Hello my darling darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing travel-bug Emma, checking in from the charming town of Burton Upon Trent. Yes, I've swapped my usual pink for a splash of regal purple today! And honestly, it feels just as good! 😉
Now, you might be wondering why a pink-loving ballet girl like myself would venture to Burton Upon Trent. Well, the truth is, this beautiful town holds a special place in my heart - not just for its brewing heritage (yes, I'm a real ale enthusiast!), but because it's the closest town to my grandma's farm.
I used to spend summers there as a little girl, exploring the rolling hills and learning the ancient art of "cow-pat dodging" - a skill I haven't fully mastered, sadly. 😅 But that farm was also where my love affair with horses began. Those gentle giants, with their soulful eyes and elegant strides, sparked a lifelong passion in me. So, every visit to Burton always involves a pilgrimage to the nearby stable where I spend an afternoon stroking and talking to those amazing creatures. It's pure, blissful relaxation.
Speaking of blissful relaxation, what better way to end a day in Burton than with a lovely ballet show? The town's local ballet school, The Dancing Butterflies, has been a haven for young dancers for years. Their annual showcase this weekend, featuring an adorable production of "The Sleeping Beauty," promised a delightful evening. I just had to get my purple tutu on and head on over.
Of course, I couldn't resist channeling my inner "professional blogger" and documenting the whole experience.
Here's a glimpse into my Burton adventures:
Morning Mayhem: I kicked off my day with a high-speed journey on the glorious Midland Main Line, enjoying the quaint countryside scenery through my window. Now, I know I'm meant to be all "fashion-forward and fierce" for this blog, but truth be told, train journeys often have me humming along to "The Wheels on the Bus" - guilty pleasure, I know! 😄
Farm Fun: Reaching grandma's farm was a joyous reunion - we both squealed with excitement, she over her favourite granddaughter and me over the scent of freshly baked apple pie (yes, grandma's secret recipe is the stuff of legends). A walk around the farm with those incredible horses made the day complete. Their graceful movement and powerful energy always fill me with inspiration. I can see a "ballet in the stable" themed blog post coming up... 🤔
Evening Escapades: The "Sleeping Beauty" show was pure magic! Seeing young dancers, full of passion and fire, effortlessly pirouetting and leaping across the stage filled me with joy. Their talent and dedication are truly inspiring. And I confess, I shed a happy tear at the climax - yes, a grown-woman shedding happy tears at a ballet about a princess who sleeps for 100 years. You try resisting that charm! 😂
A Night to Remember: After the performance, I caught up with a couple of old friends from ballet school. It was great to reminisce about those long nights, endless rehearsals and the inevitable drama of teenage life. But through it all, the love of dance held us together. We even did a few impromptu twirls in the park! (Spoiler alert: I nailed that fouetté! ✨)
The Importance of "Pink-Tutu Power": You know, my adventures are not just about me wearing pretty dresses and travelling the country. It's about finding inspiration in everyday life. Whether it's the grace of a horse, the energy of a dancer or the simple pleasure of a fresh-baked apple pie, there's always something worth celebrating.
And, yes, my goal remains unchanged - to get everyone to try ballet! Because ballet, much like a beautiful pink tutu, can bring joy, empowerment, and even a dash of magic into your life. So, don't be afraid to twirl and leap into something new!
I'll leave you with a reminder that I'll be posting daily updates on my travels on www.pink-tutu.com - make sure you subscribe to follow along with my next adventure!
Sending you all a big pink-tutu hug!
Emma xx
