Hello darlings!
The sun is shining, my heart is singing, and the clickety-clack of train tracks has got me in the mood for a good old-fashioned adventure! Today's destination? Longton, the charming little town in Staffordshire that's practically bursting with history and quaint shops. But hold onto your tutus, my lovelies, because there's more to Longton than meets the eye.
I know what you're thinking, "Emma, you're a ballerina, why are you going to Longton?" Well, my sweet dears, remember what I always say: ballet isn't just about the studio, it's about embracing the beauty all around us. And what better way to find that beauty than exploring a new town, especially one with such a captivating past?
But let's rewind for a moment. How did I end up here? After all, the only thing more exciting than a journey is the journey itself.
This morning, I woke up to the delicate scent of roses in the air. My little Derbyshire cottage felt like a secret garden with sunshine streaming through the window. My ballerina instinct told me this was going to be a good day. I sipped my herbal tea, (peppermint with a touch of lavender - just dreamy!), and pulled on my favourite white tutu. Not your standard fluffy kind, mind you, but a gorgeous vintage piece I snagged at a vintage boutique in Nottingham - more flowing, a little bit sassy, and definitely going to make an impression in Longton.
After a quick breakfast of granola with strawberries and whipped cream (yes, even a ballerina needs her treats!), I gathered my things and headed to the station. There's nothing like a train journey, the chug-a-chug-chugging and the landscape rushing by. Especially when it's paired with a good book and the soundtrack of my life, some beautiful classical music, preferably Debussy.
When I finally arrived in Longton, I was struck by the Victorian charm. Think cobbled streets, quaint shops overflowing with antiques and unique finds, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from a charming bakery - my kind of afternoon tea spot! It was all so... utterly enchanting.
I took a deep breath, feeling the vibrant energy of the place. It wasn't long before my eyes landed on something unexpected: a giant sculpture of a beautiful stag! Turns out, Longton has a fascinating history with deer, especially the noble red stag. I know, right? Totally dreamy. I was so captivated, I just had to stand there for a moment, lost in thought, my white tutu twirling in the gentle breeze.
Next, I took a stroll through Longton Park, its emerald grass sparkling with dew and ancient trees whispering secrets to the wind. The peaceful atmosphere was so rejuvenating. It felt like the perfect place to lose yourself in a ballet inspired daydream, imagining my tutus floating amongst the trees as I gracefully leap through the air.
And speaking of grace, the next highlight was my visit to the fascinating Longton Hall. It's not just a beautiful piece of architecture; it's filled with amazing pottery, which Longton is famous for! This charming little town has an unexpected passion for pottery. The history was fascinating and the artistry stunning, just like a delicate porcelain ballerina.
Before heading back to Derbyshire, I couldn't resist stopping at a local pub. It had the warmest welcome and the smell of good beer and roasted meats wafting through the air. I ordered a creamy ale and a delicious meal with fresh, locally sourced vegetables. It felt like a real taste of Longton and its delightful culinary scene.
While I sipped my ale and enjoyed the pub's lively atmosphere, a thought popped into my head: why not make this town a new destination for the pink-tutu world? Just imagine: a Longton ballet festival showcasing talent, artistry, and, of course, all the glamour of the pink tutu. We could hold workshops, performances, and even a parade, where the town is filled with people wearing pink tutus and embracing the joy of movement. Maybe we could even collaborate with local artists to create pink tutu-inspired pottery pieces!
I have to say, it felt good to dream.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was time to catch my train back. As I bid farewell to Longton, I was filled with the warmth of this charming little town, and I couldn’t help but think, what's a girl gotta do to convince everyone to wear a pink tutu and start taking ballet lessons? It might just be the answer to making the world a happier, more beautiful, and certainly more sparkly place.
Until tomorrow darlings!
Emma
XOXO
