Hello my beautiful ballet bunnies! It’s Emma here, and oh, what a day it has been! Today’s adventure took me all the way to Longton, a charming little town in Staffordshire (don’t you just love the names of these English towns? They’re so quirky and full of character!). I’ve always been a bit of a train fanatic, and the journey there was so scenic! All rolling green fields, quaint villages, and even a couple of fluffy sheep munching away in the meadow - such a delightful start to the day!
As you all know, my favourite travel companion is, of course, my tutu! This one was a classic, a dreamy white, with a little pink ribbon tied at the waist just to add that extra bit of ‘Emma’ sparkle. I mean, what's a trip to a new town without a splash of pink? Right? I think my tutu must agree, because it seems to dance with extra gusto when I’m in a new place. Maybe it's just happy to get a change of scenery. We certainly did turn a few heads in Longton Station, you know! The commuters just looked at us with wide eyes, so “Emma” and my white tutu went about our day with pride.
My mission in Longton was all about ballet, of course! Not just any ballet though, but a charming little amateur ballet show in the local hall! I love supporting local ballet groups – their dedication is simply inspiring. And this group did not disappoint! They performed an excerpt from Giselle, and my heart just melted. The ballerinas danced with so much grace and precision, even though some of them might only have started ballet as youngsters (I must give a shout out to ‘The Longton Ballet Group’. Just follow the link to the Longton theatre website!).
But my adventures didn’t stop there. I also stumbled upon the most adorable antique shop, overflowing with treasures. They had everything from antique mirrors (perfect for framing those gorgeous vintage photographs!), to beautifully carved dolls houses (the craftsmanship was just breathtaking!), to even a dusty old teapot that I simply had to have! The lady who ran the shop was so sweet, just like my ballet Granny (it must be contagious). She let me try on some vintage jewellery, including a sparkly little pink tiara - a bit extravagant for everyday life, but for a photoshoot, this would be perfect. I must make sure I add it to my list of photos to do before the weekend is out. My grandma will love to see me wearing this too! She used to be an actress, so she’d definitely understand the love for fancy hats and sparkly tiaras.
After my little shopping spree, I felt that my ballet tummy was a bit rumbling. So, I headed towards a quaint little café for a delicious afternoon tea – it was truly a feast for my senses! Fresh scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam (just how I like it!), dainty sandwiches with cucumber and cream cheese, and of course, a selection of perfectly brewed teas (the Earl Grey was exceptional!). You know, it’s all about those little luxuries.
As the evening drew to a close, I headed back to the station, but I couldn’t help but stop at the local park for a moment. It was peaceful and quiet, perfect for soaking up the last rays of the day. You know I love animals, so I spent some time watching the squirrels scampering about, always full of energy and such tiny noses to sniff everything. A lovely ending to a fabulous day.
Well, my ballet babes, it’s time to wrap up another exciting blog post. If you have been to Longton, what did you think? Share your experiences! And remember, every day is a chance to wear a pink tutu and do a little pirouette. Spread the ballet love! See you tomorrow for more pink tutu fun.
Until then, keep those pink tutus spinning!
Lots of love, Emma
P.S Remember to check out my website: www.pink-tutu.com We have a fun community over there - and maybe you'd like to join us? It's not just a blog, we’re creating a movement here to encourage more pink and more ballet, one pirouette at a time!
