Hiya darlings! Emma here, back with another whirlwind adventure from your favourite pink-loving ballerina! 💖 Today's post takes us to the charming town of Wigston Magna, a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Leicestershire.
I've always loved the quaint charm of small towns. They hold a special magic, a feeling of community and history that's hard to find in the hustle and bustle of city life. This week, I traded my city slicker heels for my trusty, worn-in Doc Martens (still sparkly pink, of course!) and hopped on a train to this lovely little corner of the world.
Wigston Magna reminded me so much of my hometown in Derbyshire - that wholesome, friendly atmosphere where everyone knows your name (well, maybe not quite, but you get the gist). 😄 The whole town felt like a vintage postcard - pretty, colourful houses with flower boxes spilling over with fragrant blooms, adorable little shops selling everything from vintage teacups to handmade jewellery, and a beautiful church with a bell tower that sang a joyful melody throughout the day.
But before we dive into all the whimsical charm, let's talk about the highlight of my Wigston adventure: THE ITALIAN TUTU. 🇮🇹
It all started with a chance encounter at a quirky vintage shop called 'The Curious Cupboard'. This place is a haven for all things pretty and old - imagine antique lace doilies, hand-painted china dolls, and rows of faded, floral fabric remnants. My eye, naturally, was drawn to the prettiest, most elaborate tutu I've ever laid eyes on. It was a masterpiece - layers and layers of tulle in soft, swirling shades of lavender and lilac, accented by delicate floral appliques. A real head-turner, darling! The lady who owned the shop told me it was a rare Italian antique, originally worn by a ballerina in a touring opera company in the 1930s.
I could practically feel the echoes of her graceful leaps and delicate pirouettes swirling around me. I instantly fell in love. 💕
You know I simply HAD to add it to my growing tutu collection. I could envision myself waltzing through the English countryside in this breathtakingly beautiful piece, with its whispered whispers of history and its inherent grace. I knew I had to do it justice - so I immediately planned a photoshoot at the stunning Wigston Magna Park.
Imagine this: the sun setting in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lush greenery, and me twirling around in this delicate masterpiece. It was pure ballet magic. 💫 The photos captured that essence perfectly. (You'll see them on my Instagram soon! Don't forget to follow @PinkTutu for daily updates.)
Beyond the enchanting Italian tutu, Wigston Magna offered other unexpected treasures. A delicious Italian bakery with freshly baked bread that smelled divine (yes, a recurring theme!), a local market overflowing with colourful fruits and vegetables, and a tiny museum showcasing the town's rich history. I even spotted a pair of friendly donkeys browsing in the local butcher shop! It was like stepping into a picture book.
I learned that Wigston Magna has a deep connection to ballet too, although in a less glamorous way. It used to be home to a famous shoe factory that supplied shoes to many dancers across the country. The town's name is even a play on words – ‘Wigston’ meaning a place where wool is worked, and ‘Magna’ meaning large, a nod to the large shoe industry.
That night, I decided to continue my ballet adventure at the Wigston Magna Arts Centre. They were hosting a 'Ballet Through The Ages' performance featuring a diverse mix of ballet styles - classical, contemporary, and even a dash of street ballet. It was an amazing show. The dancers were incredibly talented and passionate, each piece telling a different story, drawing you in and taking you on an emotional rollercoaster.
The sheer talent of these local performers inspired me even more. They made me realize that ballet is truly for everyone, no matter where you come from. This shared love of ballet truly connects us all.
The entire experience was simply magical, a true testament to the beauty and the wonder of small towns and the incredible world of ballet. If you're ever looking for a dose of inspiration, charm, and some seriously gorgeous vintage tutus, head on over to Wigston Magna - you won't regret it. 💕
Until next time, darlings! Remember, keep twirling, keep shining, and always dream big! ✨
Love,
Emma xx
