Post #1651
Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-wearing, ballet-loving Emma, back with another instalment of pink-tastic adventures from www.pink-tutu.com. Today, I’m bringing you all the glitz and glamour from a little trip to Hornchurch, a lovely town in Essex. Now, I know what you're thinking: Hornchurch? Is that even a word?. Well, I can assure you it's most definitely a word, and a charming one at that!
I decided to ditch the usual train journey and opt for a bit of horse-drawn romance instead. Can you believe I actually managed to find a proper horse and cart in 2001?! It felt so grand, like a scene from a fairytale, and the driver, a kind gentleman called Herbert, had the most adorable ginger moustache. The countryside flew by in a kaleidoscope of green fields and fluffy clouds, perfect for dreaming about twirling under a grand chandelier in my pinkest, most fabulous tutu.
Hornchurch itself was delightful! Quaint little shops filled with handmade delights, a vibrant town square bursting with laughter, and a delicious tea room with enough cake to fuel a thousand grand jetés. I treated myself to a beautiful strawberry tart, because one simply cannot travel without a treat, and the flaky pastry paired so well with my peppermint tea - pure bliss!
But why did I choose to travel to this charming little town, you ask? Well, darlings, Hornchurch boasts the stunning Queen's Theatre, and, believe me, this wasn’t just any theatre experience. This, my darlings, was an explosion of artistic brilliance! I was fortunate enough to snag tickets for a show by the National Ballet (yes, I know, divine!) and they did not disappoint.
The dancers glided effortlessly across the stage, their graceful movements transporting me to another realm, each leap a perfect arc against the shimmering backdrop. Even the pas de deux (you all know how much I adore those romantic, intertwined waltzes) had an element of je ne sais quoi - the effortless synchronicity and emotional intensity were captivating! I actually found myself holding my breath during some of the most daring movements, only to release a sigh of awe when they landed perfectly.
What really stole my heart, though, was the atmosphere. You could feel the shared love for ballet coursing through the theatre, each applause like a chorus of shared passion. It’s truly a wonderful thing, sharing such an art form with others.
But the pièce de résistance (yes, I just went there), you ask? The costume. That's right, the National Ballet had this beautiful new performance - think delicate pinks, airy chiffons, sparkling embellishments, and a touch of that dreamy ballet-core we're all obsessed with (no shame!). And naturally, the costume was a must-have inspiration for me.
I dashed off to the most charming fabric shop just down the road from the theatre (again, they had the cutest display windows adorned with handmade ribbons and bows, and a faux chandelier made of tulle!) and bought the softest, most beautiful blush-pink silk you can imagine. The owner, a woman named Mrs. Bellington (seriously, can these names be any cuter?), even helped me pick out the perfect little sequins to add that extra je ne sais quoi. I’m thinking maybe a pink silk skirt with a touch of sparkle and, of course, my favourite tutu underneath - what do you think?
And here's the kicker, my dear tutu enthusiasts: the tutu I wore today for this trip wasn't even an expensive one! I picked it up at a charity shop on my way to Hornchurch for just a few pounds! Don't ever think that you have to break the bank for that fabulous, fluffy tutu feeling, because let me tell you, this was pink perfection!
So, Hornchurch - you have definitely won a special place in my heart. From the horse-drawn ride to the magical ballet and the sweetest, most tutu-tastic fabric store, you have surpassed all my expectations!
Don’t forget, my darlings, every day is a chance to twirl into something amazing, and you can never go wrong with a touch of pink! I can't wait to show you my newly-made silk masterpiece in my next post - be sure to tune in and keep on twirling!
Emma xx
