Hello darlings! Emma here, and oh my goodness, do I have a story for you! This week, I traded in the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the bustling charm of Coalville, Leicestershire. It might not be the most obvious ballet-loving destination, but you see, my loves, the beauty of life is that beauty can bloom anywhere, just like a tutu. 🌸
Now, you know me – always up for an adventure, and I'm definitely a firm believer in the saying, “a girl’s gotta have a bit of glam, wherever she goes”. So naturally, my little pink luggage was overflowing with enough tulle to make a ballerina blush (and let me tell you, my delux tutu was absolutely show-stopping). I mean, when you’re going to a town that’s synonymous with coal, it’s only right to make a splash with a bit of sparkly, wouldn’t you agree? ✨
The journey itself was half the fun. My darling horse, Blossom, was a little reluctant at first to take me so far from her stable, but after a bit of gentle coaxing with some freshly-cut carrots and a cheeky singalong of "Onward Christian Soldiers" (it's surprisingly motivating!), we were on our way. The countryside whizzing past was a kaleidoscope of emerald fields and charming villages. And honestly, there's nothing like the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the feeling of adventure surging through your veins to put you in the perfect mood for some ballet magic!
But my arrival in Coalville was met with a truly special sight – a community of locals gathered at the entrance of the town hall, holding aloft bright pink signs with the words "Ballet Blooms Here" written in the most beautiful script. A big smile spread across my face – I knew I was in for a real treat.
Inside, the atmosphere was electrifying! It wasn’t the grand stage of the Royal Opera House, but this cosy community theatre held the warmth of a hundred welcoming smiles. My fellow ballet lovers were buzzing with excitement, some even sporting their own beautiful tutus, inspired by my daily "Pink Tutu Challenge" on my website. Seeing these ladies embrace the joy of dance, no matter where they were, brought tears to my eyes. 🥰
The performance itself was truly inspiring. We saw some remarkable talent – the Coalville Community Dance Company put on a captivating production. They brought together the grace of classical ballet, the raw energy of street dance, and the captivating storytelling of musical theatre. It was an unforgettable fusion of genres that showed the true power of dance. There were tears of joy, roars of laughter, and spontaneous applause that resonated with the sheer magic that filled the space.
But for me, the true magic happened after the curtain fell. During the interval, I took a stroll around Coalville’s vibrant high street. It was a haven of independent shops, cute cafes, and, of course, a fabulously vibrant florist shop that was bursting with roses in every shade of pink! The locals were warm and welcoming, delighted to share their local stories, and everyone seemed to be genuinely captivated by my bright pink tutu and the “Pink Tutu Challenge” banners that I proudly displayed.
One lovely lady, Mrs. Jenkins, stopped me to tell me about the annual Coalville Flower Show – it's a colourful extravaganza where people compete with their blossoming beauty. And you know what, darling? This lady had me convinced – it was definitely going to be an essential addition to my ballet tour itinerary.
Evenings in Coalville were equally charming. A gentle breeze whispered through the willow trees as I took a stroll around the serene park, reflecting on the incredible energy I’d witnessed throughout the day. The air smelled of jasmine and fresh-baked bread from a nearby bakery, and the sound of laughter carried through the air as local children played in the soft evening light.
My evening adventures even led me to a surprise: the local wildlife centre. They have a wonderful collection of rescued birds, some even recovering from injuries they suffered from urban hazards like window collisions. And, being a dedicated wildlife advocate myself, I was so touched by the dedication of the team in their work to provide care and support. Seeing those magnificent creatures – a fluffy owl perched on a branch, a majestic red-tailed hawk soaring through the aviary – made me believe in the interconnectedness of all things. We’re all part of something beautiful, aren’t we?
Finally, as I tucked myself in under the warm duvet in my lovely B&B, I had to admit: Coalville had stolen my heart. This little town may not have been my usual stop on the “Pink Tutu Tour,” but it was full of hidden treasures, from its dance scene to its community spirit and its captivating wildlife.
And that’s the beauty of the ballet life, my lovelies! It’s about finding the magic in every corner, whether it’s in a grand opera house or a bustling high street, a sprawling park or a cosy theatre.
So, as I close this blog post, I leave you with this little challenge: What's your 'Coalville moment'? Where have you found unexpected joy and inspiration? Tell me all about it on my website at www.pink-tutu.com, or leave a comment on my Instagram page.
I’ll be back soon with more pink tutu adventures – but for now, I’m off to dance my heart out! 🩰✨
Lots of love and twirls, Emma x
