#TutuBlog 10768
Oh, hello my beautiful ballet bunnies! It's your favourite tutu-wearing travel buddy Emma, here with a post straight from the heart of Birmingham. Now, I know what you're thinking – Birmingham? What could possibly be pink-tutu-worthy about Birmingham? Well, hold on to your tutus, darlings, because Birmingham is full of surprises!
I took the scenic route here, naturally. A grand adventure aboard the train – complete with a pink scarf I found at the local vintage shop back home in Derbyshire, perfect for keeping those winter chills at bay. I couldn’t help but do a little arabesque as the landscape sped by, the sun reflecting off the frost-kissed fields. There’s just something about travelling by train, it sparks a kind of magical, storybook energy – just like when you step into the theatre before a performance!
Arriving in Birmingham, the bustling streets were full of festive cheer – sparkling lights, Christmas markets with their scents of spiced hot chocolate and gingerbread – I just had to twirl! I saw a family walking a dachshund wearing a tiny reindeer outfit – how utterly delightful! I could only imagine a tiny pink tutu, for sure! The air hummed with the joy of the season, a sense of camaraderie that filled me with joy.
After finding my cozy, pink-tinged hotel room – where the only thing missing was a tutu rack! – I hit the pavement, determined to find a little bit of ballet magic. It didn't take long! Within minutes, I stumbled upon the beautiful Birmingham Hippodrome, a truly majestic venue, its brick facade a testament to its long and rich history.
But hold onto your tutus! That wasn't all. Just a stone's throw from the Hippodrome, tucked away on a quiet street, I discovered the most exquisite little ballet studio, its windows glowing with a warm, welcoming light. Now, I've always loved the intimate, cozy feel of smaller dance studios – a chance to truly immerse yourself in the movements, in the magic of the art form, without the grandeur of a grand theatre. And let's face it, there’s nothing quite like feeling the polished floor beneath your toes. I couldn't resist walking in!
The studio was small, but its walls were covered in photos and posters of dancers in various poses, all caught mid-flight – I swear some of them were looking at me! In the centre, a large mirror reflected the studio’s light, illuminating the beautiful space, making the room feel twice as big. The music from the room drifted out through the open doorway and as I looked in through the window, I felt myself pulled in. My feet started to tap out a beat to the lovely ballet melody.
With a deep breath, and a silent apology to the instructor who looked momentarily surprised when she saw me, I stepped inside, smiling brightly. This is my thing, my passion – to find ballet wherever I go! To find a home in a studio in any city or village. You know, to me, dancing is so much more than an activity or a performance. It’s about movement and connection, a way of communicating, of finding beauty in the world. It's about that moment of pure bliss where everything melts away – your worries, your doubts – and you’re just you, moving freely with your body, with music. Pure magic!
"Would you like to join in?" the instructor asked me. What a question! Of course, I would! So I did, throwing off my warm pink coat (how could I be without a hint of pink?) and I stepped onto the floor. We danced. My inner ballerina emerged as the class started to come to life! It was magical! It didn’t matter if I wasn’t at the ballet studio I had been taking classes at back home. These lovely new ladies were warm and welcoming and the instructor helped me pick up the choreography quickly. I may not be a ballerina by trade, but when I’m around a dance floor and dancers, the movement flows from me as naturally as water to the sea.
But Birmingham’s charms didn’t stop at the ballet studio! Next on my agenda was a visit to the city's beautiful parks – there was something for every taste, a real kaleidoscope of colours and smells.
For a true ballet experience, you must explore Birmingham’s canals, the waterways that snake their way through the city, so pretty! Think willow trees and the gentlest breezes, all perfectly orchestrated for a quiet ballet on a Sunday morning – perfect for a light, breezy adagio or a peaceful pas de deux, as the city quietly awakens around you!
But, of course, the highlight of any trip has to be a ballet performance, right? So I slipped into my brand new pink tutu – well, not really new, I’m all about sustainable fashion and thrifting, it’s just new to me! This one was an absolute stunner, in a dusty pink silk, its skirt twirling and floating like a delicate cloud! I can’t resist a good pink tutu. Then I made my way to the theatre.
And oh my goodness! What a show! The story of Swan Lake, danced with so much passion and precision, so much joy, so much emotion, so much grace. It truly captured my heart, making me want to throw myself back into the studio – after a delicious celebratory pink cupcake! I may not be a professional dancer, but that show sparked such a joy within me, it gave me this longing, this need to create! As I danced around the hotel room – well, there are some limits, it is a hotel room, darling! – I found my self designing a ballet inspired by this glorious, glittering, beautiful city. What would I call it? The Ballet of Birmingham, The Dance of the canals? The Swans of Small Heath, the Red Dance of Birmingham? Hmmm, lots of thought needed!
Of course, no trip to Birmingham would be complete without a spot of wildlife spotting. The city is a haven for birds and other little creatures, I even spotted a little hedgehog darting between the flowers in Cannon Hill Park! The park was bustling with children and their parents. So much life and so much joy. It reminded me of all those sweet children, the future generation of dancers!
My journey here has confirmed what I already knew – the world is overflowing with beauty, even in the most unexpected places. So here's to the pink tutu, and to dancing your way through life. And, you know, I can’t resist a tiny bit of pink sparkle, it just makes every day feel a little more extra special.
So, what are you waiting for, darlings? Pick up a pink tutu, find your favourite ballet studio, and get dancing! Remember, life’s a dance – make it your own!
And for all you lovely balletomanes out there – don’t forget to head over to my website: www.pink-tutu.com – for more daily dose of pink and tutus. And for all of you new dancers - you know you need a tutu for that first ballet class – why not go pink!
Love and pirouettes,
Emma
(PS – What's your favourite pink tutu for this season? Leave a comment below and let me know!)
