#5104
Hello my darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, ready to share another pink-tastic adventure with you all! Today's journey takes me to the charming town of Hitchin, a quaint gem tucked away in the heart of Hertfordshire.
The train journey from Derbyshire was a joy. I absolutely adore travelling by train; something about the rhythmic chugging and the glimpses of rolling countryside always puts me in a cheerful mood. I couldn't resist wearing my new, vintage pink tutu with its fluffy layers and sparkling embellishments. I felt like a pink-hued vision gliding through the carriages, and everyone, even the gruff-looking businessman next to me, seemed to have a little smile on their face. Maybe it was the tutu, maybe it was just me!
Upon arriving at Hitchin station, I couldn't resist a little photo-op. The station's Victorian architecture was picture-perfect, and with my tutu billowing in the breeze, it was almost like stepping into a ballet set.
I decided to wander around Hitchin and soak in the charming atmosphere. The cobblestone streets, bustling with quaint cafes and boutiques, felt incredibly welcoming. I must confess, the little vintage hat shop caught my eye! It had all sorts of glorious headwear - floppy hats, straw boasters, fascinators, and, you guessed it, a beautiful, oversized pink feather hat! Oh, how I wished it could be mine!
I did, however, make an impulse purchase. It was a gorgeous, pale pink ribbon. I know I'll tie it on my tutu one day! I imagine the graceful ribbon dancing and twirling as I perform my pirouettes, bringing a touch of romance and elegance to my moves.
Hitchin’s market was also delightful, a vibrant display of local produce, artisan crafts, and the cutest, fluffiest puppies you ever did see! I adore dogs. Maybe that's why I love ballet - so graceful and elegant. But don't let anyone tell you that it isn't tough - its a serious commitment to get to a professional standard. It’s the only physical artform I’ve been interested in since I was a child.
I continued my exploration and stumbled upon a charming little park filled with vibrant blooms and the joyful chirping of birds. A park always reminds me of a ballet, a beautiful space filled with graceful movements and joyful performances. A park has a story to tell - just as much as a ballet. A park can be the inspiration for many of our dance movements - for example, leaping about the open space, twirling with the branches of trees or dancing among the blooming flowers.
That's the wonderful thing about ballet, isn't it? It takes inspiration from the world around us.
As afternoon began to cast its gentle light, I headed for The Queen Mother Theatre in the heart of town. I was drawn by its elegant charm, its story and history. There’s always something special about seeing a theatrical performance – the lights, the music, the performers. The joy it brings. I love seeing ballet street performances but seeing it within a proper theatre space always fills me with so much inspiration. It allows you to see the dance form from a completely different perspective and allows you to feel its full potential. It is magnificent, captivating, uplifting and a form of physical and emotional art, just like painting, writing or playing a musical instrument.
There was a show being held that evening, a modern interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. My favourite! And the tutu they designed for Odette is my new favourite: a majestic white tulle with a soft pink lining and intricate beading. I can already imagine myself twirling in a version of that tutu, shimmering under the stage lights. It is beautiful, strong, expressive and elegant - everything I aim to be with my ballet.
I settled in for a delightful dinner at The Old Post Office. As always, I wore my favourite pink dress – it felt like it was made for a dinner with friends or a romantic candlelit affair! As I savored the flavours of a traditional English dish with a twist, I couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky. Not just for the wonderful food, but for this incredible adventure, this unique ability to capture life's little moments with a tutu. I really believe in the power of the pink tutu - its about feeling like your best self and never, ever, ever, shying away from showing your sparkle and your joy! It’s about making your mark on the world.
After dinner, I felt compelled to stroll around town again. The soft glow of the streetlamps added a touch of magic to Hitchin. I popped into a bookstore, seeking some inspiration for my own stories. It’s interesting - for my day job I'm a storyteller and blogger, but I spend so much time and energy thinking about stories, watching ballet and taking photos and then blogging and journaling, it almost feels like another job, right? This is me, I am Emma. And I think this is a journey. I love my tutu life - the way it adds extra magic to an otherwise ordinary world. If anyone says ballet can’t take you around the world - prove them wrong! My pink tutu journey is just getting started, so come on board and enjoy the ride! Stay tuned for my next pink-tastic adventure…
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma
