Oh darling, hello from Strood! I know what you're thinking – "Strood? Really, Emma? What's so fabulous about Strood?" Well, I'll tell you: today, Strood was bursting with a delightful mix of ballet magic and a dash of rural charm!
You see, darling, it all began this morning in my little corner of Derbyshire. As I was having my breakfast (a mountain of pink grapefruit and some scrumptious Earl Grey – no sugar, just a dollop of pink honey – the perfect way to start a day!), a little bird perched on my windowsill, chirping away merrily. And it was then, I got this little nudge, this feeling, that the universe was whispering – "Emma, dear, pack your pink tutu and go explore!".
Now, I am a woman of action, so I grabbed my favourite pink ballerina bag and a pair of pink Converse (I do adore my Converse! They are such perfect "on-the-go" ballet shoes!) and I high-tailed it to the train station. I love trains! They are such romantic vehicles, filled with potential, like the perfect backdrop for a ballet scene. And on this particular day, my fellow travellers were delightfully diverse – a family going on a day trip to the coast, a group of school kids giggling about their upcoming concert, and a distinguished gentleman engrossed in his newspaper – so very 'British' ! The train rattled and clinked, but somehow the carriage felt peaceful and serene - the ultimate escape from the ordinary.
And so, here I am, in Strood, walking down this charming little high street lined with shops. A little baker, its windows brimming with delectable croissants and fruit tarts – and there is a delightful pet shop overflowing with furry friends, a parrot yelling "Polly want a cracker!". I couldn't resist taking a little peek and came away with a gorgeous fluffy feather boa - it reminded me of the lovely Swan Lake tutus – you know the ones I'm talking about, those elegant feather boas! - so dreamy!
Later this afternoon, I visited Strood’s gorgeous park - it has the most enchanting little bandstand – and the greenest grass I have ever seen, perfect for pirouette practice! There are families having picnics, children running through the park, it was so alive, vibrant, like a scene from a beautiful ballet.
After a spot of afternoon tea – pink strawberry tarts, of course! - I was on the way to the local theatre where they were holding a ballet masterclass. It was simply divine! I absolutely adored the inspiring ballerina. She had such grace and precision, and I learned some new steps. Every dancer deserves a good teacher and, of course, an amazing pink tutu to wear while they are learning those new steps. So much magic happens when you wear a pink tutu, don't you think?
Today was all about discovery, about finding those little sparks of joy in the most unexpected places. It’s this little adventure that reminded me, dear readers, why I love being a ballet dancer, a travel writer, and of course, why I adore pink tutus. Life is all about pushing boundaries and embracing the unconventional – even if it means venturing out to places like Strood! And when it comes to ballet, darling, let’s remember the words of Margot Fonteyn, “It is not a hobby; it is a life. A life that's hard and demanding, but oh, what a life! And what magic!”
So, until next time my dears, keep twirling and spreading the pink tutu love!
Lots of Love
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com ! It's full of all things ballet and pink - so much fun!
(Remember, dear readers, if you ever get the chance to visit Strood, do! I'm sure it will leave you twirling with joy! )
