Hello my gorgeous pink tutu-loving friends!
It's Emma here, and guess what? I'm in Neath! You may not be familiar with this charming little town in South Wales, but let me tell you, it's brimming with personality. And I'm not just talking about the beautiful, rolling green hills and the charming cobbled streets... though, those definitely deserve a shoutout.
Neath is where I've ventured this time, my heart full of the pinkest, most tutu-worthy dreams. It all started with a whimsical plan to see "Swan Lake" at the wonderful Neath Little Theatre. The thought of gliding into a plush velvet seat, adorned in my most extravagant pink tutu (I'm talking tulle the size of a butterfly's wing!), gave me a giddy sort of joy that only a fellow ballerina can truly understand.
But getting to Neath was part of the fun. The train journey from Derbyshire felt like stepping back in time. You know how much I adore train travel - the rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks, the window view unfolding into countryside panoramas... it's the perfect place to find inspiration. And, of course, I had a pink tutu tucked neatly under my arm, just waiting for the moment I'd arrive at Neath and unleash its twirling power!
Now, I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't mention the wildlife encounter that punctuated my journey. Just outside the town, a family of swans had taken over the nearby pond, their snowy feathers catching the sunlight as they preened and paddled. I must say, seeing these majestic creatures gracefully gliding across the water filled me with a deep sense of awe and inspiration. Their ballet was pure elegance - every curve of their necks, every ripple of their wings, a symphony of nature's grace.
After the swans and the train journey, it was time to truly embrace the essence of Neath. I had planned to wear my new pancake tutu - a delightful little number I picked up from a vintage store in Birmingham (more on that delightful adventure in a future post!) This one had a delicate, fluffy, layered skirt, which felt like wearing a cloud...and looked a little like a fluffy pancake - hence the name. It's my little ode to the classic "Pancake Day" that we celebrated earlier this month - but all pink and sparkling of course!
I headed to a café right in the heart of Neath for a cup of tea and a delicious slice of lemon cake (the best in town, trust me!). I just knew it would be the perfect backdrop for a photo session. Imagine this - me, all pink and fluffy, twirling in the pancake tutu, with a backdrop of classic, Victorian architecture and Neath's vibrant flower market bustling around me... pure ballerina bliss!
The "Swan Lake" performance at the theatre was magical, full of breathtaking moves and soaring emotion. It had me entranced from the first delicate pointe step to the final poignant note. There were moments where I almost wished I could have been on stage with them, twirling alongside these magnificent ballerinas.
Of course, afterwards, I couldn't resist a cheeky dance session in the theatre lobby. It’s my trademark. Everyone was too preoccupied with post-performance discussions to notice me spinning with my pancake tutu. The theatre's high vaulted ceilings created a perfect sense of space for a spontaneous ballet extravaganza. It wasn't quite a professional stage, but for a moment, the world outside Neath disappeared and all that mattered was the joy of dance!
As the evening wore on, the charming town lights flickered, reflecting on the wet pavement in a warm, honeyed glow. The bustling market place had settled, but the echoes of conversations and laughter still lingered. Neath had captivated me with its charm, its simple elegance, and its beautiful people who seemed genuinely happy to share their home with a pink tutu-clad wanderer.
So, dear friends, if you're looking for a weekend getaway, add Neath to your list. This quaint little town may not be on everyone's map, but for me, it's a haven of ballet magic, and for sure it’ll get you all dancing!
And remember, life is always brighter in a pink tutu. Go on, find your own adventure and embrace your inner ballerina.
Until next time,
Love,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
