Post Number 8781
Hey darlings! It's Emma here, and as usual, I'm positively giddy about today's adventure. Packing my bags was pure bliss, because guess what? I'm on my way to Leicester, a city bursting with character and, rumour has it, quite a lot of pink! Ooh, the possibilities…
It's always such a delight to explore a new place, especially when it involves a little ballet magic. Today, I'm rocking a vibrant red tutu, perfect for standing out amongst the city's bustling streets. Red, after all, is a fabulous colour that practically shouts, "Look at me!" And wouldn't you know it, the train journey was a delight. I love the way the rhythmic clanging of the rails takes you right into the heart of a choreographed performance. It was like a ballet in itself! It always gets me in the mood to move, so much so, that I couldn't help but start my own impromptu waltz down the carriage - luckily, the gentleman next to me seemed to approve!
Anyway, I can't tell you all about the exciting things in store for me today - you'll just have to wait for the next update! But one thing I will say is, I'm already getting a serious craving for a classic afternoon tea at one of Leicester's charming cafés. And of course, what’s a ballet adventure without a spot of afternoon tea? You know I love to try the most divine-looking sandwiches, scones with lashings of cream, and all manner of miniature delights. It's like the icing on the cake of any ballerina's day!
But before we indulge in any delicious treats, let’s rewind a bit to my Derby life for a moment. As you all know, my love for ballet goes beyond simply admiring performances - I’m an enthusiastic ballet student myself, you see! Every Tuesday night, I take to the dance floor at the Derby School of Ballet. This week, our session involved working on my arabesque - a position where you extend one leg straight behind you, and you try to get as long as possible - imagine the graceful silhouette. It's absolutely enchanting to watch, especially when it's executed perfectly.
Honestly, those intense rehearsals really build a connection to your body, like an elaborate form of storytelling through graceful movements. There’s a whole language in ballet, you know, one that transcends mere words, allowing us to express emotions through precise steps and poses. But let’s not forget the joy that comes from learning and experimenting, making each move a tiny step closer to that ethereal ballet dream.
However, ballet isn't all tutus and elegant movements. The preparation is almost as important as the dance itself. Getting ready before class can be its own form of entertainment, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect tutu. My ballet wardrobe is a symphony of colour and textures, but the real star of the show is undoubtedly my beloved pink tutu.
It’s a dreamy vintage creation I found at an antique store in Nottinghamshire a few months ago. The tulle is soft as a feather, and it comes with delicate ribbons for a touch of feminine charm. When I put it on, it’s like I’m a real-life fairy dancing in the twilight - oh, how I adore the feel of it! I've even started incorporating bits and bobs of the tutu aesthetic into my everyday outfits - like pairing a simple floral skirt with a delicate pink ribbon around my waist or adding some glitter to my shoes for a touch of ballerina glamour!
Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the thrill of watching live performances! Recently, I was swept away by a magnificent rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Royal Opera House. It was like being transported to another world, filled with enchantment, laughter, and heart-pounding emotions. There’s something truly magical about watching dancers come alive on stage, embodying the essence of a classic tale like The Nutcracker.
But don’t get me wrong, I also love to get my groove on in less traditional settings. Ballet street dance - imagine a heady blend of elegance and edgy energy – has become my new obsession! Who says ballet has to be stuck in a stuffy theatre? I adore the dynamism and creativity of ballet street, where dancers blend classic ballet moves with hip-hop rhythms and contemporary choreography. The raw energy and improvisational spirit of these performances really get my heart pumping, and it’s something I’m dying to explore further in Leicester.
Speaking of dynamic duos, how about combining ballet with… well… horses? That's right, darlings! My adventures don't end in the theatre, I love exploring the natural world too! There's nothing like galloping through open countryside, wind whipping through your hair, the only sound your own laughter and the rhythmical thundering of hooves on the ground.
My horse, a gentle giant named Chester, and I have an unbreakable bond, one built on trust, love and lots of delicious carrots, of course. I truly believe there’s magic in a connection between humans and animals - an instinctive, untamed grace that feels much like a ballerina’s elegance on stage! And even if you don’t share my love for equestrian pursuits, we can all learn from their boundless energy, reminding us to never lose sight of our inner wildness, like the fearless ballerinas of old!
Speaking of boundless energy, Leicester itself is overflowing with fascinating sights and hidden gems. So, naturally, my red tutu is perfectly ready to soak it all in!
After all, a little pink in the heart of Leicestershire wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it? My ultimate goal is to have the whole world embracing pink tutus and joining the graceful ballet world, even if it's just for a single afternoon class. Think of the sheer joy and self-expression it would bring! Just imagine… every man, woman, and child adorned in their own magnificent tutu, dancing in parks, museums, or maybe even amidst a pack of galloping horses (although Chester might have something to say about that).
I’ve already heard whisperings about a street performance taking place in the centre of Leicester tomorrow – maybe I’ll be brave and have a little dance-off with a local dancer, but I promise you, darlings, this story’s just beginning!
Follow me on Instagram @pink_tutu for live updates and snapshots from my trip, and be sure to keep a close eye on this blog. Who knows, you might even get to see me strutting my stuff in my favourite red tutu!
