Hey darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-loving ballerina, Emma, checking in from the quaint, historic town of Abingdon! This little gem nestled in Oxfordshire has been charming my socks (and yes, even my ballet shoes!) off since I arrived this morning. As always, I’m ready to share all the pretty details with you lovelies.
Firstly, let’s talk about the journey! I adore trains. The gentle rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels and the dreamy countryside views, all while snuggled into a cosy carriage – heaven! I’ve recently fallen in love with horse riding too. So, I’m currently debating getting a horse so I can have my own adventure through the English countryside. Maybe a tiny, pink one…
This time, I swapped my trusty old train for a dashing white stallion (well, my darling’s motorbike - almost the same!). He carried me speedily to Abingdon, a delightful town known for its Tudor history and bustling markets. I made sure to arrive looking my absolute best, in a tutu of course, and it's no surprise my fluffy pink number made quite the impression!
You can bet I found the cutest vintage shop and spent an afternoon rummaging for ballet treasures. It's like a time capsule for dancing – imagine the stories those beautiful leotards could tell! And my haul? A beautiful vintage pair of pink satin ballet shoes that, trust me, I will be wearing on my next grand adventure.
Speaking of grand adventures, the reason for my trip? The annual Abingdon Theatre Festival, where I'm watching my absolute favourite, "The Sleeping Beauty" (with the prettiest tutu costumes!). You simply can't beat a live ballet show! The sheer artistry and energy is so powerful and moving. It really does bring a sparkle to your eyes! Even watching a talented troupe in a beautiful old theatre is absolutely magical, especially if it's a classic like "The Sleeping Beauty".
I couldn’t resist getting a little fancy for the occasion and decided to wear a European-style, multi-layered pink tutu, and I've got to tell you - I felt like a blooming fairy! And to add some sparkle to my look (because let’s be honest, a little bit of sparkle goes a long way), I accessorized with a dazzling pink butterfly brooch (a little birdie told me this vintage piece belonged to a former ballerina!), and it matched my fluffy tutu perfectly, don’t you think? You could almost see the little fairies swirling around me as I sashayed down the street!
One of my favourite things about being a ballerina and traveling to these amazing towns is the unique character they hold. I think that’s why Abingdon has captured my heart, its cobbled streets and adorable cafes are right up my alley! Of course, my trip wouldn’t be complete without a delicious afternoon tea. I mean, a girl’s got to have her cake and eat it too (literally!), so I indulged in a pretty pastel macaroon with my teapot, and it was heavenly!
Oh, and did I mention the incredible wildlife? I spotted a charming little robin in the local park – you'd be amazed how much I love little, fluffy robins. I’m always reminded how special our world is, with all the amazing creatures, and it just makes my day! You wouldn’t believe the lovely conversation I had with a squirrel who’d decided to borrow my pink ribbon for his picnic lunch (bless his cotton socks, I let him have it - squirrels are too cute!).
And speaking of pink, I just have to tell you about this wonderful lady I met. I’ve always believed that a little bit of pink makes everything a little more joyful, and this darling was no exception! She's the owner of a quaint, flower-filled boutique tucked away in the back streets of Abingdon, and her smile was as bright as her shop’s bright pink blooms! She told me a heart-warming story about how she reaches for a pink ribbon to help brighten someone’s day. How sweet, right?! She also talked about how her niece took up ballet and became much more confident, and said the pink ribbons gave her some extra confidence! And you know what? Her story warmed my heart, it truly does make you see that a bit of pink goes a long way!
Before I sign off, I want to give a shout out to all of you, my fabulous readers! This is my little corner of the internet where we can come together and celebrate our love for dance, pink and pretty things! It’s our safe space, a place to connect and inspire each other to twirl our way through life, embrace our individuality, and shine like the dazzling stars we are.
And while I might be traveling the country in my pink tutu, I’m also on a personal mission. I'm determined to make the world a more fabulous, more beautiful place by spreading the joy of dance and the pink love. Let's all strive to dance to our own rhythm, wear pink with confidence, and remember to spread that spark of joy and happiness wherever we go! So join me, my dear friends, let’s make the world a much prettier place, one twirling pink tutu at a time.
