Hello my darling darlings! 🩰✨
It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu princess, back from another adventure! This time, I found myself in Stevenage, a town that might not be on the top of everyone's travel list, but it turned out to be a delightful little escapade! And of course, I couldn't resist whipping out my favourite bright orange tutu - a perfect clash with the grey February skies!
As a ballet dancer, I'm always on the lookout for the next inspiring performance or captivating class, and Stevenage actually had quite a bit to offer!
Firstly, I couldn't resist the call of the majestic steeds! Now, you know how much I love horses. I mean, come on, wouldn't they look simply fabulous in a pink tutu?! Anyway, the "Horses in Action" event at the Stevenage Equestrian Centre was a real treat. It wasn't just about fancy dress, although let me tell you, there were some seriously creative outfits! But I was blown away by the raw power and elegance of these magnificent creatures. I found myself transported, not to some glittering opera house, but to a sprawling, windswept countryside! The kind of scene that would perfectly fit a whimsical, romantic ballet about love, freedom, and of course, pink tutus!
I always think of tutus as more of a “street wear” thing too, so naturally, after my horseback escapade, I ventured into the town centre. I mean, let's face it, even in Stevenage, my orange tutu was bound to turn some heads! And it did! There were definitely a few confused looks, a few double takes, and even a few excited cheers from kids who wanted to dance alongside me (you know I always love an impromptu performance!) But the smiles and positive energy were worth the stares - I'm all about spreading that pink tutu joy!
To be honest, I had expected Stevenage to be rather bland, But I found a whole bunch of delightful little independent shops filled with treasures. I spotted some gorgeous vintage dresses - perfect for a ballet-themed party - and even picked up a hand-knitted lavender eye mask for my nightly pampering ritual (my dancers need their beauty sleep, you know!).
Speaking of "pampering", I couldn’t leave Stevenage without trying the fabulous local bakery called "The Little Cake House". Their vanilla bean cupcakes were absolute perfection! Light and fluffy, just like a dancer's leap, with the right amount of sweetness. I devoured a couple before heading to a really wonderful little theatre in Stevenage, the "Gordon Craig Theatre".
You’ve got to try the theatre when you’re in the town, darling. This is a proper old-fashioned picture house – with those big, comfy seats and velvet curtains!
What I was really excited for though, was the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” ballet – how fitting that they chose to perform Shakespeare in a proper town theatre. The performers were brilliant – a mixture of experienced dancers and new young talents. I particularly loved the set, which was simple but effective – it was just beautiful to look at! But best of all, their interpretation was so modern! Of course, it featured beautiful dancers – with lots of those dramatic lifts and impossibly quick pirouettes – but also with lots of strong characterisation – lots of emotional content, which made me really feel what was going on.
There’s something really special about ballet in a theatre like this, and Stevenage surprised me with how much its heart lies in supporting the arts, I'm definitely going back again.
Until then, my loves, I’m signing off, hoping you’ve been inspired to don your own pink tutus, whether you’re twirling in the countryside, on the streets, or even in the most unlikely of towns. Remember, life’s too short to be anything but colourful, especially with a pink tutu on your legs!
Lots of love,
Emma
xx
