Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad blogger, Emma, checking in from sunny (and slightly sticky!) Chingford! The London sunshine is positively radiating, perfect for twirling in a brand-new Italian tutu. Yes, you heard me right, Italian. It's just arrived in my post and I'm smitten! Softest pink satin imaginable, with a delicate floral design – it's practically whispering "Ballet bliss, Emma!".
My travels to Chingford were decidedly romantic (well, as romantic as travelling on the Overground train can get!) I hopped on board with my usual travel essentials – a pair of ballet shoes, a tiny tiara, a bottle of pink lemonade and, of course, a novel that always gets my creative juices flowing. As we zoomed along, I spotted the cutest little family of squirrels outside the window - oh how I wish I could have whispered “Tutu-tastic Tuesday!” to them! (Don't worry, they seemed very much occupied with gathering acorns).
And speaking of inspiring novels, I've just finished a fabulous story called “The Secret Life of Ballet Slippers.” It was all about this little pair of ballet slippers that travel the world, attending grand ballets, sneaking into back-stage parties, and even finding themselves dancing at a royal ball! It’s the sort of thing that gets your mind racing, and thinking of all the adventures a ballerina can have! I'm already planning my next trip – perhaps somewhere with a grand, historic theatre!
Reaching Chingford was like stepping into a picturesque painting – a village bursting with charm and life. I had a quick coffee at a darling café, The Ballet Boutique, where the latte art was truly exquisite - a ballerina on top! I even had a sneaky peek at their beautiful vintage tutus – so tempting, I had to restrain myself.
My afternoon was a whirlwind of dance activity! A masterclass at the delightful Chingford Ballet School was on the agenda, and it was an absolute dream! A glorious Italian ballerina, Valentina, guided us through a challenging sequence – and I must say, she is truly an inspiring woman! (I'm dreaming of incorporating some of her steps into my daily routine! Watch out world, here comes Emma on the London Underground, spinning and leaping for all to see!)
Speaking of my routines, have I told you about the new Ballet Blitz class I'm taking? It’s the perfect blend of fitness, fabulousness and fabulous footwork! I find myself jumping around like a caffeinated unicorn in the middle of the studio - my best attempt at ballet street, it’s quite exhilarating, especially after a long day of writing.
And the highlight of my day was, without a doubt, the Ballet at the Bandstand performance! Imagine, darlings, a graceful performance under a moonlit sky, against the backdrop of twinkling fairy lights. I was mesmerized! The dancers, local talent in every sense of the word, put their hearts and souls into their moves and their tutus - an absolute joy to watch! One little girl even caught my eye, sporting the sweetest pink tutu I have ever seen. And of course, a small voice whispered “Pink is the new black!” – just for me!
The evening wrapped up with a quiet dinner of strawberry-topped pancakes - a ballet-dancer's ideal end to the day, don't you think? Now, I’m all ready to catch a good night’s sleep in my new Italian tutu – just the dream material for dreaming of grand theatres and even grander tutus. I just know that this gorgeous piece will see me through many exciting adventures in the world of dance.
I am already scheming my next tutu-tastic trip. Should it be the seaside, the countryside, or a city escape? Where shall we go next? Do you have any recommendations for a dance-lover like me? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, my fellow tutu enthusiasts!
As always, don't forget to tutu yourself and spread the pink joy, Emma xxx
