Hey loves!
Emma here, your pink tutu-clad ambassador of all things graceful, twirly, and fabulously feminine! Today's adventure takes us all the way to Llanelli, Wales. And let me tell you, my darlings, it was a trip for the ages!
Now, you all know how much I love my train journeys. Something about the rhythm of the tracks and the endless views just screams "balletic elegance." So, naturally, I was in my element, nestled in my comfy seat, sipping on a hot chocolate (with marshmallows, obviously!) and humming along to a playlist of classic ballet scores. I had packed my favourite ballet bag (pink, obviously), complete with my special lucky tutu, which just happened to be a gorgeous, twirling number from Germany. You know me, I always love to represent the global ballet scene!
Reaching Llanelli was a delight in itself. The quaint town had a charm all its own, with its Victorian architecture and historic cobbled streets. I felt like I’d stepped out of a Jane Austen novel – minus the corsets, of course! Speaking of history, we all know that Llanelli was once a hub for coal mining, right? I mean, we have the Llanelli Coal Mining Museum for a reason. It’s amazing how history weaves its way into every town and its stories.
And speaking of stories, my adventures started at the Llanelli Theatre. I’d been eagerly awaiting this ballet performance all week, and let me tell you, my lovelies, it did not disappoint! The Royal Welsh Ballet performed an absolutely stunning rendition of Swan Lake, and it left me spellbound. The artistry, the technique, the sheer power and grace...it was all just breathtaking! And, of course, the swan costumes were absolutely gorgeous – they practically twirled and danced on their own. The sheer creativity of these designers!
Now, the amazing thing is that the performance itself was followed by a delightful workshop with the company dancers. That’s the beauty of travelling to different places for ballet - you get to immerse yourself in new studios and training styles! Imagine, the Royal Welsh Ballet, taking the time to mentor future ballerinas - so wonderful! The dancers were absolutely incredible, sharing tips on technique, posture, and, my absolute favourite, stretching! Oh, those splits!
And who says a good dance session has to be limited to a studio? One thing I've been embracing recently is "ballet street". Now, you're probably thinking, what on earth is ballet street? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like: incorporating ballet movements into your everyday life! Imagine skipping through the park, using your arms like wings while crossing the road, or balancing like a ballerina on the bus. I've even incorporated pliés and relevés into my yoga practice! I swear, it makes you feel like a total ballet star, even if you're just walking down the high street.
After a day filled with so much ballet beauty, a walk around Llanelli was in order. I’d read about the wonderful wildlife park in town, and, honestly, a little birdie told me it’d be worth the visit! (Sorry, not sorry for that pun!) It turned out the birds weren't the only attraction. It's also a beautiful park, bursting with amazing green space. Plus, it features all sorts of exotic animals! Monkeys, tigers, snakes - I even managed to sneak in a selfie with a beautiful owl! Talk about some fabulous photos for my next Insta post, right?! But I digress...
You know what else is fabulous? Food. I’d been reading all week about the deliciousness of Welsh cakes and couldn’t wait to get my hands (and taste buds!) on one. These are little discs of pure magic, I’m telling you! You can bake them at home but I wanted to enjoy the authentic flavours of Llanelli.
But hold on to your tutus, ladies! My adventure doesn't end there! I just have to mention the amazing view of Llanelli castle from the train station! Honestly, there’s something so charming and dramatic about those old stone walls and the view overlooking the harbour.
Let me leave you with a final thought, darlings. Don't be afraid to take risks! Don't be afraid to chase your dreams, even if they seem a little far-fetched. Don't be afraid to wear pink and twirl! Remember, life is a performance, and you are the star. Now, excuse me while I get ready for tomorrow's adventure – you'll never guess where I'm headed next!
And remember, don't forget to join me over at www.pink-tutu.com every day for more ballet adventures! I'll be back tomorrow, sharing my journey, my style, and maybe a few pirouette tips along the way.
Until next time, lovelies!
Emma
