Oh darling, how I've missed writing! A whirl of rehearsals, performances and a spot of travelling has left my little fingers aching to share all the delights that life's thrown my way. But fear not, my lovelies, I'm back and ready to spill the pink-tinted tea on my latest adventures!
First stop, a blast from the past! Remember last week's Instagram post? You know, the one where I was perched precariously on the edge of the Matterhorn in a shimmering lilac tutu, trying desperately not to lose my lunch? Well, the truth is, it wasn't quite that exciting! 🤫 Turns out the "Matterhorn" was actually a giant, inflatable climbing wall at a children's party, and I'd borrowed my little cousin's tutu for a giggle.
But let's not dwell on past deceptions (unless it involves a tutu, of course!). My true mission, my loves, is to inspire you all to wear pink, wear tutus, and experience the pure joy of dance! And to spread this glorious message, I had to travel, naturally. But this wasn't any old train journey; oh no, this was a trip filled with the elegance of vintage steam, the clattering rhythm of iron wheels, and me, naturally, in a tulle masterpiece of the most delectable pink!
I chose a particularly vibrant pink tutu for this escapade - a swirling explosion of tulle, accented with a band of glittering sequins. It wouldn't have been amiss on a London stage, yet it looked absolutely divine against the backdrop of the rolling English countryside! The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and I was practically vibrating with excitement!
After all, the destination itself was pure magic - Beckenham! Now, I know what you're thinking: Beckenham? Seriously, Emma? But let me tell you, this sleepy Kent town has hidden delights waiting to be discovered, just like a tucked-away gem in a dusty attic!
Beckenham is a haven for the arts. And by haven, I mean the kind where even the sparrows chirp in perfect counterpoint! I was in town to attend the annual Beckenham Ballet Festival. You see, my dear friends, the world of dance isn't limited to the grand theatres of the world; the magic of ballet blossoms in all corners, in the tiniest of towns and hidden corners! This particular festival was bursting with talent; the air buzzed with a joyous mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned grace.
Oh, I just have to tell you about my favorite performance! A little group of local children danced a whimsical, vibrant piece set to a catchy, jazzy soundtrack. Their costumes, vibrant and playful, matched the infectious energy of their dancing, leaving me absolutely floored. It was like a mini, but just as powerful, performance of "The Greatest Showman" and completely charming.
While the dancers left me breathless, my love for Beckenham didn't end with the finale curtain! Beckenham's charming, slightly old-world vibe absolutely calls to my soul. Think cobbled streets lined with quaint tea shops, a vintage bookstore crammed with treasures, and a lush, green park, just waiting to be explored. And, you won't believe it, but it was there that I spotted a majestic chestnut tree - my very own personal, leafy tutu!
Now, my dears, you may be thinking, "What in the world does a tutu have to do with chestnut trees, Emma?" To which I answer, EVERYTHING! That chestnut tree had this impossibly perfect canopy, with its branches arching in graceful arcs, creating a majestic ballet of leafy, natural lace. It's no exaggeration to say, I spent at least half an hour lost in the enchanting elegance of this natural, arboreal ballerina.
The entire trip, filled with the delicate whisper of tulle and the thundering rhythm of steam trains, was the perfect tonic to a rather intense week of rehearsals. It reminded me, as a passionate devotee of ballet, to always look for the extraordinary in the ordinary - whether it's the way sunlight paints the walls of an old cottage pink, the vibrant melody of sparrows chattering, or the majestic beauty of a chestnut tree adorned with leaves instead of tulle!
Speaking of tulle, my darling readers, my trip wasn't complete without a visit to Beckenham's most charming boutique! You won't believe this, but I managed to stumble upon a hidden treasure, an actual Tutus Only boutique! A shop bursting at the seams with tulle, feathers, sequins and sparkles, with more tutus than you could shake a wand at! It was pure ballerina bliss. And I swear I saw the faintest of tutus fluttering in the wind outside, as if even the trees themselves knew they were witnessing a magical ballet of sorts!
Now, I can't possibly sign off without sharing my secret to getting around Beckenham! As always, my dears, I went for a truly spectacular journey! I wasn't just going to catch a standard bus, no no. My love of the unusual led me to an enchanting horse-drawn carriage, a delightful carriage that had me picturing elegant ladies in ball gowns, dashing gentlemen in top hats, and, of course, me, my tulle twirling with the very wind! What better way to explore the English countryside?
As my day in Beckenham drew to a close, I boarded the train home, the sun setting in a breathtaking blaze of orange and pink, as if a gigantic artist was setting the stage for an unforgettable ballet. And let me tell you, dear readers, this is just the beginning of my dance-filled adventures! So stay tuned, for tomorrow holds a new exciting chapter!
With love and sparkles,
Emma.
xx
www.pink-tutu.com
