Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed blogger, back from a whirlwind adventure in the stunning Welsh valleys.
You know me, I love a good train journey - a chance to indulge in my favourite pink notebook and sketch out new tutu ideas for my upcoming London show. I even got chatting with a lovely gentleman who used to be a ballet dancer in his youth - such a charming fellow! I love how ballet connects everyone, even those who don't know a pirouette from a pas de deux.
Merthyr Tydfil is a charming place, filled with history, friendly locals, andâŚyou guessed itâŚa wonderful ballet class!
Yes, after all those stunning views from the train window (the hillsides were breathtaking in the golden light of the afternoon), I couldnât resist popping into the Merthyr Tydfil Ballet Centre for a little practice.
They have such a lovely studio space, all light and airy, and the other dancers were a delight - full of energy and joy, like me! And you know what, I was totally channeling my inner swans - oh, I felt like I was gliding, twirling, soaring across the floor like a feather. Even with my pink tutu being a little bit stiff (still a bit damp from that sudden spring shower at Cardiff station), the passion and the sheer joy of dancing just radiated out from me. I know it sounds silly, but that feeling? Thatâs what itâs all about.
But before you picture me just pirouetting away in this tiny Welsh town, letâs talk about the actual magic of Merthyr Tydfil. You know I can't resist a good historical tidbit. This place was once a bustling industrial heartland! Think giant steelworks and coal mines. Now, itâs got a gorgeous charm, a history thatâs etched onto every building. You can practically hear the echoes of the miners' voices, see the steam rising from the old factories, and smell the sweetness of the surrounding hillsides where wildflowers still grow wild.
Of course, I made sure to pay homage to this industrial past! I visited the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery - talk about a treasure trove! It was once owned by the ironmaster William Crawshay and its halls now house art from every period imaginable, even contemporary art. They even have a fantastic collection of mining equipment. It was truly inspiring - seeing how generations before us created something from nothing, forged their own path in the world.
Speaking of paths, after that museum, I had a walk in the beautiful Cyfarthfa Park. This is a perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring. The trees were alive with singing birds, and squirrels scurrying through the branches - I could almost hear them planning their own balletic routines!
The highlight? This little wooden sculpture they have of a unicorn...it felt like stepping into a fairytale! And I think you can guess who felt particularly drawn to the pink flowers in the gardens, yes, me, of course. Pink is my favourite colour after all.
Later that evening, a lovely lady at my quaint hotel - all chintz and crackling fire, just like my grandmaâs house â told me all about the incredible âRhydycar Westâ where I saw a captivating street ballet performance with a local dance group.
This place had the most fantastic murals painted onto its buildings! And what a spectacle it was, this open-air ballet! It was truly breathtaking, watching the dancers use the environment as their stage - leaping between buildings, their tutus swirling in the wind, their bodies moving like liquid in the setting sun. It just goes to show that ballet can be performed anywhere, from the grandest of theatres to the humblest of streets, and it always resonates.
But speaking of theatres, one thing thatâs been keeping me on my toes lately is the production of "Swan Lake" at the National Theatre in London.
The grand stage was perfect, the costumes simply gorgeous - oh my darling, they were all swans, literally shimmering white and oh-so graceful. And the dancers - their movements were exquisite! A whirlwind of emotions, such a powerful story of love and betrayal. But most importantly, a reminder that ballet is about connection, expressing our emotions, finding a spark in our own souls, just like the way those graceful dancers soared through the air, reaching for something magical, something breathtaking, something real.
Of course, after the performance, there was no way I could resist popping into the Royal Opera Houseâs fabulous shop! I found the most gorgeous ballet books, posters and little figurines - I practically bought the whole shop! I couldn't help myself - how can any dancer not have a memento from the home of ballet?
And now, darling, before I ramble on any further about my tutu adventures in Merthyr Tydfil, let me share this message with you: Don't be afraid to wear a tutu, dance your heart out, and always remember - lifeâs a ballet, embrace it with grace and passion, and donât be afraid to dance like nobody's watching!
See you tomorrow, darling, with my next adventure!
Stay pink!
Love,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
