Post Number 1865
Hello my lovelies! It's your girl Emma, back from another day of pirouettes and petticoats, and this time, I've been galavanting in the grandest fashion to the historic town of Hayes. I swear, sometimes my adventures are like stepping out of a storybook. Today was definitely one of those times!
Let's start with the ensemble, shall we? A symphony of pink, as always. I was wearing a glorious full-length tutu - oh, my darlings, the drama of it! And let me tell you, it felt truly majestic, just like I was waltzing through a Victorian ballet scene. It was like a big, fluffy pink cloud billowing around me! I also opted for a matching pink feather boa - just because, and a beautiful floral headband with a glittery pink ribbon tied around it. Because who says practicality is the only option when you're traveling? We should always travel with style! Oh, and a matching pair of hot pink heels – can you say fabulous? Even the heavy weight of the tutu felt luxurious against the crisp morning air as I strolled towards Hayes Station.
And yes, darlings, the mode of transportation of choice for this ballerina on the move is definitely the train! There's just something magical about settling in, tucking into a good book (The Secret Garden, if you're wondering!), watching the landscape whirl past my window, and listening to the soothing clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks. It truly makes my heart sing!
And when I reached Hayes Station, it felt like a step back in time. I almost imagined myself transported to a bygone era, where grand ladies in elegant ball gowns strolled along the platforms, gentlemen in their finest suits rushed to catch the carriage, and the sound of horses clip-clopping echoed down cobblestone streets.
I did have to pause for a minute to take in the charming Victorian architecture, though! I felt so inspired by the history surrounding me! Just walking around Hayes is like browsing through an elegant antique shop. So much character and charm – not to mention that unique, timeless English beauty that never goes out of style.
You might be wondering what brought me to Hayes today, right? Well, darling, let me tell you! It all started with an impromptu ballet trip! The day began with my favourite morning ritual: a pre-work ballet class, all grace and poise and the delightful feeling of gliding across the dance floor, of course. And while we were enjoying our usual dose of pliés and grand jetés, one of my ballet friends, Florence, told me about this incredible, newly opened ballet company in Hayes. It's called The Hayes Ballet School. Apparently, they perform classic pieces but also integrate contemporary dance and, most importantly, incorporate a fair bit of colour and excitement into their shows. And who doesn't love a bit of that? I practically jumped with joy when I heard about this – I am, after all, the queen of all things flamboyant.
And that's how I ended up booking a last-minute ticket for a performance that evening, and just like that, Hayes was added to my to-do list. So off I went, with a flutter of excitement and the aforementioned flamboyant ensemble in tow!
I made a point of having lunch in one of Hayes’ charming little tea rooms - The Flower Pot Tea Rooms! It's right off the high street and, well, let’s just say it's a tea lover’s paradise. All dainty china cups, finger sandwiches, and a mouthwatering selection of pastries - perfect for a delicate ballerina like me. Of course, my pink tutu couldn't stay confined to the confines of my suitcase! What would be the point of all this travelling and adventures if I didn’t live in the moment, embraced my inner whimsical spirit and took a few stylish pictures for the Gram?
Speaking of the Gram – do you know what my #aestheticgoals were for today’s Instagram snaps? Well, it’s all about vintage ballet posters, flower gardens and floral patterns in my surroundings and, of course, the inevitable dramatic shot with the pink tutu blowing in the wind. It was practically like I was living inside one of my own paintings!
After lunch, I decided to take a walk through the heart of Hayes, and wouldn’t you know it? I discovered an incredibly charming little hidden gem – Hayes' Village Pond, surrounded by some truly breathtaking floral gardens. It's a tranquil little sanctuary hidden amidst all the bustle of town, perfect for contemplation, reflection and taking a break from the chaos of the day! Imagine my delight when I found a beautiful little pink bench situated near the pond. Perfect for capturing that iconic Tutu & Tea Room pose for the ‘gram!
I then had a bit of a wild encounter – yes, you read that right, darlings! I was strolling through the Hayes Common, feeling very elegant and, well, ‘Emma’ in my pink tutu when suddenly a small, fluffy creature scurried right across my path! A little grey squirrel! It's amazing how such small things can make your heart sing, you know? It brought me so much joy to witness such innocent beauty and wonder in such an unlikely spot! The entire day had become an exciting blend of culture, nature and all things ‘ballet’.
I made it to The Hayes Ballet School for the performance with just a few minutes to spare, and, oh, what a spectacle! It was like a magical fairytale brought to life! Every single dancer brought their passion and skill to the stage – it was truly mesmerising! The costumes were magnificent – I particularly loved the emerald green sequined outfits in one of the contemporary pieces. The ballerinas had such strength and elegance. My heart literally soared as they effortlessly moved through the dance sequence - it felt like they were flying! They truly encapsulated all the beauty, joy and inspiration of ballet itself, which of course, resonated so deeply with this Tutu-loving ballerina!
One thing's for sure – if you find yourself in Hayes and have any ounce of appreciation for dance, a performance by The Hayes Ballet School is an absolute must!
And the night ended with the perfect cherry on top - a delicious dessert at another amazing little local treasure called ‘The Lavender Cottage’ café. It's just off the main square. They had this delightful strawberry cheesecake with a lavender blossom sitting atop, it tasted almost like summer magic. You must know I documented this sweet moment, my dears!
My evening train journey home was the perfect way to complete my day of delightful adventures. The sound of the wheels on the tracks and the rhythmic chugging of the train almost felt like an extended finale to the perfect performance of the day!
Of course, the tutu did stay on for the journey home - for me, wearing this extravagant ensemble has become something of a personal trademark! It's my way of embracing a little extra sparkle, a little more glamour and reminding myself of the incredible power of dreams!
This whole day in Hayes truly was one of those magical moments. A mix of fairytale charm and real-life joy that’s hard to put into words, and, of course, my pink tutu really made it all that much better.
If you have ever wanted to try ballet or put on a pink tutu - you absolutely should! Do it for the beauty, the joy, the escape! You never know – your next adventures could be just a pink feather away!
That’s it for today my dears, Remember: if you are living your best Tutu-loving life, I want to hear all about it. Don’t forget to share your stories with me in the comments section below!
Till next time my lovely lovelies,
Emma xo
