Post #3664: www.pink-tutu.com
Hiya lovelies! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another pink-tastic adventure! Today I'm off to Hounslow, a little jaunt outside of London, but I'm all set to conquer it in style! I always find travelling a fab opportunity to showcase my passion for the twirling arts, so today's outfit is a particular favourite of mine - my vintage lavender-pink tutu (snagged at a car boot sale, mind you - a bargain!) paired with my comfy, comfy ballerina flats. It's just the right mix of delicate and chic for a day on the train!
This time, however, my train ride isn't just about enjoying the views, oh no! This is a pilgrimage to witness a phenomenal performance of "Swan Lake" at the Hounslow Theatre, a stunningly-renovated Victorian building with a real sense of history. The whole place has that wonderful, classic-ballet-aura, a total contrast to the vibrant colours of my outfit! 😉
Now, as you all know, my love for ballet transcends the stage. It's all about feeling the magic within. The anticipation before a show is the best bit! Seeing fellow ballet aficionados, hearing the hushed whispers as the curtains open… you could feel the energy buzzing in the air like the air above a stage during a grand jeté!
To prepare myself for the emotional rollercoaster of this show, I treated myself to the most adorable lavender cupcake with a tiny ballerina doll topping! It was pure heaven, and it set the perfect tone for the evening.
This "Swan Lake" performance is extra special because the lead ballerina is an incredible up-and-coming star named Chloe, someone I've been following for a while on social media. You all know I'm all about supporting emerging talent - her passion for ballet is so infectious, and her technique is sublime! Chloe’s elegant movements and the incredible strength in her pointe work truly left me in awe. I have to say, seeing her grace on the stage really makes me want to practice more, to hone my own ballet skills and work towards my goals!
Speaking of practice, the ballet school in Hounslow offered a fantastic class that started right after the performance, so I had to go, of course! You never know what little tip you might pick up from an impromptu class, even if it’s only a couple of steps or a different way of thinking about the music.
It’s amazing how you can always learn something new in the ballet world. This time I was lucky enough to meet a lovely dancer named Mary. Mary has a beautiful, flowing style and an absolute love of life - much like my own! She told me all about the local ballet community, and about the incredible dance festivals they organise during the summer. My calendar is already bursting with events to add, that’s for sure!
This visit wasn't just about the ballet. Hounslow is a gorgeous town, filled with lovely independent shops and cafés - a true paradise for any budding fashionista. I found the most stunning silk scarf with little pink ballet shoes embroidered on it. You can bet that's going straight onto my new tutu dress (more on that to come!). And let’s not forget the yummy homemade fudge I bought! I may have even found the best chocolate brownie recipe of all time from a local cafe. Let’s just say my diet took a holiday today! 😉
Even though it’s all about ballet, I do love my wildlife, too! Hounslow boasts the beautiful and expansive Hounslow Heath – perfect for taking a little stroll in my tutus, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature, watching the squirrels play (those furry ballet dancers of the animal world! 😉 ) and finding inspiration for my next blog post. Who needs a professional photography shoot when nature provides such an enchanting backdrop, eh?
It wouldn’t be a proper Pink Tutu trip without a pink-tastic stop! Well, Hounslow didn’t disappoint! Imagine my delight when I discovered a cute little cafe called "The Pink Flamingo." The pink flamingo decorations were glorious and, needless to say, the raspberry milkshake I enjoyed with a good dose of pink flamingo sugar on top was positively fabulous. Who said a love for ballet is boring? We’re pink-powered through and through, ladies!
Overall, this Hounslow trip has been an absolute joy! The magic of the performance, the ballet class, the cute boutiques and cafes - I even enjoyed an exhilarating, albeit slightly terrifying, ride back to Derbyshire on a carriage drawn by two beautiful horses! If you can manage it, grab your pink tutus, lovelies, and make your way to Hounslow, it's an absolute must-visit! You won't regret it, I promise!
Catch ya soon for another tutu-ful adventure!
XOXO,
Emma
