Hello my gorgeous ballet-loving babes!
It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away to the delightful world of twirling and tutus - as always, straight from the pages of my trusty pink diary. Today's adventure takes me to Upminster, a charming town tucked away in Essex, a hop and a skip (or a little train journey) from my home in Derbyshire.
Iāve been dreaming of venturing to Upminster for months. It all started with a whisper of a story - a little bird told me there was a hidden ballet treasure waiting to be uncovered: a performance of Swan Lake in a beautifully quaint theatre right in the heart of the town. Of course, I just had to see it!
But let's get down to the details, darlings. My outfit, naturally, was carefully curated. I envisioned the delicate beauty of a swan, and the most ethereal pink tutu came to mind. I had a bespoke creation crafted especially for this occasion. Itās a symphony of tulle and sparkles - it wouldn't look out of place at a fairytale ball! I paired it with my favourite lavender ballet flats (so comfortable, even for a day of train travel!) and a splash of cherry blossom-hued lipstick for a touch of whimsy.
The train ride itself was an absolute delight. The carriage was full of happy chatter and laughter. I even bumped into a lovely old lady, clearly a ballet enthusiast, who gave me the best piece of advice: "Never let anyone tell you you're too old for tutus!" Wise words indeed.
Reaching Upminster felt like stepping into a picture postcard. I was instantly enchanted by the cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, all brimming with charm. But the star of the show was definitely the Upminster Town Hall, a building as elegant as it is historic. I swear it shimmered like the stage itself.
The theatre was tucked away inside the town hall, with a sweet little courtyard perfect for pre-show chit-chat and a cheeky little selfie with my reflection in the shiny ironwork gates. A sense of anticipation filled the air. I could hear hushed whispers and feel the gentle ripple of excitement building.
Finally, the curtains rose. Iāve seen countless Swan Lake performances in my lifetime, but this one held a special kind of magic. The costumes, the music, the exquisite artistry of the dancersā¦ it truly felt as though Iād stepped into a dream. I must admit, there were even a few happy tears, especially during the scene with the majestic cygnets.
As the curtain fell, the audience erupted in a joyous crescendo of applause. I, too, joined the throng, feeling the vibrant energy buzzing all around. The whole experience was like a little burst of sunshine in my day, and left me longing to embrace the dance again myself.
And what could be more perfect after a ballet performance than a spot of afternoon tea? A charming tea room called āThe Pink Flamingoā was conveniently located just a few minutes from the theatre, and I couldnāt resist the opportunity. It was all vintage teacups and delicate cakes. They even served a special pink champagne tea, which was an absolute treat!
I wouldnāt be me if I hadnāt done a little exploring after my tea, so I spent the afternoon strolling through the nearby Upminster Country Park. I was surrounded by vibrant wildflowers, watched adorable baby squirrels frolicking, and saw the most magnificent kingfisher gliding gracefully across the pond. There was such a tranquil beauty in the quiet, yet my pink tutu still attracted a few curious glances ā it certainly isn't a regular sight in the countryside.
And so, my lovelies, my adventure in Upminster concluded with a symphony of colours, sweet memories, and a renewed passion for the beauty and magic of ballet. Thereās something truly special about seeing such elegance in an unexpected location.
Now, let me know what you think in the comments section below! Do tell me about your favourite ballet experiences, or maybe share some fun spots for ballet adventures around the world. And remember, letās all strive to make the world a more sparkly and joyful place by embracing our inner tutus and our love for the beautiful art of dance!
Sending you lots of love and a sprinkling of pink,
Emma
xx
P.S. Donāt forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com for more pink-filled adventures!
P.P.S. And, most importantly, letās get everyone in pink tutus!
