#TutuBlog 2001-06-24 in Coventry with a purple tutu.

Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, back with you from the land of…Coventry! Yep, I know what you're thinking. Not exactly the glamorous city break you'd imagine for a tutu-wearing ballerina, but sometimes, a girl needs a little change of scenery! Besides, there's nothing quite like a day out, no matter where you end up. Plus, let’s face it, I love the whole fairytale aspect of travelling by train… the clinking, the rumble, the exciting feeling of being whisked away to another part of the country. It's truly magic.

So, you might be wondering what I'm doing in Coventry, right? Well, as it happens, I had the most divine surprise! The Coventry Ballet Theatre was putting on a special performance of "Swan Lake" with guest ballerinas from Moscow, and naturally, I just had to see it. You know me, I just can't resist a good ballet show!

Now, my journey to Coventry began, as usual, in Derbyshire. It's a gorgeous morning here. You can just tell from the way the sun shines on the green fields that a new day is about to bloom. As I step onto the platform at Matlock, I feel like I'm ready for any adventure that life throws at me, in my bright pink ballet outfit, my trusty lilac tutu fluttering behind me. This colour combination just screams summery romance to me. Don't you agree?

The journey is always so peaceful on the train. I find myself mesmerized by the rolling landscapes that pass by - it feels almost magical as if the trees are waving to me and the fields are smiling. I spend a good hour in peaceful reflection. I look through my ballet bag, where I’ve tucked a well-loved copy of the "Complete Works of Tchaikovsky" (can’t let the maestro be forgotten!). I also have some juicy pink pomegranates. There’s nothing better than juicy, sweet pomegranates on a journey, is there? Oh, and a tiny hand mirror. This might be a bit eccentric but I like to check myself out every now and then to make sure my outfit is still on point.

Just as the sun begins its descent, the train arrives at Coventry. This city always seems to have a quiet air, a touch of mystery in its ancient walls. I’m just in awe of these old, medieval buildings, you know? Imagine all the stories they could tell! I bet Coventry was buzzing with activity back in the day. And honestly, I just love old towns like this, full of old architecture and history.

It was a delightful stroll to the theatre. I popped into a sweet little shop with window boxes overflowing with roses. I can never resist fresh flowers, they just bring such a touch of magic into everyday life, don't you think? And the aroma of them in the air always adds a dash of joy to my day. This shop was selling these tiny porcelain mice, and I nearly snapped them all up! You know how much I adore mice (my very favourite!). It's probably why my cat loves to chase me - I always want to hug every little mouse!

The ballet performance was everything I'd hoped for, and more! It was simply divine. The Moscow ballerinas were incredible, moving like the wind. It truly was the most graceful spectacle I’d ever seen.

Even in Coventry, a good ballet show never fails to spark that little magical feeling inside me. It takes me back to the childhood days when my world was filled with the wonder of dancing tutus and dreaming of twirling like the ballerinas in the books I’d pore over. But more than anything, a good ballet show, a perfect performance like this, reminds me of the simple beauty that’s there for us all, every day.

The costumes in "Swan Lake" were a particular delight! And not just the tutus – they were just divine, my dear – the other costumes! I was especially charmed by the dark, billowing skirts and velvet capes, a combination that’s just SO elegant and regal! You can never have too much velvet in life, don't you agree? And let's not forget the sparkling tiara – such regal grace.

Afterwards, I strolled through Coventry city center. A city filled with an unexpected buzz. A charming local vintage store caught my eye – “Fancy A Flutter”, oh what a delightful name for a shop! It was a tiny little place, bursting at the seams with old clothes and curios. I found some lovely vintage jewellery: a delicate little necklace with a pearl that reminds me of a miniature white moon and a matching ring for the pinkie finger. You know, for when I’m feeling particularly stylish, it can be so chic, that small touch of detail to pull an outfit together.

It was late by the time I arrived at my hotel. I had chosen a small but quaint place, “The Peacock Inn.” How appropriate for me! They had these charming rooms, beautifully decorated with a quirky little vintage flair, and I simply adore anything vintage – it reminds me of times past, all those forgotten tales, secrets whispered in grand halls, like in Jane Austen's novels… I just get lost in the history of it all!

I felt exhausted yet full of joy after the most incredible day! And now, tucked into my comfy little bed in this little peacock hotel room, surrounded by antique mirrors and floral wallpaper, with the moon streaming through the window... It’s a feeling of deep content, like everything’s in perfect harmony and all is well with the world.

Now, don’t worry, my darlings, I’ll be posting more about my Coventrian escapades, so you can follow my adventures from this beautiful, quirky city. What are you waiting for, why not grab your tutu and start your own adventure? You can find some super cute tutus on Etsy, trust me! And remember: “Always believe in the magic that lies within you.”

Keep your little ballet shoes at the ready! Until next time, darlings!

With love and sparkle, Emma x