Hello darlings!
Emma here, back with another dazzling dose of tutu-licious adventures! Today I'm whisking you away to the charming town of Spalding, a place that truly embraced my pink tutu with open arms (or should I say, open arms and legs?! 😉).
Now, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good train journey? The gentle rumble of the tracks, the soft patter of rain on the windows, the scent of hot chocolate and the gentle hum of conversation... bliss! And I always try to make my train trips a bit more fabulous. You know, a bit of makeup, a dash of sparkle, and naturally, the pièce de résistance: my European-style tutu!
I opted for a classic pale pink number with layers of tulle that floated in the breeze like a delicate cloud. This beauty is the perfect balance between graceful and playful - the kind of tutu that would make a prima ballerina proud, but wouldn't be out of place in a Parisian café.
As the train chugged towards Spalding, I couldn't help but marvel at the English countryside. I love the patchwork of green fields dotted with cute farmhouses and the occasional stately manor house peeking out from behind a wall of trees.
Reaching Spalding, I felt like I'd stepped into a time capsule. Cobbled streets lined with charming boutiques, traditional pubs with their doors creaking open to reveal welcoming interiors, and a sense of community that warmed the heart.
Spalding is the kind of place that inspires me, you know? A place where you can imagine yourself living out your dreams, taking long walks along the riverbank, chatting with the locals in a tea shop, and letting the world fade away for a little while.
My day began with a trip to Spalding's magnificent St. Mary and St. Nicolas Church. The towering spire, the intricate stonework, the stained-glass windows… everything about it was breathtaking. I spent ages simply gazing at it, captivated by its grandeur and its serene presence.
Next, I wandered through the town, my eyes feasting on the quaint shops. A haberdashery full of vibrant buttons, a bakery tempting me with the scent of fresh bread, a bookshop with floor-to-ceiling shelves crammed with stories just waiting to be devoured. I had to buy a beautiful, delicate china cup adorned with pink roses for my tea collection! A definite must-have for the pink tutu enthusiast!
I couldn't resist a pitstop at one of the charming tea rooms – tea, of course, served in delicate floral teacups – followed by a delightful slice of Victoria sponge. Oh, how I adore English cakes! I think every town needs a delightful little tea shop like this.
Then, I headed for the heart of Spalding - the market. This was a real treat. Vibrant colours, lively chatter, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh fruit, vegetables, and local produce filled the air. And can we talk about the vibrant stalls with all those delicious handmade items?
In the afternoon, I found a beautiful little park by the river, and guess what? I took a twirl! With a majestic willow tree as my backdrop, the light breeze carrying the scent of the water and wildflowers, it was truly magical.
Of course, no trip to Spalding would be complete without a visit to the famous "Tulips" - the local attraction that pays homage to the region's nickname, “The Bulb Capital”. It's a sight to behold: acres upon acres of vibrantly coloured tulips in full bloom, a stunning visual spectacle.
For a budding ballet dancer like me, a ballet class is a must. And it's not just any old ballet class! I was treated to a class taught by the brilliant Madame Beaumont in a beautifully lit, spacious studio, filled with the scent of lavender and beeswax polish. It felt truly authentic.
This studio housed a beautiful vintage ballet bar - all polished wood and ornate curves. It even had a real charm. The atmosphere was one of focused grace and playful camaraderie. I danced with local dancers - all ages - all delighted to see my tutu.
We pirouetted through exercises that I thought had long been forgotten! Madame Beaumont explained how many ballet moves were inspired by nature. And guess what, darling? One of the most iconic steps was inspired by the way a willow branch would sway gracefully in the wind! Can you believe it?! My Tutu Travels have so much more to reveal about ballet history!
Now, I know some of you may be wondering – what on earth is a "European style" tutu? Well, it's all about being a little more "grown up". Think exquisite fabrics like silk or velvet, intricate embellishments like delicate pearls or shimmering sequins, and an air of classic elegance. I pair mine with my vintage silk ballerina slippers that I found in a hidden boutique in the Lake District and my pink diamante ballerina hair clip. The perfect blend of modern chic with a dash of vintage charm!
And for you, dear readers, here's a little bit of advice: Embrace your inner ballerina, however big or small your dream is! Find your own pink tutu and wear it with pride. It doesn't have to be a costume – it can be a statement of your inner grace and a reminder to always follow your dreams, darling!
I'm off now, to continue my quest to get everyone twirling in pink!
Until next time, keep shining!
Lots of love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
