#TutuBlog 2006-09-25 in Wellingborough with a german tutu.

Helloooo, my dearest tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-obsessed, ballet-crazed blogger, reporting live from the charming town of Wellingborough!

This little trip was a bit of a whirlwind, a tutu-tastic journey crammed into a short but sweet 24 hours, proving that even the most hectic schedule can accommodate a touch of pink magic and a whole lot of ballet!

So, buckle up, grab your pinkest feather boa, and join me for this post - it's all about the highs, the lows, and everything in between as I traveled in true Emma-style - with a sprinkle of whimsy, a dash of glitter, and an enormous pink tutu.

You know me, I couldn't possibly have arrived anywhere without my trusty steed – not a four-legged one this time, but my beloved railway carriage. The journey was simply delightful. The landscape whirled past in a blur of emerald green fields and rolling hills – it's like the whole world is a giant canvas painted by the hand of a gentle artist. And to think, I just missed a flock of migrating geese!

Oh, but enough about my lovely views - let's talk tutu! I'd brought my absolute favourite, the one that always brings a smile to my face. It’s this gorgeous, almost translucent, vintage pink one with the sweetest little diamante detailing. I even managed to pick up a pair of pale pink ballet flats on my way to the station. It was fate - I stumbled across this little boutique tucked away down a cobbled alley, overflowing with shimmering silk and satin. Who knew Wellingborough was home to such treasures?

My main mission in Wellingborough was to catch the ‘Ballet Under the Stars' event at the Wellingborough Museum Gardens. You've got to see these gardens, darlings - just like a fairytale setting, filled with the sweetest lavender bushes and a little waterfall that cascades gently into a clear, lily-filled pond. The perfect backdrop for a romantic ballet performance, wouldn’t you say?

The ballet was performed by the most adorable local troupe – the 'Wellingborough Ballet Academy', all of them under 16. I swear, their performance would make even the strictest critic weep. It was truly inspiring to see so much talent flourishing in such a charming setting. There were all the usual suspects of course - some gorgeous Tchaikovsky and a delightfully whimsical 'Alice in Wonderland' themed performance that even managed to incorporate a giant, inflatable white rabbit. ( I actually bought the white rabbit on the night!)

And the best part? Well, imagine this: a starry night, a balmy breeze whispering secrets, the sweet scent of lavender filling the air, the rhythmic, graceful ballet steps - and me, twirling my heart out. It truly felt like a magical dream. I had the most wonderful time meeting fellow ballet enthusiasts and even spotted a few people dressed in pastel-pink tutus, making this night feel even more special.

Now, I know some of you might be rolling your eyes and saying, "But Emma, a German Tutu? Really?"

Let me tell you - it was simply divine! I came across the most unique little shop tucked away in the town’s quirky, cobblestone Market Square. The place was absolutely packed with vintage ballet clothing and accessories – even a whole rack of sparkly leg warmers (remember those?)

Anyway, it was like magic. As I walked in, the shop’s lovely owner started playing the most gorgeous waltz. I couldn’t help but do a twirl. As I was spinning, my eye caught something hanging high on the rack. The shop owner chuckled at my excitement. “Aha, you’ve discovered the German tutu! That one has a story, darling,” She whispered with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “And so do the sparkly shoes.”

And boy, did it! Turns out, the tutu was handcrafted, all fluffy and frothy. And it had this fascinating shade of pale rose-pink that had almost a pearly sheen to it. The woman explained that it belonged to a dancer who travelled the world in the 1920s, performing in some of the most prestigious ballet houses in Europe, even landing a part in a famous film. My tutu was her starring outfit.

Needless to say, it came home with me, joining my beloved vintage collection, complete with sparkly shoes that have the original sequin work still perfectly intact, no matter their age! This treasure from another era now holds pride of place in my wardrobe, ready for it’s first outing. Oh, the tales that this tutu could tell. I'm already dreaming of my first wear!

This Wellingborough adventure really was something special. It reminded me, once again, why I'm so passionate about ballet. And why, as my tagline so proudly proclaims, “The world is a stage.” It’s the perfect place to let loose, be playful, feel truly happy. It’s why I hope, that one day, everyone, even just for a little while, will step into a pink tutu and experience this magical joy!

If you happen to be reading this and haven’t taken that first step, don’t be afraid! I'm already busy hatching up a plan to convince my little hometown to wear a pink tutu – the grand "Derbyshire in Tutu" fundraiser! Oh, the possibilities! Imagine a whole town twirling in a symphony of pink - now wouldn’t that be something?!

Until next time, darlings!

Keep your tutus twirling, Emma

P.S. If you're reading this on my website ( www.pink-tutu.com) and find yourself yearning for a little ballet-inspired outfit to brighten your day, don’t worry! Just head over to my newly-added “Shop" section, and choose your perfect piece - there’s even a sparkly new section filled with tutus. It's the perfect excuse to spoil yourself, right? xx