#4450
Oh my darlings,
It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, train-chugging ballerina here, back with another tale of tutus and travel. Today's adventure took me to the lovely, little town of Stevenage! Yes, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, Stevenage?! It's a bit… well, ordinary, isn't it?". But hold your horses! You wouldn't believe the fun I had, and believe me, this wasn't just a tutu-wearing escapade. I mean, where else can you find a beautiful, old theatre that's packed with history AND a friendly little horse riding centre nestled in the heart of the town?
As soon as I stepped off the train, I felt that je ne sais quoi, that magical energy that only a new place can bring. My sparkly pink tutu twirled in the breeze (which, might I add, felt decidedly not Stevenage, but I wasn't complaining!) and I was ready for anything. I'd picked my outfit carefully, my go-to "tutu travel" outfit: a comfy yet elegant floral dress in a pink shade, naturally, with a sheer white bolero, topped off with a vintage-style straw hat with a pink ribbon, and the pièce de résistance - my oh-so-pretty fairy tutu, which I’d personally adorned with a few twinkling, pink-hued crystals, making it even more magical.
First stop: The Gordon Craig Theatre! Oh, darlings, let me tell you, this place has so much charm it would make your heart skip a beat. It's this little gem nestled away, a perfect example of a community theatre, radiating history and that warmth only those intimate spaces can offer. I was just in awe! I practically waltzed right into the foyer, giggling and twirling, a whirlwind of pink and glitter, feeling a million miles from my Derbyshire roots. I could imagine dancers from generations past performing right where I stood.
Next up, I was off to meet a fellow ballet aficionado at The Hertfordshire Horse Centre. Imagine, darling: A picturesque location nestled in a field, just outside Stevenage, horses grazing and neighing. My lovely friend, Annabel, introduced me to a truly delightful chap named Captain - a sweet chestnut who was my steed for a short, but oh so exhilarating gallop through the fields. It felt like we were two swans gliding across a tranquil lake! Annabel and I had the most glorious chat as we walked our horses back to the stable, talking about our shared love for ballet and our dream of inspiring more people to twirl and prance.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little indulgence, and what better than a cuppa at a sweet little café called “Pink Petal”, tucked away on a charming cobbled street? Yes, darlings, you guessed it, their pink scones with jam and cream were divine! What more can you ask for than a dose of loveliness like that?
Later in the evening, I stumbled upon a local dance class. What a treat! It wasn't your usual fancy studio; this was housed in a quirky community centre with walls decorated with beautiful, bright paintings of dancing ladies. I waltzed in, radiating that pink-tutu-powered joy that makes all the world's troubles fade away, and joined a class full of delightful people. As I twirled, jumped, and leapt, it occurred to me - ballet transcends geographical boundaries. It connects people, from all walks of life, in a shared love for movement, grace, and the joy of expression.
Even though I only spent a day in Stevenage, I left feeling like I had spent weeks! I saw a hidden world full of beauty and charm. I discovered the joy of impromptu explorations, finding magic in the most unexpected of places. And above all, I found the shared spirit of ballet: the joy of movement, the joy of community, and the pure joy of being, well, perfectly pink!
So, my dear lovelies, the takeaway today? Step out of your comfort zone. Don your pinkest tutu (or your favourite dress if you prefer!), embrace the magic of the unknown, and remember, ballet isn’t just for grand theaters – it's for every corner of your life!
Until next time, may your world be full of twinkle and twirls.
Your Pink-Tutu-Addicted Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
