Helloooo, darlings! It’s Emma here, back from my fabulous whirlwind trip to Kettering! Can you believe it? This Derbyshire girl ventured to the heart of Northamptonshire for a truly magical experience. And by magical, I of course mean a truly pink-tutu-filled ballet escapade!
This adventure all started when I spotted an ad on the Ballet Bulletin, which is like my favourite ever website. Imagine, you know, a huge list of all the ballet shows, classes, workshops, events – just EVERYTHING – that's happening all across the country. Well, they listed a rare, limited-edition show in Kettering by the renowned Ballet Royale company! Naturally, a quick phone call and train booking later, and I was on my way.
Speaking of my travels, it’s just not a proper Emma trip without a dash of romance! This time, instead of the usual luxurious first-class carriage on the train, I chose a vintage horse and carriage. It might seem a little old-fashioned, but something about the gentle clinking of hooves and the sound of the countryside rushing past is truly magical. Plus, the driver, let’s just say, was very charming…wink wink!
When I arrived in Kettering, I was greeted by an absolute whirlwind of pink! Seriously, every shop had some form of pink in the window displays, even the butcher's! And of course, I couldn't resist my new little "Pink Princess" tutu from my favourite boutique in Derby – you know, the one with the heart-shaped door, the smell of old-world lavender and a little chihuahua that’s obsessed with velvet. So, my outfit was complete: my new Tutu, a classic ballet pink satin top, my pearl necklace (which I wear almost everywhere – you know, just a bit of sophistication!), and my trusty old pink ballet flats. I mean, I had to dress to impress for the Ballet Royale, don't you think?
Speaking of which, the performance was simply breathtaking! It was a rendition of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, but with a twist! The choreographic masterpiece, of course, was all there: the ethereal beauty of the swan lake, the tragic romance of Prince Siegfried and Odette, and the power of the evil Baron Rothbart, who’s literally just my worst nightmare (sorry Baron, no disrespect). BUT! It was set against a modern backdrop with incredible special effects – I mean, can you imagine a swirling cloud of glittery, pink-tinted snow? It was an absolute feast for the eyes, a real feast for the soul, and let’s just say, my tutu-loving heart couldn’t take it all!
It was truly amazing to see all those wonderful, skilled ballerinas gracefully performing in their pink tutus and black pointe shoes, swirling across the stage. Every leap, every arabesque, every graceful plié filled me with pure joy and an overwhelming desire to jump onto that stage myself! So much inspiration, honestly!
Now, after a tiring, yet thrilling performance, what’s a ballet aficionado to do but head for a real "tutu treat," I thought! I indulged in a delightful little tea at a charming café just opposite the theater. I mean, every time I find a new tea place I make sure to do a post about it, right?! They had the most scrumptious pastries and an abundance of pink macarons! Of course, I had to buy the whole stack and share with everyone. You see, when you have a pink tutu on, you should share joy with the world!
One of the most surprising things about Kettering, though, was how full of nature it was! I stumbled upon a secret garden hidden away behind a beautiful old bookstore. It was filled with lovely flowers in bloom, delicate butterflies fluttering among the plants, and squirrels chasing each other up the trees. I could almost imagine that I was back home in Derbyshire, surrounded by the gentle hills and the sound of the wind whispering through the trees. Just an idyllic escape from all the city life, you know?
While wandering through the gardens, I even managed to snag a couple of pink teacups from a local antique shop for my new tea party set! And let’s be real, how many of us have an excuse to start a tea party? None! We can ALL justify it. If that means a few new teacups and a pretty little hat, then so be it, you know?
Kettering left a deep imprint on my heart – just like any other travel experience. It reminded me, once again, of how beautiful the world is, full of diverse experiences, incredible beauty, and most importantly, a whole lot of joy, all tied up in the string of a pink tutu! It just reminds us to step out of our comfort zone, try new things and wear our favourite pink tutu to any adventure. Who knows, you might just meet a prince in shining armor, find a magical garden or discover the next ballet superstar. And as for me? I'll just keep dancing my way through life, one pink tutu and tea party at a time.
Catch you all next time,
Emma x
(www.pink-tutu.com)
