Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your pink tutu-clad companion, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be writing post number 6910 from the charming town of Hitchin! As you all know, I love exploring new places, and this time, the train whisked me away to Hertfordshire. Why, you ask? Because, dear readers, today is all about celebrating a return to my ballet roots, a reminder of where it all began for me.
The Whimsy of a Tutu in Hitchin
Now, imagine a bustling, quaint market town, its historic cobblestone streets echoing with laughter and the scent of freshly baked bread. Imagine that, and then picture me in a vibrant pink tutu, swirling through those very streets! I know, I know, a rather unusual sight, but believe me, the looks of amusement and delight were well worth it.
You see, my trip to Hitchin was about embracing the magic of childhood dreams. Growing up in Derbyshire, I remember the absolute joy I felt when my parents took me to my very first ballet performance here. A timeless classic, the "Nutcracker" swept me away to a land of fairies, sugar plums, and all things whimsical. That moment sparked a passion in me, a passion for the artistry of movement, for the joy of expressing myself through dance.
Today, I'm reliving that spark, albeit with a few extra layers of glitter and tulle. I went to a class at the esteemed Hitchin Ballet School, the same school that first welcomed me as a wide-eyed, tutu-obsessed child. Even now, so many years later, walking into that studio filled me with warmth and a sense of belonging. The atmosphere was pure magic - the air thrummed with the rhythmic beat of the piano, the mirrors reflected the focused determination of the students, and the floorboards creaked with the grace of dancers, big and small, in their own ballet adventures.
Hitchin - More Than a Pretty Place
It wasn't just ballet that captured my heart in Hitchin, though. It's a town teeming with charm and history, just waiting to be discovered. A leisurely stroll down the high street led me to a quaint bookshop that I just had to explore, filled with first editions and dusty tomes waiting for their next reader. I picked out a few vintage treasures, perfect for an afternoon of ballet-themed contemplation (and some Instagram-worthy photos, naturally!).
After a light lunch, complete with a spot of afternoon tea (no pink tutu without a little afternoon tea, my darlings!), I embarked on a quest to find the most charming local pub. And find it I did! Nestled in a quiet corner of the town, I discovered The Crown, a pub steeped in history with friendly locals and a crackling fire that promised to warm both the body and the soul.
As the evening approached, I felt the call of adventure. Now, let me tell you, dear readers, there are no finer ways to travel than by train or by horseback. This time, I was drawn to a charming equestrian centre just outside Hitchin, where I got to meet some of the most gorgeous horses you've ever laid eyes on. Riding through the Hertfordshire countryside was pure bliss, with the wind in my hair and the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves guiding my way.
Embracing the Simple Pleasures
You know, as I journey through life, always twirling in a pink tutu, it's the simplest things that often hold the most magic. It's the unexpected beauty in the everyday, the moments of joy and connection, and the warmth of a familiar feeling that fills me with gratitude. Today, Hitchin was all of those things and more.
So, as I board the train back to Derbyshire, with a heart overflowing with memories and a pink tutu that shines even brighter thanks to the day's adventures, I can't help but think: What a beautiful world we live in! Filled with kindness, history, delicious cakes, adorable animals, and most importantly, the timeless beauty of ballet.
Stay tuned, my lovelies, for more tutu adventures on my travels, because I’m never truly done exploring. And who knows, perhaps I'll inspire you to ditch the trainers and embrace the beauty of dance, too! After all, life is too short not to twirl in a pink tutu!
Until next time, remember to embrace the pink and twirl your worries away.
With love, Emma xx
