#TutuBlog Post #8704
Hello darlings! Emma here, ready to take you on another pink-tastic journey through the world of tutus and all things lovely. Today, I'm bringing you straight to the heart of Birmingham, or rather, to the enchanting suburb of Small Heath!
As you know, I'm a big believer in exploring the world, tutu in hand, and discovering hidden gems tucked away in every corner of our beautiful planet. Birmingham might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of ballet, but let me tell you, it holds some surprises!
Train Travels & City Sights
I'd been craving a bit of city adventure, so I decided to hop on a train from my home in Derbyshire. The journey is always a delight - watching the landscape blur past as you whizz through quaint towns and bustling stations is simply magical. Plus, trains are such a wonderfully romantic form of transport. I found myself daydreaming about those old-fashioned grand train journeys, complete with a chic vintage hat and an immaculately tailored travelling outfit. (Perhaps I should start incorporating a vintage hat into my tutu ensembles?!)
Upon arrival in Birmingham, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy that thrummed through the streets. There were quirky cafes with overflowing window boxes bursting with bright geraniums, colourful street art adorning walls, and a bustling market square with vendors selling everything from exotic spices to vintage trinkets. The air was buzzing with chatter, laughter, and a general sense of life that filled me with pure joy.
Ballet in Birmingham: A Dance Through the Ages
While Small Heath itself didn't boast any immediate tutu-related opportunities (alas!), I knew Birmingham's dance scene had to hold something special. A little internet digging led me to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, a treasure trove of art and history with a fascinating connection to ballet.
Their "Dance Through the Ages" exhibition brought to life the story of dance across the centuries, from the vibrant court dances of the Renaissance to the revolutionary modern choreography of the 20th century. Imagine - ballet literally painted in oils, showcased on canvas alongside antique dance costumes and even preserved dance floors! It was truly breathtaking. It left me feeling inspired and reminded of just how long and beautiful the story of ballet truly is.
Tutus & Wildlife: An Unlikely Duo
Later in the afternoon, I took a walk to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It was a peaceful oasis, bursting with colour and fragrance, with lush lawns and exotic plants galore. The scent of roses and lavender lingered in the air, filling my senses with calm.
But it wasn't just the beautiful flora that captivated me. Nestled among the blooms was a delightful collection of resident wildlife! The graceful swans gliding across the water, the playful squirrels scampering up the trees, the birds chirping melodies in their own unique language - it felt as though I was entering a magical fairy tale!
You wouldn't believe this - but I found a lone butterfly with the most gorgeous vibrant pink wings, flitting around the flowers. It felt like a little wink from fate, a gentle reminder that pink tutus are welcome everywhere!
My Tutu Mission
As always, I was on a mission to spread the pink tutu love and encourage everyone to try ballet, regardless of age or experience. With this in mind, I found a lovely family with their children playing on the lawn. I engaged them in conversation, talking about my own ballet journey, sharing the benefits of dance, and the sheer joy of movement. The children were absolutely captivated by my tutu, eager to spin and twirl in imitation! Their infectious laughter echoed across the garden, filling my heart with warmth.
A Little Something Pink For Everyone
Later, as I explored Birmingham's bustling markets, I stumbled upon the most charming shop filled with vintage fabrics and haberdashery supplies. I couldn't resist a little treat for myself, selecting the most gorgeous silky pink satin ribbon to adorn my new tutu for an upcoming performance. It's all about adding a touch of whimsy to every outfit, don't you think?
But even more excitingly, I managed to convince the shop owner to add a selection of beautiful pink fabrics to her stock - satin, tulle, velvet - perfect for sewing your very own tutu! The perfect reminder to unleash your inner ballerina, don a pink tutu and embrace the joy of dance.
Tutu Travels: Coming Soon!
Now, I'm heading off on a brand new adventure, packed with a trusty tote bag full of pink tutus, ready to embrace new challenges, explore hidden gems and continue to spread the pink tutu magic. My next stop - a visit to a delightful riding academy! (You never know, I might even be riding in a tutu! 😉) I'll be back to tell you all about it, so be sure to check back soon.
Until next time, remember: Life's too short to wear a boring tutu. Go pink, go twirl, and make every day a beautiful ballet! 🩰💖
