Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, writing to you from the beautiful spa town of Royal Leamington Spa, where the air smells of roses and the buildings shimmer with Victorian charm. As you know, I’m on a mission to spread the joy of ballet and all things pink, and this trip is no exception.
My journey began in Derbyshire, of course. I decided to take the train – a gloriously sunny carriage and a chat with a fellow tutu enthusiast (who's also thinking of doing her first barre class!), making the trip an absolute joy. I love the feeling of gliding through the English countryside, watching the world go by from my window. I find the gentle rocking motion is almost like taking a ballet class itself.
Arriving in Royal Leamington Spa was a dream! I had this beautiful wide pink tutu packed, and I couldn't resist throwing it on and swirling through the cobblestone streets. It’s quite hard to blend in when you’re sporting a statement tutu in the middle of a picturesque market town, but I wasn’t too concerned. Every now and then, I’d catch a flash of curiosity in someone's eyes and then I’d get a little shimmy in, with a twirl and a smile, because why not spread the joy?
My first stop was the Royal Pump Rooms. Now, I don't mean the building – although that’s definitely charming. I meant the "The Royal Leamington Spa Ballet!" I’d been dying to see a show since I first heard about it – a real-life fairy tale nestled in this little corner of England! Imagine a troupe of talented dancers performing under the breathtaking chandeliers of a Regency spa! It was utter magic, the swirling costumes and delicate pointe shoes against the beautiful historical backdrop. They’d chosen a lovely performance of ‘Swan Lake,’ which I found absolutely captivating. The way the dancers conveyed such powerful emotions through their movement… oh, I was spellbound!
The afternoon was dedicated to a stroll around the charming streets, taking in the sights. It's amazing how just wandering aimlessly in a beautiful place can bring you peace. Leamington Spa truly feels like a little sanctuary of Victorian grandeur, a reminder that even in this fast-paced world, some things stay timeless. Of course, I couldn't resist dropping by a charming vintage clothing store with a delightfully retro storefront. I emerged clutching a delightful vintage hat adorned with a sweet little pink rose - perfect for my next ballerina photo op.
For the evening, I'd planned a rather different kind of ballet. Instead of a formal show, I’d stumbled upon a free performance of 'Ballet Street', held in the lovely town square. This event was pure fun. Groups of local dance schools and individuals, all coming together to share their love for ballet. Everyone was laughing and chatting and twirling in their own styles. I must admit, I even caught myself joining in! I even struck up a conversation with a lovely girl named Clara, who was studying ballet at the Royal Ballet School. Turns out she loves reading my blog and dreams of dancing a principal role in a performance at Covent Garden! My heart nearly burst!
It was the most magical thing, seeing so many different ages, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds brought together by a shared passion. Even the littlest ballerina, only five years old, was a force to be reckoned with! Watching these children with such fire in their eyes reminded me why I love ballet so much: It’s not just about grace and precision; it’s about joy, freedom, and expression. It's about being yourself and being fearless in the face of creativity.
I can’t leave you without telling you about my visit to the Jephson Gardens. These gardens were once designed in 1818, so it is a truly historical delight. What drew me there? Peacocks. Yes, Peacocks. They have several roaming in the beautiful park - strutting their beautiful plumage! A sight to behold, really, they remind me of dancers – the way they move, the drama, the feathers fanning out like tutus... It's all so beautiful!
Royal Leamington Spa was truly a lovely escape! My time was short, but oh so packed! So many experiences, memories, and photo opportunities - my Instagram followers are going to be absolutely delighted. I must be honest, this trip really got me feeling excited to head back to Derbyshire to throw myself back into the barre with more energy than ever. My local class is going to be delighted with all my fresh inspiration!
Until next time, darling! Keep your tutu on and your spirits high! Remember, pink is always the answer, and ballet is always worth trying. And you never know where your next ballet adventure may take you!
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com daily!
Love,
Emma.
