Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and today I'm bringing you a double dose of sparkle straight from the vibrant city of Edmonton in Canada. I finally made it here, after a wonderfully scenic train journey that saw me gliding through fields of wildflowers and spotting a cheeky coyote that gave me a cheeky wink – okay, maybe not really, but I like to think he was just as excited to see me as I was to see Edmonton!
Now, this city is all about embracing the arts, and I'm not talking just your average theatre shows. No, darling, Edmonton has a pulse that beats with the rhythm of dance – ballet, specifically! As soon as I arrived, I knew I was in the right place – even the pigeons seemed to be twirling on the streets.
First things first, I had to find a pink tutu that was as bright and exciting as this city. This isn't your average ballet shop, oh no. This is a wonderland for dancers of all levels, where even the window displays seem to be on pointe. And wouldn't you know it, there it was – a tutu that had my name written all over it! It was the perfect shade of shocking pink, just the colour to get everyone in Edmonton to stop and stare, and that's exactly what it did!
Feeling like a modern-day fairy godmother, I decided to celebrate by watching a performance at the magnificent Winspear Centre. The production was “Swan Lake” and my heart fluttered like a swan’s wing with every graceful leap. This ballet truly transported me, reminding me why I fell in love with this art form.
I was even luckier to score a class at a beautiful studio right across the street. I was surprised to see the range of ages and experience in the room, with even a couple of sweet grandmothers in the mix, all united by their love for dance. That’s what I love about ballet, darling – it’s a shared experience that brings everyone together.
Now, I’m not just about fancy dress-ups and expensive ballet lessons. For me, ballet is about letting go and expressing myself. So, the next morning I traded in my traditional tutu for a more “street-style” one. You know, something you can wear out to grab a coffee and a doughnut! It was surprisingly comfortable and practical, yet still retained that touch of ballerina charm. I might have even accidentally caught a few admiring glances as I walked down Jasper Avenue.
That night, I had the pleasure of experiencing a stunning performance at the Citadel Theatre, showcasing the work of local talent. I must admit, this production made my inner drama queen jump for joy! They’ve embraced ballet as inspiration, combining their energy and creativity with modern narratives – it’s something you don’t see every day, and trust me, I’ve seen a fair few shows!
Edmonton, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart. You've made me think, maybe even inspired me. I think it's time for me to add a little bit of Edmonton to my Derbyshire home. Imagine a street dance ballet in the Peak District! Maybe I could even rope my mother into learning a little pirouette or two – imagine, Mum in a pink tutu! It’s an idea I have to ponder…
One thing is for sure, though, after experiencing this city's passionate embrace of dance, my mission to get everyone in the world twirling in a pink tutu feels closer than ever!
Until next time, remember – it's never too late to discover the joy of dance! Stay sparkling, my dears!
Love,
Emma
