Hello darlings! It's Emma here, and I'm just brimming with excitement after a whirlwind day in the lovely town of Strood. Now, you might not think of Strood as the first place to pop up on your "must-visit" list, but believe me, it's got a certain charm that just stole my heart.
Firstly, I must share that I'm still buzzing from yesterday's gorgeous performance by the Royal Ballet. The ethereal movements, the stunning costumes, and the sheer grace of it all, truly breathtaking. Afterwards, I took my friend Jess for a celebratory bubble tea in Covent Garden. Talk about the ultimate pink girly hangout! The brightly colored bubble tea reminded me so much of a shimmering, iridescent tutu, which got me thinking... perhaps the perfect pink tutu is just what my Strood adventure needed.
Speaking of Strood, we decided to take the train down for a delightful day out. You know I love the romance of travelling by train. Watching the countryside fly past, the clickety-clack of the wheels, and the soothing murmurs of fellow travellers...pure magic! We were treated to glorious sunshine for our journey, too, which put me in such a fabulous mood.
Now, you might be thinking, Emma, what's a tutu-loving ballerina doing in Strood? Well, darlings, it all began with an impulsive decision! Jess and I were flipping through a magazine in the library (yes, we still do that!), and there, on the page, was the most beautiful Victorian House – Strood Manor - which promised to be a delight for vintage fashion enthusiasts, history buffs, and tea-loving individuals like myself. (Guilty as charged!)
I immediately knew it had to be my next destination. And, what better way to explore an historic house than in a pink tutu, of course! (Honestly, I should have started a "Days of the Week with Pink Tutu" segment for this blog – but we're not quite there yet!).
Strood Manor did not disappoint! The manicured gardens, the intricately designed rooms, the stunning stained-glass windows, and of course, the fabulous afternoon tea… It truly was like stepping back in time. I couldn't help but twirl through the rooms, dreaming of all the historical dances that had graced this space. There’s something about the feeling of a long, swirling tutu that adds just the right amount of whimsy to any old house!
Speaking of old things, Strood Manor is also home to a quaint little museum, displaying antique furniture and even an ancient Roman coin! Did I mention how much I love learning about history? It makes me realise that fashion, even ballet, is a cyclical thing, repeating itself in a glorious dance of evolution and inspiration.
But the true highlight of the day, for me, was the discovery of a charming little ballet school in the town! I couldn't resist popping in and introducing myself to the wonderful Mrs. Campbell, the school’s principal. She was so warm and welcoming! I even got a glimpse of their latest production, “The Little Mermaid”, a sweet ballet for children that reminded me of the joy and innocence of ballet. I just knew that with the right tutu and a sprinkle of fairy dust, anyone could be a ballerina.
Mrs. Campbell kindly invited me to join a drop-in class with her advanced students. (She knew it would be my perfect dose of ballet fun, even if I did steal her show, twirling my little pink tutu all around!) We did barre work, and then we practiced a little routine, incorporating my tutu of course! (Isn't it wonderful how anything becomes an opportunity to wear a tutu! It truly is the perfect attire for every occasion!). I can tell these young ladies are all set for greatness in the world of ballet!
As the day came to an end, I bid farewell to Strood with a heavy heart. The warmth, the charm, the beauty… it truly captured my soul. I left with the sweetest memories of historical wonder, enchanting art, and, of course, a dash of ballet magic! And the pink tutu? Well, it stayed with me all day, perfectly complementing the charm and beauty of the place.
I know this post was a bit longer than usual, but I had to share my wonderful experience in Strood. As always, I’ll be back with more fun, fashion, and of course, tutus! I can't wait to show you all where my next ballet adventure will take me! Remember, my dear readers, you can always find me on my daily adventures at www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next time, stay happy and don't forget to spread the pink tutu love!
P.S. Did I tell you that my pink tutu is now sporting a charming new flower pin? You know I couldn’t resist picking up a gorgeous floral piece from Strood’s farmer’s market, just to match my mood! The wildflowers there were just divine! And now, they’re happily decorating my pink tutu, just another reason to wear this precious little piece every day! Maybe tomorrow's adventure calls for a field trip to see if I can find another flower friend for my tutu! Giggles
