Boston Bound: Tutus and Trains in the City of Champions
Pink-Tutu.com Blog Post #10161
Good morning, my darling darlings! It’s Emma here, bringing you a slice of my world, straight from the vibrant city of Boston! This post feels especially special, as I'm bringing a little bit of Derbyshire with me, all the way to the land of the Red Sox! And as you can probably guess from the title, tutus and trains are heavily involved... naturally!
This journey was fuelled by a love for all things dance - a long-awaited performance of Swan Lake at the Boston Ballet! Now, I know, you might be thinking, “Emma, you see ballet every other week. Why go all the way to Boston?!” Well, dear friends, there’s something extra special about experiencing ballet in a different city, particularly one with such rich history and vibrant culture. Plus, any excuse to visit the charming streets of Boston is a good one, right?
The journey itself was a masterpiece in its own right. Forget planes and automobiles, this was all about trains, my absolute favourite mode of transport (apart from a majestic steed, of course). There's just something utterly romantic about watching the world rush by through a window, and feeling the gentle sway of the carriage. This time, I travelled on a sleek Acela Express - a glorious train journey across the scenic countryside, complete with ample space to enjoy a cuppa and indulge in my favourite travel companions: a good book, a pink notebook, and my trusty ballet flats (which can totally double as walking shoes, by the way!).
Of course, I didn't forget the most important aspect of this journey - the outfit! No ballet-related trip is complete without a gloriously dramatic tutu, and this time I opted for a breathtaking wide-skirted number, a delicate blush pink that seemed to float on air. (I will share a full photo shoot on pink-tutu.com later, you won't want to miss it!) It made my arrival in Boston even more delightful, a touch of Derbyshire fairytale in the heart of the city. People gave me the most curious stares - some even stopped to admire it!
But now, back to the Boston Ballet! The performance was absolutely captivating. Swan Lake is such a classic for a reason; the graceful movements, the poignant storytelling, the soaring music... I found myself mesmerized, drawn in to the world of the swan queen, her delicate grace and emotional depth. It was inspiring to witness the skill and dedication of the dancers, a reminder of the endless power of ballet to touch the soul.
Following the ballet, a delightful post-performance treat: the world-famous clam chowder from the Union Oyster House! What a joy to indulge in this New England delicacy, while watching the city lights dance outside the window. The charming ambience, the rich flavour of the chowder - perfect.
Boston itself was a true delight! Wandering through the historical streets of Beacon Hill, marvelling at the stunning architecture, the brick facades painted in vibrant colours, all reminding me of an English village - a comforting familiarity with a touch of American charm.
Then there was Fenway Park! Now, as a self-confessed baseball enthusiast (yes, I know, I am a peculiar one!), I was overjoyed to take in the energy of this legendary stadium. Even if I am still trying to wrap my head around the idea of baseball players with their little "bats" and "balls" chuckles!
I even stumbled upon a beautiful wildlife park in the city – Franklin Park Zoo. I felt the familiar sense of wonder that always sweeps over me when surrounded by such fascinating creatures - from elegant lions to playful monkeys, the diverse animal kingdom really is breathtaking.
Of course, no trip to Boston is complete without exploring the city's incredible literary heritage. I had to make a pilgrimage to The Boston Public Library and the iconic Charles Street Bookstore - I was positively buzzing from the scent of old paper, surrounded by so many wonderful stories waiting to be discovered!
I did, of course, indulge in a bit of shopping during my stay, searching out some new ballet gear and charming trinkets from the local craft markets. I just can’t resist a good vintage find, a little reminder of this fabulous adventure to treasure back home in Derbyshire.
The journey back to Derbyshire was equally enjoyable, my trusty train once again proving its worth as the perfect mode of transport to unwind after the magic of Boston. I filled my notebook with ideas and sketches for my upcoming designs – inspired by the sights, the sounds, the energy of this amazing city.
Remember, darling readers, my goal is to share the magic of ballet with everyone. From the grace of Swan Lake to the joyful exuberance of street performances, to the peaceful joy of finding the perfect pair of pink tutus (yes, you read that right - pink is still very much in, darling!), ballet has a way of uplifting and inspiring everyone! So don’t hesitate, take that leap, sign up for that ballet class, embrace the tutu (especially if it's pink!).
I'm heading back to Derbyshire with a heart full of memories, a suitcase brimming with new ideas, and a smile plastered on my face.
See you back here tomorrow, my lovely friends, with a new blog post! And don't forget, you can find more of my journey in pictures and stories on www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time!
Much love,
Emma xoxo