Hey darlings! Emma here, and oh, how I've missed you! Life has been a whirlwind of pirouettes and pink lately, and I've just gotta share it all. Today's journey took me to the wonderful world of Catford, and believe me, this wasn't your average ballerina's day out!
You see, dear readers, sometimes the best adventures aren't about grand theatres and glitzy gala performances. Sometimes they're about exploring new corners of the world, feeling the wind in your hair (even if it's from the train window), and embracing the unexpected.
Now, Catford might not immediately conjure up images of swan lakes and grand jetés, but trust me, it's a place bursting with hidden gems. I arrived, my heart aflutter, after a truly charming journey on the Southeastern train. Honestly, it feels like the perfect form of travel for a ballerina! Just me, my tutu (a particularly fabulous and frilly creation in a blush pink this time), and the rhythmic sway of the carriages as they glide through the countryside. I must confess, it did make me yearn for a horse-drawn carriage, though - that would really be the epitome of ballet-themed travel!
After a quick lunch of delightful vegan sandwiches (gotta stay healthy for all those plies and arabesques!), I set off on my mission. My goal for today was simple - to spread the joy of dance, one pink tutu at a time.
Catford, I learned, is home to a real gem: the "Catford Arts Centre". This enchanting little space hums with creativity, offering all sorts of dance classes from hip hop to ballet, theatre workshops, and even some rather splendid pottery classes (not quite tutu-appropriate, I'll grant you). I have to say, I was utterly charmed by the eclectic mix of folks gathered here - a vibrant mix of ages, shapes, sizes, and styles, all connected by their love for art.
My heart leaped a little as I spied a sign for a beginner's ballet class! This, dear readers, was my chance to sprinkle some tutus into the world. I decided on a tactic, a bold but playful plan, that felt quintessentially me. My favourite fuchsia-pink tutu (the one with the cascading layers) had been patiently awaiting its big moment in the dressing room. It was going to be the star of the show.
With a mischievous twinkle in my eye, I announced to the class that I had brought a "special" gift for everyone! Then, with a flourish, I unveiled my gorgeous tutu, twirling it around so that the sequins caught the light like little pink stars.
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, is it truly appropriate to bring your own tutu to a beginner's ballet class?" To which I say, "Why not?!" This is a call to embrace our inner ballerinas, to shed any self-consciousness and just move freely with joy.
And let me tell you, those smiles when they saw the tutu? Worth every blush-pink ruffle!
There were giggles, gasps, and of course, a lot of questions!
"But, can I wear it, Miss Emma?" one young girl asked, eyes wide with excitement.
"Can we all wear it?" another chirped, already imagining themselves gracefully twirling in a tutu.
As they giggled and twirled around in my tulle masterpiece, my heart was full. My aim is to get everyone wearing a tutu, even if just for fun, and they were certainly on board. It's that little bit of whimsy, that playful spirit, that we need more of in the world. And if a bright pink tutu can be the catalyst, then I say, "Bring on the frills!"
My Catford journey wouldn't have been complete without indulging in some delicious treats, so naturally, I made a beeline for a charming little bakery nestled among the shops. They had a divine raspberry-filled macaron (divine!) and, of course, I paired it with a cheeky pink lemonade - wouldn't have it any other way!
Now, I can't end this post without telling you about my little "narrow escape" that happened during the ballet class. You see, while trying to execute a particularly ambitious pirouette (blame the pink lemonade!), my trusty tutu snagged on the edge of a barre! Talk about a graceful mishap! I found myself teetering precariously, inches from the ground, a little tutu cloud dangling precariously above my head.
My friends, let me tell you, it was a close call! Luckily, I had a quick thinking fellow ballerina who saved me with a swift and expert catch. My heart still races a bit when I think about it. It certainly added a touch of drama to the ballet class!
This, my darlings, is the magic of exploring, the thrill of trying something new. And sometimes, the biggest lessons are learned through a tangle of pink tulle and a dash of unplanned acrobatics!
Until next time,
Stay tutu-tastic,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
