Ahoy, fellow tutu-wearers!
It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Wickford, a quaint little town nestled in Essex. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, why Wickford?" Well, dear reader, let me tell you - Wickford was just the perfect dose of charm and unexpected adventure I needed after a hectic week in the studio.
Let's be honest, you wouldn't usually find me venturing out to Essex, especially with my dear Derby nestled just a hop, skip and jump away. But then, my darling Granny Florence called, begging me to come see her new grandson, little Thomas, who's been throwing all sorts of "twinkle toes" at his nanna. She's so smitten! Granny Flo insisted on a stay in a delightful bed and breakfast with rose-patterned wallpaper and tea brewed strong enough to wake the Queen. Oh, how I love Granny Flo, with her quaint ways and endless stories. And let me tell you, my darling little cousin, Thomas, is an absolute doll - all rosy cheeks, chubby fingers, and a bright grin that melts my heart. I can't wait to whisk him away for his first ballet class when he's big enough, haha!
Anyway, I knew Wickford wouldn't disappoint. So, naturally, I packed my trusty pink tutu, a whole trunk full of pink lipstick, and my brand new, sparkly silver ballet flats. My travel attire, as always, included my beloved riding boots - I couldn't resist taking a picturesque train journey to Essex, with my window seat offering stunning views of rolling fields and thatched cottages. My journey felt like a scene from a ballet, a continuous pirouette of passing fields, sleepy villages and dramatic skies! I even had a delightful chat with a gentleman wearing a Union Jack waistcoat – a true Essex gentleman with stories to tell, as they say.
The streets of Wickford itself felt like a ballet set. The brick-lined shops boasted window displays fit for a whimsical dream - delicate flowers bursting out of planters, quaint coffee shops with floral prints and comfy armchairs, and a charming old bookshop filled with antique trinkets. I found a treasure of a shop called "Miss Flouncy's" - an Aladdin's Cave of tulle, ribbons, and every shade of pink you could imagine. You better believe I came home with a whole new wardrobe of tulle frills, ready to add some flair to my future performance looks.
The highlight of my Wickford escapade, however, was my little excursion to the local nature reserve. Essex is actually home to a rich diversity of wildlife, much more than just the occasional cheeky squirrel I normally encounter in Derby! This reserve boasted winding woodland paths, bursting with ancient trees, sparkling ponds where dragonflies flitted gracefully, and even a hidden little meadow where wild flowers blossomed in every shade of pink imaginable. Talk about inspiring! You can bet your ballet slippers that this picturesque landscape had me channeling my inner Swan Lake, gliding gracefully amongst the willow trees and imagining the most stunning ballet choreography, inspired by nature’s vibrant palette.
The day ended with a picnic on a quaint village green, tucked beneath an oak tree, my little nephew fast asleep beside me. I felt that comforting calmness wash over me, a reminder of how lucky I am to be doing what I love, traveling, sharing my passion for ballet, and spending precious time with loved ones. And you know what? All those inspiring nature scenes got me thinking: what if I set up a whole ballet production outdoors? Imagine a symphony of graceful pirouettes performed beneath the stars, a balletic tapestry woven with the textures of nature!
So, here's to Wickford, my delightful little escape into a world of wonder, and a new chapter in my pink tutu adventures.
Stay tuned, lovelies, there’s always another exciting chapter waiting in the wings,
Always Pink,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
