Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-tastic travel blogger, signing in live from the charming Bexleyheath!
It's a bit of a whistle-stop tour today, but even a fleeting visit to this delightful town couldn't be complete without a spot of ballet, a touch of pink, and of course, my trusty tutu!
I started my day with a fabulous ride to Bexleyheath on the train, admiring the changing scenery whizzing by as I twirled my little pink cardigan between my fingers (it's a bit chilly today!). The journey felt like stepping into a fairytale – imagine rolling green hills, charming little towns, and just enough sunshine to give everything a golden hue. It's times like this I truly believe a bit of a fairytale atmosphere follows me around – even when it’s on a 7:15 am train to the outskirts of London.
Bexleyheath itself is a delightful little town - with an almost magical vibe to it. It was so lovely to wander around the cobblestone streets and find hidden gems tucked away around each corner. Imagine, a gorgeous cafe with fairy lights outside, antique shops filled with whimsical trinkets and a library with a stunning Victorian architecture – Bexleyheath felt like the perfect backdrop for a romantic novel. And I’ve got to say, the air here has a certain vibrancy to it!
But let's not forget about the reason for this adventure, shall we? Ballet, of course! Bexleyheath has this delightful little ballet studio, tucked away just off the high street. Now, this studio wasn't the most extravagant, but it was a charmer in the way only old ballet studios can be – with peeling paint, slightly creaky floors, and an atmosphere that feels like it's buzzing with memories of countless pirouettes and leaps. I decided to take a class there, mainly because the teacher looked incredibly strict in a good way, which of course, means I'll be learning an absolute ton in just one hour! I also met the sweetest little girl in the class who looked at me with awe when I waltzed in with my little pink tutu. I made sure to tell her all about my amazing adventure. It’s a truly lovely feeling knowing I might inspire young dancers – that makes the tutu-traveler's life so worthwhile!
After my delightful class, I indulged in the most divine afternoon tea – a pot of beautifully scented tea, warm scones (with enough cream and jam!), dainty sandwiches, and, of course, a slice of perfectly pink cake! It was all served in the most quaint tea room adorned with roses, so the afternoon tea felt like stepping into a Victorian painting, which perfectly captured the spirit of this charming little town.
The highlight of the evening had to be the Ballet theatre performance – “The Nutcracker”, but a new and updated version! Oh, my darlings, you wouldn't believe it! This new choreography wasn’t your typical Christmas spectacle, it was fresh, captivating, and filled with breathtaking athleticism and storytelling. The dancers were all incredible!
I had to confess that my favourite part was the finale - when all the dancers danced in unison in the grand finale, in the most intricate, stunning tutus – you can imagine the glitter! It made me yearn for the stage – my own tutu-filled spotlight – and even for a moment I imagined myself as Clara (my little dancer's favourite part). Maybe one day, eh?
It was such a joyous celebration of dance! There were moments I had tears in my eyes (those ballerinas were incredible!), and my heart just overflowed with appreciation for the sheer artistry and emotion on stage. They left the audience stunned into silence with a standing ovation and I wasn't the only one wiping away a little happy tear!
Before you all accuse me of spending all my time twirling about on stages and taking pretty pictures (although I do have my moments!), I took some time to indulge in a few moments of nature before my departure! Now, you see, I can’t be in a town without exploring its natural side and luckily for me Bexleyheath has its share of hidden gems – especially parks with so many ducks. I’m just not a lady who can pass up an opportunity to feed some ducks. There’s a lovely quiet spot just next to the town centre, perfect for escaping the urban chaos, especially after an intense ballet show. It was the perfect way to calm myself down and regain my composure – ducks can do that to you.
However, it is time for me to go! And, I don't just say that lightly, my lovelies, as there are many, many tutu-filled adventures to come. But before I do, here’s a little nugget of advice – you know how everyone is encouraging everyone to embrace self-care and wellbeing, to find the perfect "me" time, and unwind in ways that make us truly happy? Well, you've got it right there, it’s Ballet! There’s nothing more liberating and more powerful than embracing your body and its ability to move, whether it’s a simple plié or an extravagant fouetté! There's a kind of magic, I believe, when we move freely, when we express ourselves through the language of dance. So don't just wear a pink tutu; twirl in it!
But I shall be off. The train beckons! I shall tell you all about my next adventure from there. And yes, a pink tutu, will be making an appearance. You wouldn't expect anything less, would you?
Until then, twirl your worries away, darlings!
With much love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
xx
