Helloooo my dearest Tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back from another delightful adventure, and this time it took me to the charming town of Longton, Staffordshire. Let me tell you, this trip was pure fairytale fun!
This whole journey was all about exploring, ballet and of course, tutus! My faithful sidekick, Penelope the pink tutu, accompanied me everywhere. Longton has such a lovely history and charm. I spent the morning meandering through its cobbled streets, breathing in the fresh air and imagining the bustle of the town in its pottery heyday. You see, Longton used to be famous for its pottery! It's amazing to think that my little pink tutu may have even been adorned by a beautiful Longton potter's daughter back in the day. What a fabulous thought!
The thing I loved about Longton was its quiet, friendly vibe. People smiled, chatted and seemed so genuinely happy to have me there! Honestly, it was like stepping back in time! Speaking of stepping back, did I mention I traveled to Longton by train? A carriage bathed in sunshine, chugging through the beautiful Derbyshire countryside… absolute magic! I love the way travelling by train lets me immerse myself in the changing landscapes. Plus, let's be honest, a train journey with a pink tutu is pure fabulousness.
But back to Longton… My ballet adventures here were truly unique! There’s this beautiful, historic church in Longton, St. Mary’s Church, which houses a thriving community centre. That afternoon, I found myself gracefully pirouetting in their incredible community hall, in front of a gaggle of lovely local children. You can imagine, it was so sweet watching their wide eyes as they saw my tutu! Afterwards, we had a delightful chat about the magic of dance. Some of them even tried on Penelope for a little spin! Let me tell you, it was hard to resist taking photos of those adorable tiny ballerinas-in-training, looking so cute with my precious Penelope. The afternoon ended with tea and scones – what could be more English?
Pancake Tutu Surprise
I had the best surprise in store for Longton. See, I just had to bring a little bit of "Emma" flair to my ballet-in-the-church experience. And what is more 'Emma' than a little bit of whimsy?
This is where my secret weapon, my fabulous pancake tutu, comes in. Yes, you read that right, a tutu made entirely from pancakes! Let’s just say it made a massive splash. The locals were utterly charmed. Their reactions, the laughter, the smiles, the disbelief... it truly was a joy to witness.
It's all about making life joyful, you see! When I was young, ballet was everything to me. I wanted everyone to experience that joy, that magical feeling of twirling under the spotlights. I even dreamt of getting everyone in the world to try a plié at the very least!
But now, after years of performing in professional ballet companies and traveling the world, I want to take this passion of mine to another level. I've started a mission, a quest to spread the love for all things ballet and pink tutus. The whole 'Pink-tutu.com' blog thing is just one small step on that journey!
The amazing people of Longton totally got the idea. Their love and acceptance made me realize that even in a small town, even amidst centuries-old history and charming traditions, a sprinkle of tutu-magic could truly brighten someone's day. And after all, that's what it's all about!
But let's not forget the other reason I love Longton… the wildlife!
Yes, this is a bit of an unexpected detour. But you know me, I love a good surprise! Right beside that quaint church is this glorious old cemetery. And hidden away within it was a real wildlife haven! Imagine - blue tits flitting between headstones, and the happy chattering of squirrels hiding behind ancient oaks. My heart just melted, honestly! I had the best time watching them, a little bit of nature magic in a setting as charming as Longton itself.
So, if you find yourself with time on your hands, or you are in need of a little peace, or just want a real-life fairy tale moment, hop on a train, take a deep breath, and find your own journey to the charming town of Longton. Who knows? You might even find yourself tempted by a pancake tutu!
Until next time, darling Tutu-lovers! Keep shining bright, and remember, the world is waiting to see you twirl!
With love,
Emma
(Don't forget to check out the photo gallery for all my fabulous adventures in Longton. And share your thoughts on the new 'Pancake Tutu' below!)
