Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, bringing you sunshine from the heart of Colchester! Yes, I'm venturing beyond my beloved Derbyshire, venturing further afield with my trusty tutu in tow, to a place bursting with history and charm - Colchester!
As always, I'm starting my journey in the most glamorous way possible: aboard a steam train! Now, I know what you're thinking - a little bit old fashioned for a modern girl like me, right? But there's just something magical about gliding through the countryside with the gentle chuffing of the engine and the scenery flashing by. And besides, can you imagine a better outfit for a steam train ride than a full-length pink tutu? Think of the pictures! 😉
Anyway, my mission for this adventure is twofold: firstly, I'm planning to check out some of the town's fascinating historical sights. From the mighty Colchester Castle, one of the largest Norman keeps in the country, to the remnants of the Roman Walls, this town truly has history seeping out of its cobblestones! Secondly, I'm going to conquer Colchester's ballet scene! I hear they have an amazing dance academy, and a lovely theatre that hosts ballet performances regularly.
This morning, I'm meeting up with the darlingest ballerina in town, a beautiful young dancer named Clara. She’s been studying ballet here since she was a little girl, and she’s going to be my guide to the ballet-tastic parts of this charming town. She's already shown me the local ballet studio - all pristine white walls, shiny hardwood floors, and an energy that could almost make a girl want to pirouette on the spot. And guess what? They’ve got the most fabulous collection of tutus!
After a rather invigorating session in the studio, complete with an exhausting (but very fun) plié routine, Clara has treated me to the most divine cream tea I've ever experienced. Honestly, a scone with clotted cream and jam is the perfect accompaniment to a day of twirling!
In the afternoon, we went for a wander through the local market square, which is overflowing with stalls offering every kind of artisan delight. Imagine! Handmade cheeses, honey from local bees, and even fresh produce straight from nearby farms! It felt like stepping back in time, with charmingly independent shops overflowing with unique gifts. The smell of fresh bread and blooming flowers is intoxicating!
And oh, have I mentioned the wildlife? We stopped at Colchester Zoo, home to exotic animals from all over the world. Can you imagine a leopard with spots the same colour as my favourite tutu? Or maybe an African grey parrot teaching you a few ballet moves? 🦜 It was a perfect opportunity to unwind after our active day, just watching these majestic creatures in their habitats.
The evening, of course, was devoted to ballet. The town’s theatre is quite small but charming, and we settled in for a captivating performance of Swan Lake. It’s my absolute favourite! We giggled and gasped at the beautiful costumes and the graceful movements.
You know what, I’ve had the most lovely day here. The people are warm, the history is captivating, and the atmosphere is simply magic. I might just have to add Colchester to my list of favourite ballet destinations! It reminds me why I do what I do – because the joy of dancing can touch anyone’s heart.
Do you think we could turn Colchester pink? After all, who could resist a splash of colour and a few pirouettes in such a beautiful and historic town?
Remember my dears, the world is a dance floor, and there’s room for every one of us! Don’t be afraid to embrace the joy of ballet, and of course, wear a little bit of pink! I promise you won’t regret it! 💕
See you again tomorrow for another blog post from another wonderful destination!
Until then, stay sparkly, stay beautiful, and most importantly, keep twirling! 💖
