Hello lovelies! Emma here, reporting live from the delightful town of Walton Upon Thames. Sunshine, a hint of autumn crispness in the air, and a certain pink tutu with my name on it – life doesn't get much better than this!
You see, today was all about a little ballet pilgrimage. As some of you know, I'm a firm believer that a little bit of ballet magic is the cure for pretty much everything. And so, I hopped on a train (a sleek, silver one, perfectly in tune with my silvery-grey eyeshadow, natch) and set off for Walton. I had a date with destiny – and, more importantly, a dance studio called the "Walton School of Ballet" tucked away in the heart of town.
Let's just say the journey was divine! I got to enjoy the views of the English countryside zipping by my window. Fields of golden wheat, cows lazily grazing, and the odd squirrel darting up a tree – so charming. Of course, I was sporting my trusty pink headphones, and as usual, my playlist was a mix of 80s pop classics and some French chanson (you know me, all about that continental chic!).
Arriving in Walton, I was instantly smitten. The place felt like it had stepped straight out of a Jane Austen novel – quaint brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and even a tiny, bustling market with stallholders selling fresh produce. It was the kind of place where you'd expect to spot a carriage and horses pulling up.
But I had a more modern form of transport in mind. So, with my trusty little wheeled bag filled with my ballet essentials, I headed for the dance studio. My trusty trusty "Pink Tutu" was folded in there, of course! A little secret I love to share with you – I always have my pink tutu in tow, just in case. A true ballerina never leaves home without it, eh?
Stepping into the dance studio was pure delight. The air buzzed with excitement – a mix of classical music drifting from the rehearsal space and excited chatter from little dancers (dressed in their adorable tutus, naturally!) getting ready for class. The atmosphere was electrifying. My heart was already doing a pirouette.
The lesson itself was…well, magical, as always. Our teacher was this incredible woman, a real ballet veteran with the warmest smile and the most incredible ability to move with such grace and precision. I picked up a few new tips (especially those arabesques!) and felt myself reconnected to my inner ballerina. You know how I am about my little twirls! And when else is there such a wonderful opportunity to show off that fabulous tutu? After all, when is the best time to be pink but at a ballet class?
Of course, after a good dance, a little indulgence is always in order. I popped into a cute café next door to the dance studio, a quaint little spot with charming décor and even a charming tabby cat dozing on a comfy armchair by the window. Perfect. I sipped on a cup of herbal tea, enjoyed a little scone with clotted cream (it is the South East after all), and just enjoyed the serenity. You know, it’s really hard work being a dancer and a blogger. You need that restorative down-time.
But my adventure didn't end there! My friend Sarah – a fellow ballerina and tutu enthusiast – lives just outside Walton. I knew she was bound to have an exciting plan up her sleeve.
Turns out she was right! Sarah suggested a walk through the beautiful local park, just a short hop away from the dance studio. And what did I do when we reached a small pond? Why, I struck a graceful pose right next to a flock of majestic swans (who, coincidentally, seem to enjoy the colour pink just as much as I do). Sarah just laughed and shook her head, but I knew she was thinking, “that's my Emma, the Pink Tutu Queen!”
By the time I was ready to head back home (the late afternoon sun was beginning to cast long, warm shadows), I was feeling incredibly refreshed, both physically and creatively. As I boarded the train back to Derbyshire (thank goodness for that first class ticket – much more spacious!), I knew I had just experienced one of those quintessentially British moments.
Walton Upon Thames, you truly have a special place in my heart. And, of course, a special place in my blog too! I just can't wait for the next time I can get away, embrace the ballet magic, and share another slice of my life with you lovelies.
Oh, and don’t forget, if you want to share your pink tutu adventures with me, use the hashtag #PinkTutuLife and don’t forget to check in on the website at www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next time,
Your favourite pink tutu blogger, Emma.
x x x
