Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving tutu-wearing ballerina Emma, checking in from sunny (okay, slightly cloudy but still lovely) Southampton! This is post 9034 and today I’m going to spill all the secrets of a brilliant ballet weekend – a proper whirlwind of twirling and travel, all thanks to the magic of ballet!
I'm writing this sitting in a gorgeous, little tea room with floral wallpaper and the most divine, rose-scented tea, and yes, it's a real vintage teacup! This trip, however, did not involve a vintage teacup, but I’ll get to that later!
This weekend has been completely fabulous! Now, as some of you may know, my heart belongs to Derbyshire, where I grew up surrounded by rolling hills, gentle streams, and the most magnificent oak trees. It's so calming to just be there, surrounded by nature – especially if you're a country girl like me who just loves that quintessential English countryside charm.
But this weekend, I packed my ballerina bag and my darling, jet-black, floaty tutu and headed out to Southampton. I always feel like a little princess when I'm on my way to a big city – especially if I can get the train there. Something about watching the landscape whizz past just feels so magical, so elegant.
My little journey on the train gave me lots of time to daydream about ballet. Southampton is one of those cities with that lovely historic charm - you know, the ones that look like they’ve been perfectly preserved for decades. And you wouldn't believe what I found there!
Now, listen to this, you guys. In the heart of the city, tucked away behind a quaint, flower-filled cobbled alleyway, is this absolutely gorgeous ballet studio. It's one of those beautiful old buildings with tall windows, arched doorways, and wooden floors that just sing when you dance on them. You know the ones I mean? They have a history about them, and oh my goodness, is it ever so beautiful!
It's actually housed inside a historical Victorian building and there’s even a little tea room inside where you can get the best cups of Earl Grey ever after class. But more on the tea later!
I had the most amazing ballet class there, you wouldn’t believe how much fun it was. It's a classical style with these beautiful moves, really focusing on perfecting the form. The teacher, Miss Helen, was brilliant - just so gentle, inspiring, and kind.
Speaking of perfect form, I did my very best in a class filled with amazing dancers from all sorts of backgrounds and ages. There was this young lady who must’ve been in her late teens, such grace! Her extension was unreal! And an absolute gentleman in his sixties with the most impressive pirouette I have ever seen. Everyone in the class was so encouraging and supportive and had the most gorgeous sense of humour, especially when I accidentally kicked someone’s water bottle! I’ve honestly never experienced a ballet class quite like that - everyone was just so positive!
Anyway, after a fantastic class, I headed straight to the nearby Nuffield Theatre – ooh, it's such a stunning, beautiful theatre - for the "Swan Lake" performance by the Royal Ballet Company. And honestly, my jaw dropped.
"Swan Lake" is just so beautifully dramatic – all those grand emotions swirling on the stage – the grace of the swans, the fiery passion, the heartbreak! The costumes, the dancing, the music! It was simply magical. And the set was phenomenal – it brought the story to life in a way I never imagined.
Honestly, there's nothing quite like experiencing ballet live. It's just so much more intimate than watching it on television, isn’t it? It's all about capturing the movement and the emotion and sharing those moments in a way that connects us to the energy of the dancers. And I'm telling you, Southampton, you're doing it right!
And oh my god, that's when I noticed the absolutely amazing selection of tutu shops in the city. You wouldn't believe it! Just streets and streets of boutiques, some so beautifully designed with crystal chandeliers and pink-frosted windows! One, which I have decided to name "Pink Feathers" had the most exquisite selection of feather boas, and a collection of shimmering black tutus that are seriously calling my name right now.
And, you’ll be shocked to learn, this beautiful city had another surprise waiting for me – a unicorn café. Honestly, I can’t think of a better combination than coffee, pastries, and rainbows. Oh! And, yes, of course, there was even a tutu section - tutus and unicorn cakes? Seriously? The dreams are coming true. And for all you fellow unicorn lovers, you need to check this place out - It’s an absolute dreamland for everyone with a hint of fantasy in their souls.
Now back to that lovely, quaint tea room. I always find myself drawn to these cosy little places, especially when I'm away from home. Especially when you’re on a road trip, and the tea rooms are full of those charming, homey vibes that only teacups, floral patterns and vintage cutlery can achieve. And I had this beautiful, delicate, pink rose tea with tiny cucumber sandwiches and freshly baked Victoria sponge cake.
My weekend in Southampton was a complete fairytale – a whirlwind of elegant ballet and exciting discoveries. And guess what, it has seriously inspired me to try even more exciting places, different towns and cities, more delicious afternoon tea, and to maybe try some riding too - maybe I’ll even pack a tutu and gallop off to somewhere completely unexpected – like, say, a beachside festival.
But until next time, remember: Embrace your inner princess, embrace your inner unicorn, and most importantly, wear pink. Because let’s face it – everyone looks amazing in pink! You can reach me at www.pink-tutu.com – I love hearing from you all. Don’t forget to give this post a ‘like’ and share with all your favourite pink-loving ballerinas!
Much love, Emma
