Oh my darling readers, I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share this day with you all! It's the 6th of August 2000, and I'm feeling more fabulous than ever in Letchworth, a charming town in Hertfordshire. I love getting away from Derbyshire for a bit, especially when I can combine it with a spot of ballet.
It all began this morning as I woke up feeling like a ballerina on a cloud - a pink cloud, naturally. A gentle morning stretch, some steaming Darjeeling, and then, the moment I'd been waiting for: a beautiful new arrival in my wardrobe. A blush-pink, vintage leotard, the most exquisite thing you ever did see, all lace and frills and an abundance of sequins. This little gem was calling to be worn, and Letchworth just happened to be calling to me, so off we went!
Now, my journey to Letchworth was, as usual, an absolute dream. A leisurely train journey across the countryside is a fantastic way to absorb all the beauty the world has to offer. And I’m not talking just scenery; the journey provides some truly excellent people-watching too. My little corner of the train became a front-row seat to a charming elderly couple reminiscing about their past ballet days (and I had to, of course, discreetly ask for a tip on the best ballet teacher in the area! Isn't it just lovely how ballet brings people together?). And, then, there was the adorable little boy wearing a t-shirt with a picture of a tutu! A truly beautiful moment, I can't help but share it with you all. I knew I was right to wear my sparkly pink ballet shoes - why, they simply added to the sparkle of the entire journey!
Anyway, as I disembarked, the sun was beaming, making my pale pink leotard and pale pink tutu absolutely sing! I’m not sure why but sunshine always makes my tulle dance around even more, it's absolutely magical! A walk down the quaint streets of Letchworth was the perfect introduction to the town. Everything was so peaceful, with vibrant flowers adorning window boxes and charming little cafes tempting you with fresh pastries. It's just the kind of town that makes you feel like you've been transported back to another time, a much more elegant era.
This being a true ballerina day, Letchworth provided a double dose of ballet delights: a ballet performance in the evening and a class in the afternoon. I found the most enchanting studio, all pink walls and mirrors, and I couldn’t wait to take a class! I had a ball - it's amazing what even a short time in class does for your body, and of course my pink tutu looked lovely pirouetting and stretching! Oh, I almost forgot! I also picked up the most gorgeous pink tutu from the studio for my newest (but secretly also favourite) doll – can you tell how excited I am?
For the evening, we (me and my pink leotard!) took in the show in the historic Letchworth Garden City Theatre. You guys! I swear the theatre's lighting was perfect to bring out the pinks of my outfit. I've always been obsessed with that dramatic, almost theatrical lighting that brings everything to life, and this was perfect for my little fashionista’s needs. Let me tell you, the dancers were absolutely magnificent! There was so much passion in their movement, a true embodiment of what ballet is all about – it was truly magical. I was almost speechless (but never forget the twirls!), as if my whole being was entranced by the beautiful storytelling they brought to the stage.
Letchworth proved to be a place where beauty was around every corner, whether it be in a vintage teacup found at a charming shop or in the effortless grace of a ballerina's movement. But for me, the beauty of it all truly blossomed when I found myself taking in the simple things: the pink sunset painting the sky, the warmth of a shared conversation with a fellow ballet lover, the joyful bounce of a little girl jumping with glee as she wore her new ballet shoes – I even gave her a small piece of my own tutu, of course.
Oh, and wouldn’t you know it, on my way back to Derbyshire, I happened to spot a small, sleepy hedgehog making its way along the side of the road. I couldn’t resist stopping to watch him, his little pink nose twitching as he sniffed around for snacks! Isn't it funny how life can be so perfectly balanced – from dancing in elegant halls to meeting the tiny critters of the countryside?
I really can’t get over the whole day – truly, Letchworth, you've stolen a piece of my heart! Perhaps this calls for a visit to the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside more often! Let me know if you guys have any suggestions! But whatever you do, don’t forget, I’ve still got all those pink outfits ready to take you to beautiful places. I hope you enjoyed my story - and just remember - when life gives you pink, wear it loud and proud! See you all tomorrow, when I’ll be sharing even more of my pink and fluffy adventures with you! Don’t forget to check back for more on www.pink-tutu.com!
Your ever-so-fabulous Emma xx
