Hello, darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a whirlwind adventure. This week, I'm off the beaten track (figuratively, because I haven't actually left the charming, slightly old-fashioned streets of Upminster) but that doesn't mean I've been lacking in tutu-fied adventures. Today, I'm taking you along with me on my journey, with a dose of sunshine and a sprinkle of ballet magic, all rolled into one!
The morning began as always – with a graceful swan dive into the glorious pink ballet skirt that calls my name each morning. I feel like I’m a blooming flower opening up to the world in my beautiful pink tutu. I adore the way the silky layers dance around my legs when I spin and twirl! And today, darling, the weather has blessed us with a delightful, crisp, summer day – just perfect for a walk to the station.
Speaking of which, did I mention that Upminster station? It's a charmer! You can almost feel the history whispering around you, right there amongst the stone arches and echoing footsteps. The scent of freshly cut grass carried in by the breeze makes the station even more romantic than a railway station is supposed to be!
Anyway, onto my adventure. My goal? To see a ballet show! The world-famous Royal Ballet was visiting the local theatre and they were showing 'Swan Lake'. You can’t possibly imagine how excited I was! It’s the classic ballet - with swans, a prince, and a magical princess (all my favourites!) It doesn’t get more magical than that!
I must tell you about my outfit, darlings. You can’t just waltz into the theatre like any old day. Nope, I donned my trusty lilac ballerina-style top with its adorable ruffled sleeves - think Victorian meets the ballerina! And then of course, my signature pink tutu (with an embroidered design of fluffy pink clouds - it is, after all, a ‘Swan Lake’ themed show! ), making it an outfit truly worthy of the grand event.
Oh! I must share about the journey. My train journey out here, through the idyllic, rolling Derbyshire hills, felt like an exciting ballet in itself. The rhythmic click-clack of the wheels, the sweeping green meadows, the sun dappling the train windows, it was all so picturesque and ballet-esque, wasn’t it? The gentle swaying of the carriage made me want to close my eyes and dance to the beat of the tracks!
We arrived at Upminster station to find the place brimming with elegant, suited-up business people heading into town for the day. There was also a rather dashing man leading a magnificent white horse who was quite obviously a bit flustered in the bustle of the station - apparently, a ‘morning commute’ is stressful even for a horse. I did wonder, could a horse do the job of a commuter train? A most intriguing thought! I'll make sure I ask my readers their opinions - just add it to the comment section below!
And then it was time to arrive at the theatre itself. You’d think this little town would have some simple, old building… but, no! Instead, there’s a Victorian jewel! Ornate iron railings, an archway and stained-glass windows that burst with color… all a stunning spectacle in themselves, but the best bit was - I discovered the ‘front of house’ team at the theatre all had their very own set of elegant pink tutus on under their crisp white uniform!
As you can imagine, darling, I felt right at home there.
I took my seat in the plush theatre, with its plush velvet seating and crimson curtains. As the music filled the air, the performers took the stage, transforming into their swan personas with grace and fluidity. You know, darlings, that the best ballet is not just a series of leaps and twirls, it's a beautiful expression of the heart - it was truly captivating. It made my heart skip a beat! I practically had a whole dance with my feet tapping along to the rhythm of the orchestra! And did I mention the dancing was simply sublime, like birds taking flight on a warm summer breeze!
My heart was a whirlwind of emotions after the performance. It was an amazing journey and I simply must add that I also noticed several people at the performance wearing pink tutus themselves - darlings, I’m truly making my dream come true!
Of course, no trip to a new location is complete without a bit of exploration, so my walk back through the cobblestone streets was punctuated by a little shop-hopping and a chance encounter with a flock of pink-feathered ducks waddling across the pathway (perhaps a little inspired by the ‘Swan Lake’ theme?) Oh darling! I had to laugh, they reminded me of little ballerinas all dressed in pink and fluttering about the way ducks do! They were delightful and I wanted to join them - imagine, all of us walking in a line - it’d be a pink feather tutu procession and all those gorgeous pink feathered ballet shoes clicking on the cobblestones.
Well, I mustn’t delay your own afternoon, darling!
I can't wait to hear about your adventures. Be sure to share your stories in the comments below and, remember, keep that pink tutu at the ready. After all, anything is possible with a touch of pink and a little bit of ballet!
Keep it fabulously pink, Emma xx
