Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away to another fabulous day, this time in the charming, historical, and utterly delightful Highbury. As you all know, London is practically my second home, with its buzzing energy, inspiring architecture, and - of course - an abundance of ballet venues. Today’s adventure, however, wasn’t about the grand theatres but a touch more bohemian - a morning at a little Italian-inspired ballet studio tucked away in the heart of Highbury, and the kind of day that truly warms my heart.
First, let's talk train travel, shall we? Honestly, I think there’s no better way to kick off a day in a new place than by enjoying the views through a train window, watching the world go by as I dream of pirouettes and all things pink. Today’s journey, a smooth Derbyshire-to-London commute, was a joy - the crisp air against my cheeks, a hot chocolate warming my hands, and, naturally, a good playlist blasting from my headphones. (My current obsession, darling, is a little mix of Billie Eilish, some old-school ABBA, and of course, Vivaldi's Four Seasons - what's a ballerina without some classical music?)
I arrived at Highbury & Islington station, my trusty ballet bag - bright pink, of course! - in tow. And what a darling little neighbourhood it was. It's as if I'd stepped onto a movie set, cobbled streets, cute cafes with red tablecloths spilling onto the pavement, and flowers overflowing from every window box.
My destination: the "Rosa Ballet School," named after the owner - Rosa, a vibrant and enthusiastic woman who spoke of Italian artistry in ballet with such passion. Rosa’s story was inspiring. She came from a family of traditional ballet dancers in Florence and, through her passion, she created this charming haven of graceful movement, offering classes in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and - get this - ballet street!
The studio itself was like stepping into a whimsical ballet dream, adorned with floral wallpapers, a grand piano that looked straight out of a fairytale, and of course, plenty of pretty pink accents. (Can you ever have enough pink, darlings?)
But it’s the community at Rosa Ballet School that really won me over. It’s not just a ballet studio; it's a warm and inviting sanctuary for anyone with a love for dance. You had ballerinas of all ages and abilities, their laughter echoing as they practiced arabesques and leaps. Even some darling pups were in the corner having their own little stretching session - you really can’t beat the atmosphere here!
Today’s class? An Italian-inspired classical ballet, with a twist of contemporary flair. Oh, how I love exploring the international influences on ballet - the dynamicism, the precision, and of course, the heart-wrenching stories told through graceful movements! And today, in Rosa’s class, the story of Italian art and expression blossomed right in front of my eyes, leaving me feeling inspired and ready to twirl!
Oh, I should mention, I spotted the most beautiful tutus hanging on the wall during my break. Not the traditional stiff ones, darlings, these were whimsical creations with fabric as soft and light as a feather! They reminded me of those enchanting fairy tutus we used to wear as kids, so full of imagination and dream. One even had a little ballerina design woven in, oh so lovely!
Speaking of tutus, have you caught the new trends in ballet streetwear, darlings? The tutu's not going anywhere! I adore seeing these amazing ballerina-inspired clothes – a playful mix of sleek leggings, elegant crop tops, and flowing tutus that give us the classic look with a modern twist. You know me, anything that blends style and movement always wins my heart!
As much as I love seeing the big-city performances, this experience was a delightful reminder of why I love the magic of ballet – the intimacy, the sense of belonging, and the joy of seeing those leaps and turns bring so much joy to people.
So, darling, is your tutu ready? What about some pink? (Because a pink tutu is simply divine) Don't let life pass you by without twirling, my dears. And if you happen to find yourself in Highbury, be sure to check out the enchanting Rosa Ballet School. I promise you, you won't regret it. Until next time, twirl on!
XOXO
Emma
