Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, and today I'm bursting with excitement because I'm in Rochester, Kent! This charming little town is absolutely teeming with history, cute tea rooms and - dare I say it - excellent shopping. Did I mention the train ride? That's always a big part of the adventure. This time, it was all countryside views and comfy seats, a delightful contrast to my usual city escapades.
Speaking of escapades, Rochester has been amazing! I stumbled across this quirky independent boutique overflowing with vibrant colours, vintage finds and…you guessed it, a glorious pink tutu. I mean, who could resist? It was just begging to be twirled around in. Let's just say that a quick impromptu performance in the middle of the shop might have just happened - just me, my new tutu, and a few bemused but delightful shoppers.
Speaking of twirling, I absolutely had to visit the Rochester Castle! Imagine: centuries of history and those iconic ruins, a perfect backdrop for a pirouette or two. (Thankfully, no tourists objected to a tutu-clad ballerina dancing in the castle grounds, and it truly made my day!). You wouldn't believe the amount of photo ops there were for this pink tutu princess!
As a girl who enjoys her fair share of vintage treasures, the Rochester Cathedral was a must-visit. The stunning stained-glass windows were simply breathtaking. You just know they've been gazed at by countless pairs of eyes for centuries. Just a hint of magic in the air - perfect for daydreaming about my ballet dreams. (Spoiler alert: my dreams mostly involve grand theatres, roaring applause, and pink tutus.)
Of course, no ballet adventure is complete without a ballet class, and Rochester didn't disappoint! A delightful little studio tucked away in a charming cobblestone lane was where I honed my skills and, more importantly, chatted with fellow dancers. I have to confess, I was feeling quite the "country bumpkin" for the first few minutes, but they were so welcoming and encouraging, my initial anxiety melted away. Turns out we all share a common language - the language of graceful movements, intricate steps and pure, unadulterated joy in expressing ourselves through dance.
Now, no trip to Rochester is complete without a delicious slice of cake. Honestly, I've been known to have two or three, all washed down with a lovely pot of tea (because one just can't get through a day without tea, can one?) It's truly delightful to simply sit back and take in the ambiance of a tea room, to sip on my warm beverage, and watch the world go by. A perfect, slightly whimsical way to end a day that was truly about finding beauty in the unexpected.
I'll leave you all with this - Rochester is not just a picturesque place, but a constant source of inspiration. The castle, the cathedral, the delightful shops, the ballet class - each held a little piece of my heart. And let's face it, who doesn't love a little pink tutu magic? Remember, darling, life is a stage. Get out there, wear that tutu, and make some memories, wherever you are! And do remember to join me next time for my adventures on the other side of the globe!
Much love,
Emma
PS. Don't forget to follow along on www.pink-tutu.com for daily updates and inspiration. And please do share your pink tutu stories with me - I'd love to hear your tales of twirls and pirouettes!
