Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Emma here, reporting live from the bustling town of Llanelli! As a Derbyshire girl at heart, a train journey is always a joyous adventure for me, especially when it’s for a weekend full of twirling and tutus. So, let’s hop off the train and dive into this little Welsh gem.
First things first – the train journey itself was a dream. Sunshine dappling through the window, a gentle breeze, and of course, my favourite pink travel tote bag bursting with ballet necessities (a good book, some ballerina biscuits, and of course, my lucky pink hair scrunchie). The countryside just zoomed past in a blur of green hills and charming little villages. I swear I even spotted a flock of sheep doing the plié (well, almost!).
Llanelli welcomed me with open arms – or rather, open doors! I’m staying in the most darling little guesthouse called "The Pink Petal". It’s overflowing with pink (obviously), from the floral wallpaper to the dainty teacups, and let me tell you, my inner ballerina just did a triple pirouette of joy.
The reason for my Welsh escapade? It’s all about ballet, of course! I’m here to catch a performance by the Llanelli Ballet Theatre – a renowned company that's famed for its innovative choreography and breathtaking performances. My tummy is doing a little grand jeté of anticipation, as they are known for putting their own unique spin on classic ballets. Can’t wait to see what this group has in store!
Speaking of innovative, I couldn't leave my trusty pink tutu behind. But this time, it has a twist! A local artist created the most beautiful custom-designed tutu just for my Llanelli trip, incorporating a Welsh flag motif and floral accents inspired by the wildflowers that bloom on the Welsh hillsides.
This little town is absolutely bursting with character. Yesterday, I wandered through the cobbled streets, stopping to admire the colourful shop fronts and charming tea rooms, which I can assure you are just as delightful as their names imply (I tried a lemon and elderflower scone with clotted cream at “The Lilac Lounge” - divine!).
There's also a gorgeous little art gallery showcasing local artists' work. A fellow ballet fan told me it's also a hub for dance enthusiasts, with open classes and drop-in workshops often held in the studio upstairs. Maybe I'll brave a little session myself - who knows?
The highlight of my trip so far, though, has been discovering this fantastic local animal sanctuary just outside town. I spent hours watching a playful family of otters frolicking by the stream, giggling as their playful antics reminded me of the backstage shenanigans after a particularly demanding ballet performance.
Of course, no trip is complete without indulging in some delectable Welsh delicacies. Last night, I treated myself to a warm laverbread toast with Welsh bacon (apparently it’s a real thing, and absolutely divine!). I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (or rather, cup of laverbread!), but if you ever find yourself in Llanelli, it's a must-try.
Llanelli, with its vibrant mix of historical charm, bustling atmosphere, and breathtaking natural beauty, is an unexpected delight! It has a charm unlike anywhere else. Just as every town has its own unique melody, so too does each dancer have their unique story to tell through their movements. And it’s the unexpected stories, like Llanelli's and my little ballet journey, that bring the greatest joy.
The ballet performance tonight will be a beautiful conclusion to this lovely Welsh escape. If I'm lucky, perhaps the curtain call will bring a final "grand jeté" of emotions, culminating in a bittersweet farewell as I hop back onto the train, my heart full of happy memories and my pink tutu packed away with a hint of Welsh dust.
Stay tuned, my darlings, for more adventures and Tutu Tales! And remember, whether you're waltzing through the streets of Llanelli or twirling through life in your own pink tutu, always find time to embrace the beauty in every step you take!
Until next time,
Emma xx
