Hello my lovely Tutuettes!
It's Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, and today I'm writing to you from the quaint little seaside town of Blyth in Northumberland!
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Blyth? Emma, what are you doing all the way up there?" Well, darling, this wasn't just any trip. This was a mission, a pilgrimage, a quest for the perfect tutu... a classic, American-style tutu, if you please!
Let's rewind a little. My life has been pretty busy these last few weeks. You know how it is: rehearsals for the spring production of "Giselle" (which, by the way, is shaping up to be absolutely divine), late-night ballet class, and of course, running my very own ballet blog - Pink Tutu (because what else could it be called, really?)
However, amid the madness, one thing had been nagging me: a new tutu for a new year. And I'm not just talking any old tutu. This year, my darling readers, this year I was yearning for a true American style - those billowing, dramatic tutus that I had fallen in love with when I saw a breathtaking production of "Swan Lake" in New York a few years ago.
I knew just the place. You see, tucked away in Blyth, nestled amongst charming tea shops and seaside arcades, lives a little gem of a shop called The Tutu Emporium. Owned and run by the most fabulous, bubbly, tutu-loving woman you could imagine (imagine someone with the energy of a thousand ballerinas!), it was said to have the most exquisite selection of tutus - from traditional white to rainbow colours, and everything in between!
My trusty companion, Penelope the miniature schnauzer, and I hopped onto a train first thing this morning (nothing beats a scenic train journey for inspiration, and of course, to let Penelope enjoy the views!).
Arriving in Blyth, we found ourselves enveloped in the charming seaside atmosphere. We saw families laughing and playing on the pier, boats bobbing gently in the harbour, and of course, delicious smells of fish and chips wafting in the air!
But my tutu-loving heart was set on finding The Tutu Emporium. Luckily, a friendly local shopkeeper pointed us in the right direction, and soon we were standing in front of a small shop with a brightly painted sign and an equally bright and bouncy tutu-clad window display!
The moment I stepped inside, I felt like a little girl stepping into a wonderland. It was an explosion of fabric, feathers, sequins, and sparkle. My heart leaped a little with each delicate tulle swirl, each carefully sewn ribbon. And, of course, Penelope whimpered and sniffed enthusiastically at every garment she could reach. (I did warn you about the delicious smells!)
And then I saw it. Nestled amongst the other exquisite tutus was the American style tutu of my dreams. It was made of delicate pink tulle, just slightly deeper than my favourite blush hue, with rows and rows of the most beautiful, delicate feathers bordering the skirt. It was just exquisite, almost dreamlike.
It took a lot of willpower, but after trying on a few other absolutely divine designs (it's really hard to choose in such a glorious haven, my darlings!), I decided on this one. It felt like a piece of pure joy, ready to twirl into a magical ballet moment.
Later, Penelope and I explored the rest of the town. We had the most delicious fish and chips by the harbour, watched a charming parade of Morris dancers (which had Penelope barking in excitement - she's a real sucker for any sort of energetic performance, that dog!), and ended the day by watching the sunset over the sea, tutu swishing gently in the cool breeze.
You see, dear Tutuettes, it wasn't just the perfect tutu I found today. It was the reminder that magic can be found anywhere, even in a charming seaside town like Blyth.
Remember: it's always worth chasing your dreams, whether they are in the form of a perfect tutu, a grand performance, or simply a day spent enjoying the little things in life.
And while you're chasing your own dreams, make sure you wear your pink tutu, with pride and with a big smile!
Until next time, my Tutuettes. Happy twirling!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
