Hello my lovelies!
Emma here, your resident tutu-wearing, pink-loving ballet enthusiast, writing to you from the beautiful Lake District! This week has been an absolute whirlwind of vibrant colours, breathtaking scenery, and of course, the most incredible music festival, Kendal Calling.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, "Emma, a tutu at a music festival?! Isn't that a little… bold?" Well, I’d argue it’s entirely in character. A little flair, a touch of whimsical whimsy, a whole lot of personality – that’s my signature style, and Kendal Calling, with its unique blend of indie, rock, and everything in between, was the perfect place to unleash my inner ballerina!
As soon as I arrived in Kendal, I was enchanted. The air smelled fresh and clean, a far cry from the smog of my Derbyshire hometown. I love a good adventure, and for me, arriving in Kendal via train, watching the rolling hills roll by, was just the right way to set the tone. The vibrant green meadows and dramatic hillsides made me feel as though I'd stumbled into a fairytale. The kind where a whimsical woodland creature pops out of the undergrowth, like in a ballet, only with more sheep and fewer faeries! Speaking of creatures, Kendal also boasts an incredible Wildlife Park with wolves and eagles – definitely worth a visit, even if it’s not your usual festival attire. But alas, for now, back to the main event!
Kendal Calling, it’s such a beautiful blend of nature, music, and laughter. It's hard to pick my favourite stage, there's such variety, but The Lake Stage, overlooking the actual Lake District, wins hands down for its breathtaking setting. The sound of music drifting across the lake, punctuated by the occasional call of a gull – it’s sheer magic.
Now, about my sartorial choice… The purple tutu! A daring decision for a festival? Perhaps, but one I felt fully prepared for. The sheer tulle, the bold hue, a sprinkle of glitter… a perfect harmony between whimsy and style! I wasn't shy about swirling it on the dance floor, channeling my inner ballerina amidst the crowd of excited festival goers. The joy I saw in the eyes of strangers was a balm to the soul. I truly believe everyone deserves a touch of ballet in their lives, whether it's through watching a performance, or just adding a little twirl to their day. It's infectious, the joy of it. I truly believe it can shift your energy, spark your imagination, and remind you that a bit of whimsy goes a long way.
I danced to the soulful tunes of The Streets, swayed to the nostalgic rhythms of The Coral, and even surprised a few head-bangers with a pirouette or two during a Blink-182 set! I’ll admit, the looks of bewilderment and laughter were worth every twirl.
But Kendal Calling wasn't all about the music and the tutu. It was about the shared experience, the moments of laughter and joy with complete strangers, a chance to discover new music, and a reminder that life’s a stage – and you have the chance to dance it.
This adventure is all about spreading the magic of ballet, and that includes taking inspiration from other art forms. Just as a ballerina needs grace and precision, a musician needs creativity and passion. Both are about expressing themselves, sharing their hearts through a different language – that's the common thread. Whether it's the soft melody of a cello or the breathtaking pirouette of a ballerina, we're all telling stories through our unique forms of art.
The weekend flew by too quickly. Before I knew it, I was saying goodbye to the sun setting over the rolling hills and the final chords of a breathtakingly beautiful performance by Elbow. I left Kendal feeling exhilarated and a little bit more confident, like I'd taken a giant leap across the stage of life, ready for my next adventure. I’ll definitely be adding it to my list of must-visit festivals, and who knows, maybe next time I’ll pack a pink tutu… it wouldn't be Kendal Calling without a touch of colour!
As always, I encourage you all to keep embracing your inner ballerina, to chase those twirling dreams, and never be afraid to add a little colour to your world. I believe every one of you has the power to make a difference, and perhaps, just perhaps, you'll even inspire others to put on a pink tutu. The world is waiting for you to step out on your own stage, and I know you’ll shine brightly.
Until next time, darling!
Much Love,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
