From Nordic Walking to Swan Lake
I guess I’m back to “normal” again, though I still drift off in daydreams of Portugal. Overall it’s been a good week. Much tramping about in leaves and mud with my walking groups. Definitely ended on a high. How could I get to this age and never have been to a performance of ballet?
The Birmingham Royal Ballet were performing at nearby Sunderland Empire Theatre and I was offered a last minute ticket when somebody dropped out of the group. Very serendipitous, and very lovely. I enjoyed every minute. We had a laughter-packed meal together beforehand at Luciano’s Italian restaurant. Quite delicious!
Maybe England isn’t so bad. Off to zumba soon, humming Tchaikovsky as I go.
Hope you’re joining in with Cate’s Six Word Saturday? She’s a lovely hostess. The header and links explain what it’s all about.



Hiking shoes to ballet shoes..love it. My youngest daughter works for the Tulsa ballet as box office manager. I not only get to see ballets, but get to know the dancers also.
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Now that must be amazing, Suzie. I have to stick to the hiking boots I’m afraid. I love to dance but there’s no skill involved- just enthusiasm!
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It’s hard to settle in after holidays – but you’ve done very well with Swan Lake (it was the first live ballet I ever saw) 😉
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I loved that I knew all the music, Dianne. And it always amazes me that they look such delicate little creatures but they have such control and strength.
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Great image Jo and I`m happy for your travel,Thanks for sharing my friend 🙂
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Thanks Jake. I’ve been busy with azulejos and the Douro posts all week, but I’m back to yours today.
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I went to my first ballet (Alice) in my mid-forties and fell in love. I’m dying to see another. Lucky you to see Swan Lake!
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I hadn’t thought much about it till I was offered a ticket, Tilly. It’s really not the same on TV, and the husband usually flicks the channel off anyway. I loved it.
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Always dance away the blues! even by yourself! I love England….so far all my visits there have been wonderful! This is a stunning photo too!
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Yes, dancing in any form is great, Karen. I’m a huge “Strictly Come Dancing” fan. Just had my weekly “fix”.
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I have been lucky enough to go to the ballet many times. I think my favourite ballet is The Nutcracker. My favourite Swan Lake was probably the Matthew Bourne version where the swans were danced by male dancers – caused quite a stir at the time.
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I vaguely remember that, Elaine, but having seen the grace and beauty of the cygnets, I’m not sure that I’d like it.
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I wasn’t sure about it before I saw it, but it was wonderful. They had a different type of grace.
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I’ve never had the opportunity to attend a ballet, but someday I hope to! This was such a lovely happenstance for you, and I smiled to think of you there!
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Thanks Josie. The highbrow me came out of the closet. It was very uplifting (the ballerina, fortunately- not me!)
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It was the first ballet I saw aged about 7 at Covent Garden – all the seats had been taken out and we paid a pound and sat on the floor. Magical memories and the start of a love affair with ballet. Thanks for bringing back the happy memories!
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Aww, that’s nice. We were a little more upmarket in the plush red velvet, (for the old bones) but the dancing’s the important thing, and it was superb.
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Sounds like a lovely adventure! I’d love to see a ballet someday. I shall put that on my bucket list!
Happy Saturday!
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Oh, the dreaded bucket list! Have a good weekend, Linda.
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brought back lovely memories – I remember going to see this when I was a child! fab!
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I am completely in awe of the muscle power and control to do all those pirouettes, Aly! I can fall over crossing the street.
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I have ALWAYS wanted to see that ballet..
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It was lovely, Brenda. I’m hopping round the kitchen, flapping my wings today. (sight for sore eyes!)
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How lovely to go to see ‘Swan Lake’. I never have. Enjoy the Zumba and the mud tramping. All sounds good over there. 🙂
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Hey, it could be so much worse. What’s a bit of mud!
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Glorious mud! 🙂
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I’ve never been to a ballet either – glad you enjoyed it. Blessings!
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Thank you. It was so delicate and beautiful.
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I am planning to learn nordic walking- and I adore Swan Lake- can’t tell you how often I have seen it performed. But haven’t tried Zumba yet…eeek.Happy SWS.
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You just need to live long enough to fit everything in. It’s a constant challenge. Pilates is my next “must do” but I’m struggling.
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What a lovely mix of tastes you have – Portugal, blogging, ballet, Tchaikovsky and zumba. I must admit to never having been to the ballet either, in a houseful of males I’d be challenged to find someone to go with.
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I actually went with my Nordic walking friends, Fi. My husband looked askance too!
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Welcome back, JB. Ballet seems like a great way to decompress, re-enter.
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Funny, Ron. My husband calls our son JB. (he’s a James) I looked over my shoulder to see if you meant him? Can’t quite imagine him at the ballet but it’s a fun thought. I loved it, anyway.
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I’ve never been to a live performance of a Ballet, each time I fly into Birmingham I hope that the Royal Ballet will be there but so far to no avail. Better luck next time. So glad you enjoyed yourself.
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It was really beautiful, Gerty. As someone who is completely uncoordinated, I could only gawp! You’ll make it- it’s taken me a while!
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I really do hope so.
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Hi Jo, welcome back. “We have arrived!”
..
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Hi Jim! I take it you’re in the UK? I’ll pop over to yours later to confirm.
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Holiday blues are the worst
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I know. Part of me feels ungrateful. It really was lovely and I know I’m lucky to have been able to go. But I so wish I was back there… Planning, scheming and daydreaming again.
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Swan Lake was my 5th birthday treat from an Aunt, Margot Fonteyn and Robert Helpmann. Always loved, never forgotten.
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Aw, glad to’ve stirred nice memories, Viv.
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