#1779
Hey there, Tutu Babes! Emma here, and boy, oh boy, what a whirlwind weekend I've had! The thrill of travel, the joy of a new city, and oh, the stunning tutus – what's a girl to do?
The train journey from Derbyshire to Pont-y-pool was just blissful. The scenery was glorious, all rolling hills and whispering wind, and I spent the journey planning outfits, dreaming up choreography, and writing furiously in my little pink notebook – gotta keep this brain whirring, don't you know! I do have a weakness for those steam trains though, so maybe I'll try and rope my dear Uncle Henry into letting me hitch a ride on his horse-drawn carriage next time. 🐴
Speaking of horses, did I mention I saw a beautiful herd of wild ponies galloping across a field just before we reached Pont-y-pool? Truly magical! They reminded me of my favorite ballet number, "The Wild Ponies" - pure freedom and grace.
And now for the grand entrance... my chosen look for exploring Pont-y-pool? A vibrant orange tutu, of course! I know, I know, I’m pushing the boundaries of traditional tutus – and that’s exactly what I love! It’s all about self-expression, and I say, let’s get colourful, ladies! 😉 The orange perfectly complimented the warm tones of the sun-kissed stone buildings, and let's be honest, I looked utterly divine, a pink flamingo amongst a sea of grey! 🦩
I decided to start my exploration with a ballet class – a must-do when in a new town! The local ballet studio was charming, nestled above a cute little bookshop – they had a copy of "Swan Lake" which I just had to pick up! The teacher, Mrs. Morgan, was a lovely lady with eyes as bright as my tutu! She gave me a quick rundown of the local scene – apparently, they’re putting on "Sleeping Beauty" in October, and she was looking for a new lead – what are the chances? 🤞 The class was energetic and fun, and we all had a lovely time. I definitely feel my technique has levelled up since my last session in Bakewell – you just never stop learning in this wonderful world of dance!
Speaking of wonderful, Pont-y-pool town square was a vision! I fell in love with the pastel-coloured shopfronts – the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot! I practically pranced my way through the streets, swirling my tutu in every charming alleyway and under every twinkling lamppost. My orange tutu definitely made heads turn, which made for a delightful ballet street performance in its own right! ✨
I couldn't resist a visit to the Pont-y-pool Museum. A captivating exhibit about the history of ballet, the costumes – divine! There was even a little section about ballet on film, which was right up my street. As soon as I got home, I started a list of the ballet films I’ve yet to see. That must be the next blog post… or perhaps the one after that! I’ll decide once I've gotten some well-earned sleep. 😴
One of the absolute highlights of my trip? I spotted the most charming antique shop on my way to the cafe! And wouldn't you know it, tucked away in a dusty corner, was the most divine vintage tutu – pink, of course! It's like it was calling out to me, asking to be taken home and given a new lease on life! I can already picture it adorning a stage somewhere, capturing the essence of the golden era of ballet. I simply had to purchase it, and as soon as I get back to my little flat, it’s straight into the washing machine and back to its rightful glory! 🫧
Evening in Pont-y-pool was magical – the town lit up like a fairyland. And after dinner at the most delightful Italian restaurant with an amazing, if a little over enthusiastic, opera singer in the kitchen – yes, he had a decent tenor voice and insisted on serenading us! - I took a stroll down the riverside.
And then it struck me – the beauty of life. The thrill of the unexpected, the excitement of a new place, and the shared love of dance.
Just me and my orange tutu, under the Pont-y-pool night sky, bathed in the moonlight. It was a moment of pure magic. 💖
Until next time, stay fabulous, and don’t forget to twirl!
Love, Emma x
