Helloooo darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-wearing ballet bestie, reporting live from the delightful town of Rainham! (Yes, you read that right – Rainham! Not exactly known for its tutus, but trust me, I'm about to change all that.)
Before we get to my ballet adventure, can I just say how much I love the train? It's so glamorous, isn't it? Especially when you've got your little pink travel essentials bag and your perfectly matched tutu for your upcoming dance class. Today, my tutu is a real head-turner – a gorgeous blush pink creation I found in a vintage shop in Derbyshire. Think Marie Antoinette meets a modern ballet dancer! I just had to take it to Rainham, which has this lovely mix of traditional English charm and that quirky, modern edge I adore.
So, what was I doing in Rainham, you ask? Well, as much as I love exploring new corners of Britain (and sometimes the whole world, ahem, I've got Paris next month!), I always make time for my ballet routine. I had heard about a little dance studio nestled in Rainham's picturesque high street, called "Twirl & Fly," and the thought of finding hidden ballet gems always sets my heart aflutter. (Imagine a tutued fairytale – that's me, every time I find a new studio!)
This studio, oh my darling, was absolutely heavenly. Sunlight streamed through the windows, there was a glorious sense of space, and they even had this incredible collection of antique tutus in a glass cabinet! The instructor, a lovely lady called Mrs. B, is pure old-school elegance, and I swear she's got that graceful aura that comes with years of experience and a lifetime dedicated to the art of ballet.
Now, I don't know about you lovelies, but one of the absolute best things about ballet is that feeling of freedom and artistry. It's not just about getting the steps right, although I love perfecting my fouetté turns (don't even ask, I know, it's addictive!), it's about expressing yourself, making music with your body, and unleashing your inner ballerina.
My Rainham class was magical! We had the most wonderful hour learning about barre work, exploring expressive choreography, and discovering our inner gracefulness (it's amazing how that hidden ballerina magically appears when you're surrounded by fellow tutu-lovers, eh?) After class, Mrs. B invited me for a cuppa and we had the loveliest conversation about everything ballet, from the iconic costumes to the joys of ballet on stage. I cannot wait to go back, honestly, Rainham is officially on my ballet haven list!
And then, of course, it was time for some proper sightseeing. We did the classic Rainham routine, with a little trip to the museum (they've got a fabulous collection of vintage ballet shoes – so tempted to snag a pair for my tutu wardrobe!), a wander through the pretty local park where I admired the wildlife (you won't believe how many swans we saw!), and a hearty fish and chips dinner at a cosy, traditional pub. I think we were all the luckiest of fairies, because it started to drizzle just as we were finishing our fish, a classic English drizzle like in a painting – perfect!
Speaking of the drizzle, and my gorgeous tutu, I just had to capture it all on film (and how else, darling, could you, my amazing, pink-tutu loving readers, have witnessed this fantastic Rainham adventure?) I've added all my Rainham pics to the gallery (don't forget to scroll through all those lovely details, from my darling tutu to the swans on the lake), so be sure to have a little peek!
Now, don't forget, my darlings, my aim in life is to spread the ballet love! Put on your pink tutu, throw on your dancing shoes, and unleash that beautiful ballerina within you. We are all twirling princesses, remember, every single one of us, so join me in making the world a pink-tutu-clad ballet paradise, one twirl at a time!
Sending love and a million pink tutus,
Emma xx
