Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away to another exciting adventure in my pink-hued world. Today, I'm writing to you from Upminster, a quaint little town nestled in Essex, where I've been indulging in a whirlwind of tutus, trains, and…oh yes…some delightful wildlife spotting!
It’s always exciting to travel to new places, especially by train. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels and the picturesque views zipping past are like a ballet in themselves. Today’s journey was no different. I boarded the train at my beloved Derby station, donned my tutu – a frothy, flamingo-pink number with shimmering silver sequins – and allowed the journey to transport me into my own personal wonderland.
The carriage was filled with fellow commuters, some heading to bustling London, others to quieter towns like Upminster. I’m sure I caught a few raised eyebrows at my tutu-wearing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Let's face it, a splash of pink never hurts anyone's day!
Upminster itself had a charming, almost sleepy, atmosphere. As I disembarked, I took a deep breath, the air carrying the scent of crisp autumn leaves and… wait for it… the faint aroma of horse manure! Oh yes, the quintessential countryside smell.
It didn't take long to find a charming stable in the town centre, where I indulged in a spot of horseback riding. I was rather lucky; the steed I was allocated was named 'Twinkle' - how perfect is that for a ballet-loving lass like myself? We pranced around the countryside, me, in my tutu, and Twinkle, in his well-fitting saddle cloth. I wouldn't be surprised if a passerby mistook us for a traveling performance troupe.
Afterwards, I discovered a quaint little shop tucked away in the cobblestone streets of Upminster called "The Ballerina Boutique". It was a ballet-themed dream come true. From pastel tutus in a rainbow of hues, to shoes so pointy they could puncture a cardboard box, it was a treasure trove for any dance enthusiast. Of course, I had to purchase a few trinkets. How could I resist?
After all that shopping and horsing about (excuse the pun), it was time to embrace Upminster's culinary delights. I settled upon a sweet spot called 'The Pink Cupcake Café.' Now, you’re probably thinking “Emma, a cupcake café? This sounds incredibly predictable." You are absolutely right! My darling, if you can imagine, it was PINK and had a Tutu-shaped cake on display. Of course, I just had to have one. I can't tell you how delicious the strawberry frosting was!
With a full tummy and a sugared high, I decided to spend the rest of my afternoon at the local ballet class. As luck would have it, they held a beginner's class, so I got to share the dance floor with a bunch of sweet, eager novices. I even managed to squeeze in a bit of solo dancing at the end, channeling the elegant moves of a prima ballerina (perhaps slightly exaggerated - it was more like a clumsy swan on ice).
It's important for me to stress that, for every graceful ballerina on stage, there's another struggling to get their feet in the right position or even remember which arm goes where! Even I've spent countless hours mastering even the simplest ballet move.
We should all encourage and inspire those just starting on their ballet journey. After all, dance isn't just about being flawless; it's about freedom, expression, and above all, having a fantastic time while spinning and leaping (or even falling) your way into the sunset.
My Upminster adventures have filled me with so much joy. This delightful little town, steeped in countryside charm and sprinkled with a healthy dose of tutus and dance, has cemented its place in my heart. I already feel like a seasoned Upminsterian, but I do love to flit about the country – I’ll let you know where I land next week on my tutu-infused adventures!
And, if you're feeling the tutu urge yourself, don't be shy! Pop on a pink tutu (or any colour!), go out and twirl in the moonlight. Trust me, it’ll change your day (and maybe even the world)!
See you next time my lovelies, for more adventures in tutus and a whole lot of pink!
Love,
Emma x
