Hello darlings! 💋 Emma here, signing in from…drumroll please…STROOD! 🚂 That's right, I've swapped the rolling Derbyshire hills for the rolling… well, actually, Strood is pretty flat. 🙈 But who cares when there's a sparkling new ballet studio waiting to be explored?! ✨
This is blog post number 6365 (yes, I really do count them!), and today's adventure is all about discovering a hidden gem of the ballet world in this charming little Kent town. 💖 I know what you're thinking – Strood? Really? 😉 But trust me, darlings, there's more to this place than meets the eye, especially for a tutu-loving ballerina like myself!
The journey itself was a real treat, of course. Nothing beats a train ride, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks and the fleeting views of English countryside (even if most of the journey was through tunnels). 🚄 And when I say treat, I mean treat. 🍬 I'd pre-ordered my favourite – a double-decker afternoon tea, all fluffy sandwiches and tiny cakes, delivered right to my carriage seat. (If anyone reading this wants a tip on the best tea providers, drop me a comment below!)
Upon arrival, I discovered Strood was utterly adorable! This was my first time here and it's definitely a hidden treasure. A cobbled town square with charming independent shops and quaint cafes…perfect for a pre-ballet brunch. 😋 My favourite find was a tiny bookstore crammed with vintage ballet books – I had to take home a few classics! 📚
The ballet studio was just a short walk from the station. I spotted it instantly because, you guessed it, it was pink! 💗 Can't a girl resist a bit of colour, even in a dreary winter's day?!
Inside, I was greeted by a wall of mirrors and a scent of freshly-polished wooden floors. A classic ballet studio vibe, with a modern twist – sleek, light and spacious. 🩰 And the music, my darlings, it was pure ballet magic! 🎻 I felt myself pirouette just from hearing the opening strains of "Swan Lake" (of course, it was always my favourite!). 🦢
The teacher, Miss Amelia, was a lovely, energetic woman who truly knew her craft. She welcomed me with a warm smile, gave me a rundown of the studio and then led a beautiful class, focusing on grace, technique and (my personal favourite) lyrical movements. 💃
After class, I sat down for a cup of herbal tea with Amelia and we had the most wonderful chat about her passion for dance, her philosophy for teaching, and, of course, about her pink-tinted ballet dreams! 💖 I couldn't resist sharing my little pink-tutu crusade – after all, the world would be a much more joyful place if everyone danced with their hearts and their tutus flowing behind them!
As the afternoon faded, I realised it was time to head back to Derbyshire. Strood was magical, the perfect dose of ballet therapy! My heart felt light, my spirit renewed, and my body was begging for another session in this enchanting space.
But I wasn't leaving without a promise – to return very soon and to continue my ballet adventures in this adorable, pink-tinted haven.
So, darlings, here's the takeaway: Don't judge a place by its name! 😉 Strood has stolen my heart and, like me, I hope you'll all give it a chance (and perhaps even a pirouette!).
And for those of you who have yet to dip your toes into the world of ballet, remember: it's never too late! Take a class, see a performance, or even just put on a pink tutu and twirl around your living room! You might just discover the joy, freedom, and empowerment that dance can bring! 💖🩰
Until next time, lovelies! 💕
Lots of pink-tutu love,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
