Hello my darling dears! Itâs Emma here, fresh from a whirlwind trip to Oxford, and trust me, it was everything a pink-loving, tutu-obsessed ballet enthusiast could dream of! I haven't even started telling you about the magnificent swan lake I saw on Thursday, and I can already feel the sparkles raining down on my keyboard...but first, letâs get you up to speed on this epic journey.
Now, normally I'm a bit of a train gal. Chugging through the countryside in a carriage, feeling the breeze in my hair as we glide past rolling fields and sleepy villages is my happy place. But this time, something a little different was in order: a journey by horse. Yep, you heard that right! My darling friend Sarah had arranged for us to travel on horseback from Derbyshire to Oxfordshire, and honestly, what could be more idyllic? The crisp autumn air whipping through our hair, the sun on our faces, the occasional giggle as a bird startled us. Pure magic. It made me wish I'd swapped my pointe shoes for jodhpurs and had packed my whip instead of my ballet bag!
Arriving in Oxford was a total fairytale. Itâs a city straight out of a Jane Austen novel, all cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards. Even the air smells like history! We checked into a delightful little B&B called "The Pink Pear Tree." (Can you imagine? I practically swooned when I saw it!) We were welcomed with fresh scones and jam, which, let's be honest, are the ultimate afternoon treat.
My first stop in Oxford was the glorious Ashmolean Museum, home to a treasure trove of art and artifacts from around the world. Youâd think theyâd have a pink tutu exhibition there somewhere, wouldnât you? Sadly, they were missing a golden opportunity! But fear not, darling, I brought my own pink tutu magic along!
The real treat, though, was a visit to the New Theatre Oxford, for a breathtaking production of âSwan Lake.â Now, I've seen countless âSwan Lakeâ performances over the years, but this one was absolutely spectacular. The dancers were sensational - graceful as swans, powerful as eagles - and the sets were simply jaw-dropping. I've always loved the duality of the White Swan, pure and innocent, and the Black Swan, bold and mischievous, and seeing it on stage like this, I felt so utterly enchanted. Honestly, it nearly made me wish I was on stage right next to them! (Although, my current tutu-wearing situation involves plenty of shopping in the quaint boutiques on Oxford's High Street!)
The beauty of a trip like this is that it's about soaking up the atmosphere, discovering new places, and just enjoying life. And in that regard, my journey to Oxford truly was the perfect balance between cultural enrichment and the simple pleasures.
My days were a blend of cultural pursuits - wandering through the universityâs ancient quads, visiting the Museum of Natural History with its incredible dinosaur displays (which actually reminded me a lot of my love for wildlife⌠perhaps an alpaca trekking tour on my next visit?), exploring the enchanting Botanical Gardens and the sheer beauty of the Oxford Colleges â with some serious indulgence in all things pink and tutu-tastic. You see, the great thing about Oxford is that itâs full of cute, quirky little shops â antique stores crammed with porcelain dolls, bookstores overflowing with vintage novels, cafes brimming with literary discussions - which, of course, have become prime territory for adding some pink tutu magic to my wardrobe!
As a lifelong ballerina, you know, I feel a profound connection to the story of Oxford, steeped in academic tradition. The city has this intellectual vibe, with all these brilliant minds roaming around. I swear I felt my own brain getting bigger just walking through the streets. And it made me realize that ballet and learning aren't so different, are they? They both require dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. So, for any aspiring dancers out there, I can't recommend Oxford enough.
Of course, a little bit of fun and frivolity are always on the menu! There was the delicious pink tea at the Oxford Artisan Distillery â it was the most exquisite rose petal concoction I've ever tasted â and letâs not forget a truly glorious rooftop champagne bar (topped off with pink fairy lights of course!) where Sarah and I enjoyed our celebratory cocktails after a day of explorations!
This city, filled with the echoes of history, felt like a sanctuary of tranquility where I could reflect on the magic of ballet, the beauty of the English countryside, and the joys of discovering something new. Now that Iâve said farewell to Oxford, Iâm already longing to come back. Maybe next time, we can add a little more dancing into the mix. Perhaps a session with a ballet class â something about those charming studios just call out to me! â or an evening with a local theatre production. Maybe we could even visit the Universityâs own theatre, the Sheldonian Theatre â I bet those majestic buildings are filled with incredible memories! Or perhaps a dance class with some friendly faces⌠if anyone wants to join, I'm already brainstorming ideas. We could meet up, don our pink tutus, and dance through the streets. Itâll definitely be the pinkest adventure in Oxfordshire â if I may say so myself!
The memories are already imprinted on my heart, each one shimmering like a jewel in my personal treasure chest. But one thing's for certain - my love for all things pink, and for the beauty and artistry of ballet, remains strong and shining as ever! So, until next time my darlings, keep dancing your heart out! I'll be off, spreading the pink tutu magic⌠just wait, itâs going to be even bigger next time.
Yours eternally,
Emma
