Hello my lovely TutuBuddies! It's Emma here, back from my little trip to Wigston Magna and buzzing with excitement about my latest adventures! As always, my faithful pink fluffy tutu joined me on this escapade - and oh, it's been a dream.
Now, I know some of you think Wigston Magna might sound a bit… ordinary. But trust me, darlings, sometimes the most unexpected places hold the most magical secrets. This time, I was drawn to this Leicestershire town for a couple of reasons. First, my dear friend, Penelope, a fellow tutu enthusiast, was staging a gorgeous ballet performance in a beautiful old theatre right in the town centre. Imagine – graceful dancers swirling under the sparkling chandeliers, a wave of emotion and energy just sweeping over the whole audience.
Oh, Penelope’s performance was truly breathtaking! She's a natural born ballerina – you know those performers who seem to float on air? Her elegance, the way she effortlessly slipped from one movement to the next, was pure artistry. I had a lump in my throat for the whole time, not to mention I was just utterly mesmerised. Afterward, she came to say hello and you could tell she was completely chuffed with herself and, of course, we both ended up spinning and laughing, twirling our pink fluffy tutus together.
The theatre itself was just as fascinating. You could sense all the stories, all the whispered secrets the walls had held. And it had this lovely vintage vibe about it – you know, red velvet seating, wood-panelled walls. You just couldn't help but imagine the ghosts of ballet dancers past, their ghostly steps still echoing across the stage.
Speaking of steps, dear friends, I had the opportunity to join a beginner's ballet class during my stay in Wigston Magna, right at the local leisure centre! I mean, who knew, right? A town like this, and then...ballet! It was brilliant! The teacher, a bubbly redhead named Agnes, was just wonderful. She was so patient, and I learned more in those two hours than I had in weeks of YouTube tutorials (no offense to my lovely online gurus). We worked on the basic positions, pliés, relevés - all the classics - and Agnes even taught us a simple little waltz.
Afterwards, we were all so thrilled. One woman, Doreen, was about my mum's age, told me she was rediscovering her inner dancer. Apparently, she used to love ballet as a girl but then had to give it up when she got married. Now, thanks to Agnes's class, she was having a second go at it. Doreen told me with a sparkle in her eye that even though she could barely remember the steps, the class had reminded her of a joy she’d forgotten. And that, dear friends, made my heart sing. It truly does not matter your age or background, everyone can feel the joy and the liberation that ballet offers. So, if you have always wanted to try ballet, do not be afraid, take the leap. You can be surprised by what you discover about yourself.
Wigston Magna definitely stole my heart with its surprising ballet offerings. But honestly, you can’t escape my love for ballet! So, it’s only natural that I had to go for a spin on a beautiful morning while I was in the town. Now, I'm not going to lie, there are just so many charming little corners, picturesque gardens and even a stunning local park perfect for twirling my tutu! The perfect balance between elegant, graceful movements, feeling the soft grass under my feet and hearing the chirping of the birds – oh, it just filled my heart with joy!
Of course, a girl's got to eat, right? Now, the culinary side of Wigston Magna certainly did not disappoint. I found myself utterly smitten with this sweet little café near the town square. Oh my goodness, their pink pastries - just pure decadence. It was a riot of fluffy, light-as-air dough, adorned with buttercream swirls and delicate decorations. Just looking at it was almost too much to bear! (But thankfully I managed to conquer my willpower.)
Then, after my delightful pastry feast, I decided to get off the beaten track. A charming young man, who worked at the local bakery where I had stopped earlier, recommended a hidden gem - a little wildlife reserve just outside of town. He told me it was home to so many amazing species, a real haven for all things wild. Now, I must confess, a little birdwatching in my pink tutu? It just sounded like a scene from a quirky fairytale, and it really was!
I arrived, camera in hand, eager to meet the residents of this tranquil space. I wandered along winding paths, surrounded by rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the scent of damp earth. The sun shone through the trees, dappling the woodland floor with light. It was utterly breathtaking, an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Now, I was completely thrilled when I saw a family of foxes foraging in the meadow. I captured a couple of snaps, taking care to stay far enough back to observe without disturbing them. Later, I saw a curious little hedgehog curled up under a pile of leaves, a symphony of tiny birdsong filling the air around me. They were so wonderfully unafraid. I felt such peace being there amongst nature. Even if you live in a big city, please seek out the nature near you and explore the beautiful spaces.
But the true highlight of my trip was the final afternoon - a horse-drawn carriage ride through the English countryside. The beautiful chestnut horses, their manes flowing in the wind, pulled a beautifully decorated carriage through rolling hills, past thatched cottages and peaceful villages. It felt like something out of a fairytale – truly magical. You know that feeling of pure happiness and excitement you have when you were a child, it really was like stepping back in time.
And my dear TutuBuddies, the best part? You could guess it – I rode in my pink fluffy tutu, of course!
I know, some people may raise eyebrows. But when I'm on a carriage, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and feeling that incredible freedom, my fluffy tutu doesn't feel like a silly indulgence. It feels like a statement – a reminder to embrace joy, embrace individuality, and embrace the joy of embracing something just for you. It’s a little something that reminds me that anything is possible when you’re wearing your heart on your sleeve - and, dare I say, in your tutu!
So there you have it, my loves – my little Wigston Magna adventure, another incredible memory added to the ever-growing story of my TutuTravels.
Until next time, don't forget to dance, sparkle and be your amazing self. Remember, my darlings, if you love something, let your love shine!
Love always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
