Hey lovelies! Itās your girl Emma here, fresh from a whirlwind trip to Birmingham and ready to tell you all about it.
Letās start with the fashion. This trip was all about stepping out of my comfort zone. I usually opt for the tried and true, a delicate pink tutu and a pretty, feminine leotard, you know my style! But, feeling brave (and feeling the summer sunshine), I went for something a bit more vibrant. Think a bright, sunshine yellow leotard! It really stood out, almost like a sunflower against a field of daisies. And trust me, it didnāt disappoint! I got so many compliments, people stopped me to chat, and it just felt good to wear something bold and new. Even a few people complimented my choice of hair; today I was a vision in a top knot that added a whimsical touch to the whole ensemble.
Now, you all know how much I love the thrill of the railway! Birmingham was a joy to reach, not just because it meant a ballet adventure, but the journey was just as fun as the destination! A lovely, comfy carriage, windows wide open for that summer breeze and the countryside flashing by was the perfect prelude to my visit. It made the entire trip feel like an adventure in itself. Even spotting the deer in a clearing at the edge of the track reminded me of the magical feeling you get on these old lines. And, I got my best selfies on the trainā¦ no, really, they were fab!
Arriving in Birmingham, I couldn't resist getting my fix of that glorious local history. Who doesn't love a wander through the cobblestone streets and historic buildings? Iām convinced there is something about the energy of old places. You feel that theyāve seen so much, felt so much. And for me, that magic translates into some incredible photography!
Speaking of magic, you know my mantra: ballet is for everyone! I can't resist joining in a local class when I travel, and Birmingham did not disappoint. The studio was like a fairytale with its warm, inviting space and lovely group of dancers of all ages and levels. You can just tell everyone there loves ballet and its beautiful stories. They have a special place for storytelling through movement and I really soaked it all up. Maybe even more so than usual. I am learning all the time, and it is incredible to see that dedication to movement in others! It felt so inspiring, not just because I felt I improved (a little), but seeing others embrace the art of ballet was contagious.
Speaking of inspiring, have you ever heard of āStreet Balletā? They call it a "fusion of classical and urban," and I got the chance to see a mind-blowing performance of this in the most beautiful, old theatre. It felt so cutting-edge, almost otherworldly. It was pure expression in movement and truly made my heart soar. It brought tears to my eyes, which I just love as it's the sign of an incredible experience!
Of course, no trip to Birmingham would be complete without a visit to the Jewellery Quarter! This place is a sensory delight! The shine of the gold, the artistry of the craftspeople, the whispers of history ā all of it added up to a unique and fascinating experience. I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship, the dedication that went into creating each piece of jewellery. Just like dancers, they are artisans who create beautiful things to inspire the world around them! They may not wear tutus, but the passion and dedication for creating beauty in Birmingham are just as captivating as a beautifully choreographed ballet.
While weāre on the subject of artistry, the food was the perfect blend of local flavors and vibrant new approaches to food in Birmingham. I felt so energized and inspired. I was really in my element, especially since this place has some incredibly imaginative cake shops. They do such stunning work, even better than the bakeries at home. And just because a dancer needs to eat well to fuel their performance, you should see me in that cute little cafe. There was one in the Jewellery Quarter that was like something out of a ballet fairytale with all its vintage decor and the beautiful people in there.
My trip to Birmingham was an absolute whirlwind of experiences! The city felt alive, full of energy, and oh-so-welcoming. From that stunningly bright sunshine yellow leotard I wore, to those breathtaking moments in the ballet class, the street theatre performance and even finding my way to those little alleyway cafe secrets in the Jewellery Quarterā¦ I will absolutely be back again, hopefully for the ballet performances next season. Birmingham you certainly held onto your piece of my heart, and who knows maybe I'll even add some Birmingham inspired pieces to my wardrobe! And remember lovelies, you don't need a trip to Birmingham to add your own spark of sunshine! Go on, put on your pink tutu, put on some music and take on the day! And donāt forget to follow me on pink-tutu.com for even more ballet adventures and everyday joy. Until next timeā¦ stay sparkly!
Emma.
