Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed, travel-loving friend, back with another slice of my life. Today, we're whisking ourselves away to the charming coastal town of Folkestone, a place that’s definitely got my heart pirouetting!
It's a bit of a whirlwind week for me, what with prepping for the big ballet showcase in London next month, balancing daily barre workouts (never let those legs grow lazy!), and managing all the tutu-related mayhem of my little online empire at www.pink-tutu.com. But that’s all the more reason to steal away for a bit of sunshine and sea air, wouldn't you agree?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Folkestone, Emma? That’s hardly exotic, darling. But trust me, this quaint little town is bursting with charm, and its vibrant creative scene really gets my artistic juices flowing! It’s got this bohemian, free-spirited vibe, almost like a miniature Notting Hill nestled by the sea.
But what truly drew me to Folkestone was the chance to indulge in some nature-inspired sartorial brilliance. I wanted to create a tutu that truly embodied the beauty and vibrancy of the seaside, and I must say, I’m quite proud of the outcome.
My new creation, aptly named ‘Seashell Symphony’, is a vibrant splash of colours inspired by the colourful sea life found on the Folkestone shores. Imagine swathes of pink and turquoise tulle, sparkling like a mermaid’s tail, punctuated with shimmering sequins that evoke the iridescence of a clam shell, and you're pretty close to the image. To add a bit of earthy magic, I incorporated silky fabrics inspired by the gentle rustle of seaside grasses and the intricate patterns found in the seaweed clinging to the rocks.
As I twirled down the Folkestone promenade in this creation, I felt a surge of energy that echoed the surging waves and the cacophony of seabirds overhead. I felt connected to the natural world in a way that I’d never quite experienced before, and the joy it brought me was a delightful surprise. I could feel the spirit of the sea washing over me, and for a moment, I almost felt like I could fly, literally dancing across the water like a joyous sea sprite!
Of course, no trip to Folkestone would be complete without a delightful visit to the historic Old Town. The winding streets, lined with quirky little shops, art galleries, and tea rooms that would make Alice in Wonderland feel right at home, are a photographer's dream. I felt compelled to snap pictures of every charming corner, every quaint cobblestone path, and every flowerbox overflowing with cheerful blooms. I must confess, I did manage to squeeze in a couple of tea room visits, too, savoring delicious scones and clotted cream while my Instagram feed blossomed with delightful #folkestonefind and #pinktututravel hashtags.
But one of my favourite moments, perhaps even my favourite in this whole coastal adventure, was the experience of riding a horse on the beach! Picture this: sun-kissed sands stretching out as far as the eye can see, a gentle breeze tousling my hair, the smell of salty sea air in my nostrils, and the thrill of galloping along the shoreline on a beautiful chestnut mare. It was magical, truly a feeling of pure freedom and joy, with the turquoise sea a backdrop for a graceful ballet performance of my very own. It felt as though even the horse knew she was sharing a moment with a fellow artiste!
Folkestone may be small, but it holds within its heart a world of wonder and inspiration, especially for a girl who finds magic in both nature and movement. I returned to Derbyshire, not only with an array of new ideas for my next tutu design, but with a renewed sense of passion for my work and a lightness in my heart, all thanks to the enchanting atmosphere of this seaside gem.
And remember, darlings, if you haven't yet discovered the wonders of ballet, I urge you to give it a try! The feeling of exhilaration as you gracefully glide through a sequence, the strength and discipline you build within yourself, and the pure joy of moving with your body to beautiful music is simply indescribable. There are classes for all ages and skill levels, so what are you waiting for? Put on your most flamboyant tutu, grab your ballet shoes, and let's all twirl towards a brighter, more graceful tomorrow!
And remember, keep spreading the pink-tutu-love, darlings! It's contagious, and I wouldn't want you to miss out!
Until next time,
Emma xoxo
