Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger, back with another exciting adventure from the wonderful world of twirls and tutus. Today, I've found myself in Surbiton, a charming little town in Surrey. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Surbiton? Emma, honey, what's there to do there?" Well, my sweet, I can tell you: plenty!
You see, I've become quite the train-loving girl lately, ever since I took a whirlwind trip to Edinburgh via the glorious East Coast mainline. There's something so romantic and freeing about looking out of the window, seeing the world flit by, and knowing you're headed for an exciting destination. So, when my sister, Emily, invited me to join her for a weekend getaway to Surbiton, I jumped at the chance for another train adventure.
Surbiton itself is a delightful town, boasting some absolutely gorgeous Victorian architecture and lush green spaces. We arrived at Surbiton Station, which is, by the way, quite impressive in its own right with its towering pillars and intricate details. The train journey had been lovely – the sun dappled through the carriages and the countryside scenery just kept getting more and more picturesque.
The first order of the day? Brunch, of course! Emily, being the lovely sister she is, took me to this divine little café, all dainty teacups and fresh-baked cakes. We indulged in a delightful spread of fluffy scrambled eggs, avocado toast with a drizzle of balsamic, and, of course, an extra-large pot of English Breakfast tea. The cafe was full of chatty, friendly locals, which was really sweet – made me feel like we'd stepped right into a Jane Austen novel, if she had been a little more, well, pink.
After brunch, we embarked on a walking tour of Surbiton, just letting our feet guide us along the winding streets. The architecture was a dream - terracotta rooftops, delicate balconies, and windows draped with vibrant climbing plants. Emily, my ever-stylish sister, pointed out the most wonderful old buildings with fascinating stories. One, we discovered, had even been featured in the iconic TV series "Midsomer Murders"! I immediately pictured myself starring in a detective role – wearing a very fetching pink tutu, of course. After all, who wouldn't want to solve a murder wearing a touch of sparkle?
Surbiton also boasts a beautiful park, aptly named "The Recreation Ground," which turned out to be the perfect place to work on my jeté technique, my little pink tutu catching the afternoon sun in its playful swirl. There, beneath the swaying boughs of old oak trees, I found myself practicing my favorite steps - the elegant arabesque, the powerful grand jeté, the delicate port de bras. You can bet I got plenty of approving glances from passing park-goers! After all, what's a little ballet on a beautiful day in a public space? Let the good times, and the grace, flow!
In the evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at a charming, candlelit Italian restaurant called "Ristorante Bella Luna." It was just so quaint – red tablecloths, warm, buttery pasta dishes, and, to my delight, the most adorable waitresses dressed in flowing, cherry red dresses. The atmosphere was fantastic and it reminded me of our last trip to Tuscany, where we, naturally, indulged in some epic twirls on a cobblestone square. Ah, the joys of travel, and of wearing tutus in stunning settings!
The weekend continued with a morning visit to Surbiton's quaint art market, which brought us a gorgeous antique clock that would make a perfect addition to my pink and girly ballet studio back in Derbyshire. A charming little find! Emily and I spent the rest of the afternoon strolling along the river, indulging in delicious gelato – pink strawberry, naturally! We even spotted a swan couple waddling by the water, looking exceptionally graceful and elegant, almost like a ballet performance in slow motion.
By the time Sunday night rolled around, I had to admit I felt completely recharged. My week had been a bit hectic, a blur of rehearsals and rehearsals and deadlines – all lovely but exhausting. Yet, my Surbiton adventure had been just what I needed - a delightful dose of relaxation, adventure, and some pretty fabulous scenery.
Now, you might be thinking, "But Emma, didn't you say you wanted to make this a ballet-filled adventure?" Well, my dearest, you are right to point that out! Remember, ballet is in my blood, in my soul. And as a true pink tutu enthusiast, how could I visit Surbiton without a touch of magic?
On our final afternoon in town, I surprised Emily with a special trip to the lovely "The Rose Theatre Kingston". Yes, a real live theatre, and an award-winning one at that! Now, you wouldn't believe what I found – a gorgeous performance by the talented "Ballet Theatre Company"! Not only that, but a completely charming and uplifting piece entitled "A Dream in Pink"! It was an amazing evening. The dancers, with their incredible artistry and movement, were just breathtaking.
Now, I'm not one for bragging, but even my usual ballet fanatic friends were incredibly impressed. We stayed up half the night comparing notes and discussing the show, just like those vintage actresses of the old days. Let me tell you, a cup of herbal tea, some delicious cookies, and a whole heap of ballet chat make for a wonderful night.
Surbiton was truly the perfect blend of vibrant, colourful urban adventures and peaceful relaxation – a place where I felt truly inspired, happy, and utterly fabulous in my pink tutu. The world, I've learned, is brimming with endless beauty, adventures, and charming places like Surbiton. It's just waiting for us to discover, to share our own spark, and maybe even convince everyone around us to wear pink and give ballet a try.
So, darling readers, let me know what adventures you have planned for the week! Do let me know about your tutu outfits, and perhaps your favorite spots for ballet shows, too. Remember, always keep twirling, stay sparkly, and never stop dreaming!
Until next time, Emma xo www.pink-tutu.com
