Oh darling, my fellow tutu-wearers! It's Friday the 21st, the sun's shining, the birds are singing, and yours truly is in Trowbridge - yes, Trowbridge! You've got to admit, not the most glamorous destination, but it's about the journey, not the destination, right? I just adore train travel, especially in the summer when the windows can be thrown open and you can feel the wind tousling your hair while the countryside zips by. The train trip from Derbyshire was so scenic; there were rolling hills, cute little villages, and even a flock of sheep who looked particularly delighted by my pink floral tutu (more on that later!).
A German Tutu Tale!
I arrived in Trowbridge just before lunch. My first mission was to hunt down the Pink Petal Bakery that I’d heard so much about on my Twitter feed (what's a ballet-loving fashionista without her daily dose of social media?). The pastries looked so beautiful; all fluffy swirls and pink frosting! I just had to buy some of those. Plus, I know how much I'd enjoy that gorgeous pink treat after the real star of the show today - a very special ballet performance!
Now, here's where things get exciting. It's all thanks to my new German friend, Frederika. You know, sometimes, you just meet someone and the world feels instantly brighter, right? Frederika and I connected over a shared love for all things pink, tutus, and of course, ballet. Well, darling, Frederika makes tutus. Hand-stitched, delicate creations in all shades imaginable. For this trip, I requested something special - a custom, full-length tutu that’s a symphony of pink: think bubblegum, flamingo, and rose-gold! Absolutely gorgeous, with cascading ruffles and a shimmery bodice, I feel like I've just stepped out of a fairytale.
The performance itself was incredible! It was an experimental ballet company performing The Magic Swan in an intimate theater space. The dancing was simply exquisite, a mesmerizing blend of traditional technique with bold contemporary movement. It’s the sort of ballet that stays with you long after the curtain falls, inspiring you to work harder, reach higher, and express yourself with all your heart. Oh, and The Magic Swan was set in a magical forest, and as a keen wildlife enthusiast (yes, I can't resist cute animals!), the scene inspired a yearning to explore nature. My dream? One day, maybe I'll stage a ballet performance in the middle of a real forest, surrounded by rustling leaves and flitting butterflies! Now that would be a truly magical experience.
Finding My Inner Ballerina
After the ballet, Frederika and I headed to a local café for some tea and chatter. Frederika, being a professional ballerina, has traveled all over the world! Her stories were enchanting: dancing under the Eiffel Tower, performing in an old Venetian palazzo, the thrill of an opening night in London's West End. And then there’s the laughter - from trying to communicate in broken French to surviving disastrous wardrobe malfunctions during performances (the drama!). I'm learning a lot about navigating the ballet world, and my own ballet dreams feel so much more real.
Trowbridge and Beyond…
My next destination is Bath! It’s not just a beautiful town, but it’s bursting with history, lovely tea rooms, and even a few secret gardens! The train tickets are booked, and my pink ballet bag is already packed with a new pair of pink pointe shoes (and, of course, some essential snacks). Now I just have to choose the perfect tutu for my next adventure… and yes, my dear readers, I have a secret project up my sleeve. 🤫 This time, it involves tutus, horses, and… well, you'll have to stay tuned to find out! 😉
Until then, keep those pink tutus swirling! And never forget, ballet is more than just a dance; it's a way of life.
Lots of love, Emma xxx www.pink-tutu.com
