Oh, hello my lovely tutu-twirling darlings! It's Emma here, fresh off a whirlwind trip to Upminster, and let me tell you, it was just utterly delightful! This little town in Essex holds a special place in my heart, not only because it's just a hop, skip, and a train journey from my Derbyshire home, but also because of a particular ballet school I had my eye on...
First things first, can we talk about my outfit? Because darling, this was a pink extravaganza. Now, you know I'm always up for experimenting, but this was a whole new level. I'd scored myself an American style tutu - imagine, a whole lot of fluffy tulle! You've got to admit, it's just sooo dreamy. The soft pink colour really popped against the green countryside whizzing by during my train journey - such a picturesque view, don't you think? I know it's a cliché, but my heart did literally skip a beat as the fields of wheat went whizzing by, each golden blade dancing in the sunlight just like a ballet dancer! It was the perfect starting point for my Upminster adventure!
Speaking of trains, let me tell you about the absolute treasure I discovered in my compartment! Now, usually, travelling by train is about as exciting as watching paint dry, but this time it was different! A little family of sparrows decided my compartment was the perfect place for their picnic - tiny feathered friends flitting in and out of the window, pecking at crumbs and chirping a happy tune. The little ones even looked at me with those bright beady eyes, as if saying 'Do you have any more of that delicious stuff?' I swear, their cheeky little faces almost convinced me to share my crisps with them!
As the train sped closer to Upminster, I couldn't help but imagine what magical things awaited me. Ballet classes, maybe even a little performance at the local theatre...oh, and a big pink-themed tea party with the school's other budding ballet bunnies! Yes, I was quite a daydreamer, but darling, let a girl indulge in her fantasies once in a while!
Now, about that ballet school, let's just say I was utterly smitten! The studio had this magical air about it, all exposed beams, sunshine streaming through the windows, and of course, an aroma of sweat and gorgeous freshly-polished dance shoes - the stuff dreams are made of! As I slipped into my leotard and started my warm-up, it felt like stepping onto a stage ready for my debut. But then, darling, wouldn't that just be the most perfect ending to a ballet-obsessed day like this one?
The lesson itself was pure joy, a blend of grace and sweat. Our teacher was this vibrant, passionate woman with a twinkle in her eye, and she knew her barre work. And it wasn't all serious, oh no! We had our little giggle fits too, trying to perfect a particularly tricky turn or leaping across the room, landing ahem, perhaps a bit more gracefully than intended. But the camaraderie, the joy of moving, of creating and sharing stories in movement? It's simply magic, darlings.
After class, I couldn't resist a spot of afternoon tea with some of the other students. We talked ballet, obviously - everything from our favourite choreographers to our dreams of being the next Margot Fonteyn! There was something so uplifting about sharing these passions with other like-minded girls, sipping our Earl Grey and munching on delicious scones with clotted cream.
But of course, a trip to Upminster wouldn't be complete without a little foray into the local wildlife scene! Just a stone's throw from the ballet school, I stumbled upon this idyllic little pond tucked away behind the local library. Ducks waddling, water shimmering like liquid diamonds, and, yes, you guessed it, a family of swans gracefully gliding across the surface, their snow-white feathers catching the setting sun. It was simply utterly serene. And oh, the pictures I took, just imagine - those little black eyes gazing at me from their fluffy down, those graceful necks arcing as they dipped for food... Truly enchanting!
You know, dear readers, I believe there's something special about finding these hidden pockets of beauty, these peaceful corners in the world, where time seems to slow down. Just like ballet, it's about appreciating the stillness and quiet grace. And just like my American-style tutu, it reminds me to add a bit of magic, a touch of pink whimsy into my every day life.
So, darlings, let me leave you with a little piece of advice: get yourself out there! Explore, travel, fall in love with the beauty around you - whether it's the sweeping fields of a Derbyshire sunset, the chirping sparrows on a train journey, or the graceful ballet dancers at a charming school in Upminster. And remember, a touch of pink, a little bit of twirl, a whole lot of fun - it's the magic recipe for life!
Until next time, happy twirling!
Love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
