Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and all-around ballet aficionado. I'm hopping onto the blog train (yes, I do love a good train journey, all those romantic windows looking out on rolling hills!) to share all about my fabulous trip to Bloxwich this weekend!
I know what you're thinking: Bloxwich?! Sounds a little… un-ballerina-esque, right? Well, let me tell you, darling, you couldn't be more wrong! Bloxwich was a total delight, filled with a charming, old-fashioned charm that I absolutely adored. It was like stepping into a time capsule!
I actually popped over there by train – I mean, wouldn't you love to have your own personal train carriage, a little compartment with just you and your dreams? Anyway, I arrived just in time to meet my dear friend, Maisie, for a picnic by the canal.
But wait, darling, the real adventure was just about to begin! I was so excited to wear my new pancake tutu for the first time – yes, I actually have a pancake tutu, made out of all different fabrics! (Imagine fluffy tulle, gorgeous satin, and a little dash of silk – and of course, a little bit of pink, darling!) We ate our picnics, gossiped about all the exciting things happening in the ballet world (did you see that incredible street ballet performance on the BBC the other night?!), and, well, basically just had the best time.
But then it happened: The Bloxwich Big Tutu Extravaganza! It's basically an annual event where everyone dresses up in tutus and performs (and by performs, I mean generally twirling around the town square in an incredibly whimsical way)! It's a joy to watch, you wouldn't believe the talent that came out in Bloxwich that day. There was a little girl, probably 5 or 6 years old, doing a little bourrée on a pink penny farthing bicycle! She was absolutely darling!
My favourite moment, though, was when a group of lads in pink tutus attempted a Grand Jeté. Let me tell you, they weren't professionals, but they sure did make the attempt, and their efforts were applauded by the whole town square! You really couldn't wipe the smiles off people's faces. The event truly had that "feel good" factor! And, you know, the Bloxwich Big Tutu Extravaganza isn't just about the fancy dress; it's about celebrating our shared love of ballet!
And that brings me to my next point, darlings: Don't you just love how ballet is finding its way into everything these days? From the big stages in London and New York, to the little squares in Bloxwich and everywhere in between. The world is really becoming a stage. I can already imagine one day, everyone wearing pink tutus, gracefully jumping, skipping and twirling their way through life!
So, back to Bloxwich! We also had time to stop at the most charming tea room I've ever seen! The scones were divine (served with clotted cream, of course!), and I couldn't help but compliment the teacup I was given: it had adorable little ballerinas painted on it, and of course, everything was in my favourite shade of pink.
The rest of the afternoon, Maisie and I were enthralled by the beautiful little woodland park in the centre of Bloxwich. It felt as though we had stepped into a fairytale, with butterflies flitting from blossom to blossom, and birdsong that would have put a songbird to shame! I even managed to take some photos for my Instagram (which you should all follow, darlings, @PinkTutuTravels!). The local deer were utterly charming, although they seemed quite uninterested in striking a pose. Maybe one day, darling, I can train a deer to twirl for my Instagram!
By the time I took the train home, I had realised that Bloxwich had not only won my heart, but also reminded me of the true joy of ballet. It doesn't matter what size the stage is, how big or small the town is, the magic of dance shines through no matter where you are.
Until next time, darlings, remember to always be your own "pink tutu princess," and remember, there is a place for a little magic in everyone's life. Keep dancing!
Emma x
P.S. Have you tried pancake tutus yet? They're surprisingly comfortable (I mean, they practically float) and super stylish! Don't forget to let me know in the comments what you think. 😉
