Helloooo, my lovely Tutu Tribe! 👋
It’s your girl, Emma, back from another fabulous adventure! This time, I took a whirlwind trip to Merthyr Tydfil, a charming town tucked away in the Welsh Valleys. If you're a true tutu aficionado like myself, you know the Valleys hold a special place in my heart - they’re the birthplace of the National Theatre Wales, after all! It’s all about bringing those beautiful performing arts experiences to people across the nation, which is truly inspiring.
So, picture this: me, sporting a fresh pink tutu (obviously!) and a sparkly pink cardigan to keep those Welsh winds at bay, arriving at Merthyr Tydfil station. Now, usually, I'd opt for a scenic train journey, but on this particular occasion, I was treated to a thrilling ride on the back of a handsome black stallion named "Sparkle" – my dear friend Jess is a real horse whisperer! It was the perfect way to kick off a magical day of ballet, nature, and fabulous finds!
The first stop was Merthyr Tydfil's town center, where I felt transported back to Victorian times. It was buzzing with charming cafes, quaint shops, and even a beautiful, old market square that would've been the perfect place for a flash mob in our tutus! Speaking of shops, I managed to find a fantastic vintage dress shop with an amazing collection of hats - can’t you just picture a tutu, a feather boa, and a flamboyant hat all working together for a dramatic finale? The potential for ballet-themed fashion adventures was endless!
I’m never without my camera when I travel - gotta capture all those Insta-worthy moments for my fellow tutu lovers! So I snapped photos of adorable fluffy ducks waddling along the river bank, the most spectacular, rainbow-hued mural of local heroes (and their fluffy companions!) and even found a little woodland with the cutest squirrels you’ve ever seen. They were so busy hiding nuts! If only we could be friends, it would be the perfect ballet-inspired, tutu-clad wildlife photo!
And, of course, no trip to the Valleys is complete without a visit to a local theater. This time, I caught a mesmerizing performance of "The Nutcracker" by a group of talented young dancers. It was so inspiring seeing those bright, shining stars performing with such passion, even the ones who looked like they’d only just stepped out of primary school! You can’t help but feel that ballet’s potential for joy and imagination is truly timeless.
For my finale, I opted for a heart-warming "Fish and Chips" feast, which went perfectly with a spot of people watching at the station - I swear, some of the folks had the most stylish handbags! Then, it was back on the horse - "Sparkle" had brought a new pink ribbon to add to his mane!
Let's get one thing clear: there's truly something for everyone in Merthyr Tydfil. It's not just a hidden gem of the Welsh valleys, it's a town bursting with art, culture, nature, and vibrant history - it truly deserves a pink tutu parade, don’t you think?!
Until next time, my Tutu Tribe, remember to keep spreading the love of ballet! I’ll leave you with some sage words from my trip: “Live, laugh, and wear pink tutus.” 🩰💕
Now go forth, dear readers, and bring the ballet into your world, whether you’re enjoying a stroll around a historic market square or learning your plies at home. Who knows what amazing adventures lie around the next corner!
Love always, Emma, www.pink-tutu.com
