Oh my darlings, itās Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu princess, reporting live from Walsall! You wouldnāt believe the adventure I had today ā I even made a brand new tutu, right on the train! (Donāt worry, it was a pancake one, so no sewing needles were harmed!)
Today was a glorious day of exploring, twirling, and a whole lot of pancake indulgence. As a self-proclaimed champion of travel, Iāve found a new favourite mode of transport: train travel! There's something incredibly romantic about looking out the window, watching the world whizz past, a tutu by my side. Plus, there's a secret Iām about to let you in on: you can fit so much extra pancake mix and toppings into a tutu!
My destination: Walsall, a hidden gem of the Midlands. Youāll be surprised by its charm. Itās got that quaint, bustling market town vibe with a delightful sprinkling of historic architecture. There's even a fabulous antique shop called "Timeworn Treasures" that made me go weak at the knees with all the gorgeous vintage dresses, teacups, and even a miniature velvet ballet slipper!
And while Walsall's history is absolutely captivating (think the history of its lock making!), my favourite thing about the town was the absolutely brilliant "The Grand" theatre! Imagine a building, a proper classic beauty of Victorian architecture, brimming with history, hosting wonderful productionsā¦ you see, it was love at first sight.
So, of course, I did what any sane Pink Tutu wearer would do. I grabbed my favourite tutu, it was a magnificent lavender number that shimmers like the moon, and booked myself into one of their absolutely amazing "Move like a Queen" workshops! Imagine: a whole room, bursting with graceful ladies (and some rather dapper men!) all in ballet slippers, swirling and pirouette-ing to a beautiful selection of music, all while a lovely ballet instructor guided us through our graceful dance steps!
Let me tell you, dear readers, it was heavenly. And who would have thought, Walsall could deliver on such a brilliant workshop, eh? You know I love sharing my passions with all of you and letās face it, sharing balletās joy is the best kind of sharing there is. Ballet for everyone!
But alas, the day's adventure had just begun! Now, everyone knows I love me some food, but have you ever heard of āThe Pancake Houseā?! Tucked away in the heart of Walsallās bustling market square, this little pancake gem truly lives up to its name. Imagine, pancakes galore, all shaped, sized, and decorated to your heartās delight. They had everything, from savoury stacks (my favourite, bacon and maple!) to the most extravagant sugary concoctions (strawberries, whipped cream, Nutella, you name it). Itās truly a haven for pancake lovers! And while I normally love a classic pink tutu, I decided on a new creative twist, making my own edible pancake tutu right there!
After piling my plate with enough pancake goodness to feed a small army of dancers, I found myself perched at a table next to the most lovely gentleman. We got chatting about his āDance the World" campaign. And I kid you not, this gentlemanās aim is to encourage everyone to embrace ballet, not only at the barre, but everywhere! We talked about all sorts of amazing dance-related things, the magic of ballet on the streets of the world, the way even a simple pirouette can bring a spark of joy, and why we must always, always dance our hearts out!
The sun began to set, casting the charming Walsall streets in a warm, orange glow, and I knew it was time to return to Derbyshire. So, with a happy heart and a full belly, I boarded the train back home.
Walsall truly left a lasting impression on me. The historical charm, the warm hospitality, and the chance to dance in the gorgeous Grand Theater; it's just another adventure ticked off my list, and a gentle reminder that the magic of dance and travel can truly be found in the most unexpected corners of the world.
So remember, darlings, no matter where you are, don't be afraid to spread the love for pink tutus and take a graceful leap into the world of ballet. Itās more accessible than you think!
Love always, Emma
P.S. Did I tell you about the adorable little fox I met in the local wildlife park today? He seemed to adore my fluffy lavender tutu. Perhaps my adventures will involve animal friends next weekā¦ Who knows!
