Hello darlings! It's your girl Emma here, back with another installment of TutuBlog! Today I'm venturing a little further afield than usual, trading my beloved Derbyshire for the charming streets of Prestwich. My journey took me, naturally, by train. I can't think of a more stylish mode of transport – there's something inherently glamorous about hurtling through the countryside, especially with a stiff tutu and my favourite fuchsia handbag in tow.
Speaking of stiff tutus, that's precisely what I was sporting today – a brand new confection from a darling little boutique in Prestwich, complete with layers and layers of tulle that could launch a rocket. The shop was a treasure trove of delights – it even had a cute little pink tea room tucked away in the corner, perfect for a spot of refreshment after a demanding ballet shoe-shopping expedition. I must say, I think I might have gone a tad overboard – my shopping bag resembled a small, pink cloud – but hey, who can resist the magic of tutus?
The reason for this sartorial extravaganza was, of course, a ballet class at the fabulous Prestwich Dance Studio. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Emma, darling, didn't you just do a ballet class yesterday?" And you would be right, my sweet! But this was no ordinary class, no. It was an advanced "Ballet and Birds" session, which promises to combine the elegance of classical ballet with the natural grace of avian ballet. Yes, that's right – bird ballet! I know, how divine!
As you can imagine, I was brimming with excitement – and also with an unsettling amount of butterflies in my stomach. Now, normally, I'm pretty comfortable on stage. I’ve even had the opportunity to perform with a rather esteemed company in London - my favourite, of course, being Giselle - the graceful and tragic tale of love, betrayal and an ethereal queen. And don't even get me started on the incredible tutus in that! My love affair with ballet extends to street performance, as well, especially ballet-inspired choreographies in a busy city, where the crowds themselves become a part of the choreography - that's magic, my lovelies.
However, ballet with birds was a whole new kettle of fish! For starters, it’s incredibly hard to get them to practice together – those pesky feathered friends never seem to be able to stick to a timetable, the little devils. But, for my efforts, I got a most beautiful experience. Imagine a spacious studio flooded with sunlight, beautiful swans gliding through the air and myself in my stiff pink tutu – absolute perfection!
Of course, the birds weren’t the only delight I encountered in Prestwich. This little town has an enchanting charm to it. The streets are a tapestry of cute cafes, quirky shops and historic buildings. I couldn't help but imagine the town's residents twirling through its cobblestone streets – the perfect setting for a romantic ballet, don’t you think? We could even have the swan lake by the Prestwich Arts Centre. Just picture it! The swans dancing on the lake in the moonlight as the local children watch from the balcony… utterly divine, isn’t it?
This, of course, reminded me of another reason I love the magic of ballet: it’s for everyone! It’s about expression, about artistry, about the thrill of performance - whether you’re a professional dancer in a big city, a curious beginner or a seasoned swan, ballet has something to offer everyone!
For me, the ultimate ambition would be to spread the pink-tutu-love to everyone on the planet. Imagine a world where everyone from every background dons a pink tutu at least once! Just a small but spectacular symbol of joy, femininity, and artistic expression. The world needs more pink, and more tutus, don’t you agree?
Speaking of joy, my experience in Prestwich left me buzzing with creative energy. After a whirlwind tour of the local wildlife park (more swan action!), I found myself at a cute little antique shop where I bought the most beautiful vintage ballerina figurine – think 1950s, complete with a graceful, almost impossibly delicate pose and a tutu made of lace! She now has pride of place on my bedside table.
And as the sun sets on Prestwich, casting its soft orange light across the town, I sit here reflecting on the day. Sometimes you have to step away from the familiar and embrace the unknown. It's the unexpected detours, the delightful encounters, the stiff tutus that make life such an extraordinary adventure.
So, darling readers, what's on your tutu agenda for the week? Perhaps a ballet class, or perhaps a leisurely stroll in a pink tutu through your favourite park. Wherever you are and whatever you do, don't forget to twirl and to embrace life’s sparkle, always with a bit of pink and a whole lot of tutus!
See you tomorrow, my lovely lovelies!
Lots of love, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
