina, wear a pink tutu (or even just a little bit of pink), and, most importantly, dance your heart out! Because, darling, we are all beautifully unique, and the world is our stage!
Until next time, my dears. Stay fabulous!
Lots of love,
Emma
P.S. Did you catch those stunning wildlife photos on Instagram today? The swans by the River Soar in Loughborough were just too adorable to miss! You can check them out on my Instagram page @EmmaPinkTutu - come join me for a peek into my ballet world!
P.P.S As always, I'm absolutely in love with my pink tutus. For you tutu lovers, my newest collection just launched on www.pink-tutu.com. Check it out and tell me which ones are your favorites!
