Hello my darlings! Emma here, signing in from post number 3713! Can you believe it's been over three years since I started this little pink paradise of mine, www.pink-tutu.com? It feels like just yesterday I was nervously typing out my first post, clutching my pink feather boa like a life raft! 💖
Anyway, enough about the past, let's get to the present, and to today's delightful escapade! This week's adventure was a whistlestop tour to the sunny south coast - Waterlooville to be exact!
I've always been a sucker for a good seaside escape, and the idea of catching the train down with my trusty travel companion (you know, the one I call Ballerina because she's always ready for a twirl!) got me all flustered with excitement! I’ve got to say, there’s nothing quite like the feel of a train journey, the rhythmic chug of the engine and the view of rolling green fields zipping by, so peaceful. 😌
The weather was glorious - bright blue skies and that warm, summery sunshine that just begs for an ice cream sundae! So, armed with my favourite polka dot sunhat and my bright pink ballerina flatties (matching the tutu, obvs!), I set off to explore the little town and soak up some rays. ☀️
Now, Waterlooville is certainly not your typical seaside destination, it’s much more of a quaint town tucked away behind rolling hills with charming shops, cafes, and little alleyways just begging to be discovered. My ballerina senses were tingling as I imagined all the hidden treasures and potential Instagram spots (because honestly, a girl's gotta get that perfect photo!). 📸
I found the loveliest vintage shop – absolutely crammed with sparkling trinkets, colourful china, and, most importantly, a stunning collection of silk scarves, which I snagged to use for some impromptu ballet styling! 😍
After a lunch of delicious homemade fish and chips at a seaside cafe (no trip to the coast is complete without fish and chips!), it was time for a little artistic inspiration. 🐠
My favourite find in Waterlooville was a little gallery filled with beautiful artwork from local artists. The owner, a sweet elderly lady with twinkling eyes, shared her passion for painting with me, and I just loved the energy of the place. 🎨
There was something special about these paintings; they had a kind of quiet power and charm, like they were whispering stories about life in the coastal town. They were a perfect counterpoint to the swirling beauty and dynamic movement I feel in ballet. And I tell you, a touch of inspiration like this just makes a ballerina want to take to the stage! 🩰
As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, I took a leisurely walk along the seafront, the air salty and refreshing. The sight of the crashing waves, the gulls soaring above, and the distant sound of the sea made me feel all zen and calm. Nature always has a way of soothing the soul, especially when it’s presented in such a beautiful and peaceful setting. 😌
With a heart full of wonder and a camera full of picturesque memories, it was time to head back home. The journey back felt like a dance of farewell as the changing colours of the twilight sky painted the windows of the train. It was almost as if the whole world was bidding farewell to the day with its own subtle performance, just like we do on stage! 💫
One of the most delightful parts of the Waterlooville escapade, however, came upon my return to Derbyshire. Turns out a small ballet academy just down the road has begun a “Try-Ballet” class designed specifically for people who have never stepped on stage before! Oh the joy! My plan has started to blossom; imagine if even just one person walks away from their first ballet class wanting to share it with the world! A new pink-tuted ballerino joining our fold! 🩰 I might have just bought myself a brand new bright pink pair of ballet shoes to wear at my first class…. What can I say, it was an inspired purchase and it would be a true honour to share a love of ballet and its grace with those who haven't tried it yet.
So, if you ever find yourself in Waterlooville, let your own "ballerina" senses guide you to the hidden gems of this charming town, and be sure to step into that little art gallery – the artist's magic may inspire you in unexpected ways. And maybe, just maybe, that will inspire you to try out your own "Try-Ballet" class. Remember my dears, the only tutu that matters is the one that fits your heart! ❤️
Until next time, Emma x
