Post 1153
Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another daily dose of pink and tutus, straight from the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells! This town is a little slice of English charm, perfect for a ballerina like me to twirl through. And what better way to explore than with my trusty, oh-so-lovely pancake tutu?
The train journey here was as dreamy as always. I do love the romanticism of train travel – the clickety-clack of the tracks, the scent of old books, and the ever-changing landscapes gliding by my window. I practically did a pirouette on the platform, the pink tulle of my tutu whipping around me like a delightful cloud.
Tunbridge Wells itself feels like stepping back in time. There’s cobblestone streets, quaint little shops, and a sense of peacefulness that truly calms my dancer’s heart. I started my day with a visit to the famous Pantiles, a long colonnaded arcade brimming with shops and cafes.
I can't resist a bit of retail therapy, can I? I snagged the cutest pair of pink ballet shoes with satin ribbons – just the thing to brighten up my collection. The shopkeeper told me they’re handmade by a local craftswoman, so extra brownie points for supporting small businesses.
Of course, no trip is complete without a proper tea break. I found myself tucked away in a charming little tea room, indulging in the most delicious scone with clotted cream and jam. My cup of tea was a symphony of pink hues – Earl Grey, but with a sprinkle of rose petals! I may have had a mini-dance in my seat while I savored the flavour, to the amusement of the other guests.
The highlight of my afternoon was undoubtedly a visit to the Assembly Hall Theatre. This historic building oozed charm, and I just knew it held a magical energy.
My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw the program for the upcoming season. It boasted a ballet performance! I simply cannot resist the call of the stage – there's nothing more thrilling than witnessing dancers tell a story through their bodies.
I know I say this every post, but truly, you need to get down to the theatre more! Watching ballet isn’t just for hardcore enthusiasts. Even if you haven’t twirled a leg in your life, there’s something special about losing yourself in the music, the artistry, and the emotion of a live performance. And who knows, maybe you'll get a little inspired to join a class!
And speaking of inspiration, did I mention the glorious gardens that surround Tunbridge Wells? After my theatrical treat, I wandered through the verdant expanse of Dunorlan Park. The flowers were a riot of colour – pinks, of course, were prominent – and the swans serenading each other with gentle, crooning sounds was quite delightful.
There’s something utterly peaceful about nature that re-energises my dancer’s soul. Watching a heron glide across the still lake waters almost inspired a contemporary dance in me. Perhaps my next blog post will be dedicated to nature’s own ballet… I can’t wait to explore that!
My evening continued with a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the town. A friend from Derbyshire told me this was a classic Tunbridge Wells experience, and oh boy, was she right. The gentle clopping of hooves, the cool breeze against my face, and the picturesque scenery – I swear, it felt like I’d stepped right into a fairy tale.
Of course, I couldn’t resist taking advantage of the picturesque setting to whip out my pancake tutu and perform a little impromptu waltz. I don’t think the horse was quite as enthralled as I was, but the passerby's smiles were more than enough applause for me!
I must say, this charming town has really stolen my heart. From its elegant shops and tranquil gardens to the magnificent theatre, there's something for everyone here. Even my pancake tutu felt right at home!
Until next time, darlings!
Always twirling,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
