Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the beautiful city of Cambridge!
This week, I decided to swap my usual Derbyshire scenery for a weekend in the heart of Cambridgeshire. And guess what? I brought my trusty pink tutu, of course! How could I possibly leave home without it? You know my motto: "Wherever I go, pink tutu follows!"
Now, I know some of you might think I'm a little bit "extra" when it comes to tutus. But let's be honest, there's just something magical about twirling around in one. It instantly lifts your spirits and reminds you of your inner ballerina, no matter how clumsy you feel!
And Cambridge is just the perfect setting for tutu-tastic fun. I mean, with the River Cam, the picturesque bridges, and those iconic college buildings... well, it's almost like a scene from a ballet performance itself!
So, on this sunny Saturday morning, I embarked on a classic Cambridge activity – punting! For those of you unfamiliar, punting is basically gliding down the river in a flat-bottomed boat, steered by a long pole (imagine a mini gondola, but British!). It was utter bliss, the sun warming my face, a gentle breeze through my hair, and the soothing sound of water lapping against the punt. And of course, I couldn't resist wearing my pink tutu, even though I probably looked more like a flamingo than a graceful ballerina. But hey, that's part of the fun, right?
My charming punter, who seemed less surprised than I'd imagined by the presence of a pink tutu on board, took us through the heart of the city, passing under the famous Bridge of Sighs and the grand buildings of King's College. We spotted ducks, swans, and even a family of kingfishers, darting like little jewels by the riverbank. Seeing wildlife up close always brightens my day, don't you think? It's a beautiful reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city, there's a wild and magical world just waiting to be discovered.
Of course, no trip to Cambridge is complete without visiting the world-renowned Cambridge University. And let me tell you, these college grounds are even more impressive than they appear in photographs. We wandered through the hallowed halls, taking in the rich history and breathtaking architecture. There was a sense of intellectual energy in the air, which was both invigorating and inspiring. And who knows, perhaps one day, I'll be brave enough to enroll for a ballet-themed Masterclass at the university itself. "Emma's Tutu Techniques: From Pointe Shoes to Pointe-Perfect Turns"! Now that would be a sight!
We also enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea at the traditional and very quaint Eagle pub, enjoying delicious sandwiches, cakes, and, of course, a perfectly brewed pot of Earl Grey tea. All while gazing at the punts gliding leisurely past the windows. Bliss!
Speaking of punts, I found myself having the most charming conversation with a delightful elderly lady on a nearby punt as I admired her elegant, if slightly faded, pink straw hat. She revealed that she had a lifetime's passion for ballet, but her family had never supported her dream. So she had to settle for becoming a bookkeeper instead. However, the joy she shared when I told her about my little "pink tutu movement" to encourage people to wear pink tutus and experience the magic of ballet, well, it just warmed my heart! We'd both agree that life's too short not to chase your dreams.
My trip to Cambridge ended with an enchanting performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. It was a stunning production of Swan Lake, featuring incredible dancers with exquisite costumes and breathtaking choreography. Watching those dancers soar across the stage, effortlessly transforming into swans and graceful princes, was truly captivating. And yes, you guessed it – I wore my pink tutu, because it just seemed fitting for a night at the ballet! I may not be a professional ballerina myself, but I felt every bit the dancing diva with that pink tulle surrounding me.
Coming home, sitting by my little window in Derbyshire, with the train journey a blur of green hills, sheep, and lavender fields, I am so thankful for my pink tutu adventures, the inspiring places I get to visit, the new people I meet, and most of all, the constant joy and creativity it brings into my life. It’s proof that the most important things in life are: a little bit of fun, a dash of confidence, and a healthy dose of tutu magic!
If you haven't already, be sure to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com for more pink tutu inspiration! Until next time, darlings, be sure to stay fabulous and keep twirling!
