Hello darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the magical town of Merthyr Tudful. Yes, I'm here in Wales, surrounded by green rolling hills, charming little villages, and the most delightful castles. Oh, and did I mention the Welsh cakes? To die for!
Now, some of you might be thinking, "Merthyr Tudful? Why on earth, Emma?" Well, let me tell you, darlings, it's been an absolute dream! This place holds a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the local dance scene is simply buzzing! They've got an incredible ballet school, The Merthyr Tudful Dance Academy, where I've been taking a few classes - oh my goodness, the talent here is unbelievable! Secondly, my good friend Gwen, who I met during a performance in London, runs a beautiful equestrian centre on the outskirts of town. I always find a moment for a relaxing horseback ride when I'm on the road, and this place is just perfect. Imagine trotting through verdant fields with the fresh air in my hair, the feeling of freedom in my soul, and a glorious pink tutu fluttering in the breeze - it truly doesn't get any better!
But first, let's talk about my arrival! I simply adore train travel - it's so romantic, wouldn't you agree? A hot chocolate, a good book, the rolling countryside passing by. It's like a mini holiday all by itself. Of course, I couldn't refrain from rocking a magnificent pink tutu and some statement pink earrings to brighten up the carriage. It was a delightful sight, even the fellow travellers were captivated! And why shouldn't they be, pink is the colour of joy, hope, and creativity - it’s time to spread the pink love!
Upon reaching the station, a gentleman in a tweed hat and a beautiful floral scarf kindly helped me find my way to a taxi. The cab driver, a real character, was more than happy to chat with me about the town’s rich history and its coal mining past. He told me stories about the legendary female miners and the incredible spirit of the people here. You can really feel the vibrancy and resilience in the air. I've already booked myself in for a guided walking tour, which is sure to reveal more hidden gems of this charming town.
Now, where were we? Ah yes, the dance studio! Oh, my darlings, it’s like stepping into a world of magic. The studio itself is spacious and filled with light. The dancers were all so graceful and elegant. There’s this wonderful energy in the room – a sense of passion and dedication to the art of dance. I was lucky enough to be invited to their Friday afternoon open class and joined them for a few stretches. We even performed a mini recital of "The Nutcracker." You know, sometimes, it's a delightful reminder that ballet is not about being a prima ballerina, but about simply enjoying the movement and expressing yourself through dance.
Let me tell you, I learned some interesting moves! We tried out the "swan pose" and the "fish leap", both requiring more flexibility than I possess (maybe that’s just another reason for me to get back into regular classes). My lovely teacher said it reminded her of the iconic Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova! Now, don't you think that's just too cool?
But even in this wonderful little town, it’s important to appreciate the natural world. So, after class, I donned a soft, pink sweater with matching pink tutu and headed towards Gwen’s riding centre, the smell of hay already wafted through the air, as I turned the corner. I mean, how could you resist the allure of horseback riding under the Welsh sun, wouldn’t you agree? There are horses for every rider, from seasoned experts to first-time adventurers and with Gwen at the helm, I felt perfectly safe and at ease!
Oh, but there's more! I have been told by the locals, there are a few sheep farms on the nearby hills where I can have the opportunity to engage with the cutest little woolly friends. The hills are perfect for a good walk, and the views are incredible - panoramic views of the surrounding mountains with snow-capped peaks a sparkling blue sky, and fields of vibrant green and gold – I already have my hiking boots packed!
It truly is an experience that should be savored. Every corner of Merthyr Tudful holds a treasure. A stunning little chapel hidden amongst the quaint cobbled streets, a friendly local pub offering mouth-watering Welsh cuisine, and a small museum that holds a piece of history in every corner, including an exhibit on local artisans creating handcrafted jewellery using traditional Welsh designs. Now, isn't that absolutely charming? And don't get me started on the delicious cakes! You've got to try them!
My darlings, it's getting late. Time for me to grab a few delicious Welsh cakes from the bakery before I curl up with a glass of local Welsh wine and a good book. You know what I like to do before going to sleep? I look through my balet library and read through some of the extraordinary lives of the ballet stars. Their dedication and their talent just amaze me.
Don't forget to keep the pink tu-tu dream alive, darlings! Spread the love and joy with a vibrant pink tutu. We can make this world a more beautiful place, one tutu at a time. Until tomorrow, keep dancing!
