Helloooo lovelies! It's your favourite Derbyshire dance devotee, Emma, reporting live from…drumroll please… Longton!
Okay, maybe it’s not the most glamorous of destinations, but hey, a girl’s gotta diversify! This week, I’m venturing beyond the usual ballet circuit, trading in the city slick for a taste of country life. And who better to accompany me than my trusty, PANCAKE TUTU! You know me, I never shy away from an opportunity to sprinkle a bit of sparkle (and pink, of course!) wherever I go.
Before I get into the details of this quaint countryside escapade, let's chat about the most essential aspect of ANY journey: The outfit! This time, I'm channelling my inner fairy princess with a gorgeous, soft pink tutu, so delicate and dreamy, you'd think it was made of clouds! But the real star of the show? My pancake tutu, of course! It’s my new obsession - it’s literally made of actual pancakes. The layers are so perfectly fluffed and I couldn't resist a drizzle of honey and some pink sprinkles on the side for an extra touch of sugar and spice (and everything nice!). I felt like a confectionary queen, a sugary confection with a dash of ballerina charm!
Now, let’s get back to the exciting part of this blog… Longton! I have to admit, this town is truly enchanting. The countryside surrounding it is positively idyllic – picture rolling green hills, charming stone cottages, and sheep peacefully grazing in the sun. It’s enough to make you want to ditch the city life and move into a cozy cottage in the heart of this quaint English town.
So, what did I do in Longton, you ask? Well, where there’s a town, there's always a park! And this one didn’t disappoint. The park was a symphony of birdsong, the sun was warming my face (and tutu!), and I even managed to spot a couple of friendly bunnies. They seemed a bit shy at first, but once they saw my sparkly pancake tutu, they came hopping right up to me for a closer look.
It’s almost impossible to be in a town with such a charming history without wanting to delve into its past! My wanderings led me to a fascinating little museum housed in an old manor house. They even had a special exhibition on local ballet history (yes, even in sleepy Longton, ballet finds a way!), and guess what?! They had a picture of the original Pancake Tutu that was first debuted right here in Longton. The first version looked like a regular fluffy tutu made of real pancakes! So, you see, I am just bringing this vintage look back in a fresh, fun, and very girly way!
After my afternoon museum adventure, I found myself standing at the edge of a bustling market square. This vibrant hub of activity is truly a testament to the spirit of the people of Longton. Stalls selling local produce, crafts, and homemade cakes surrounded me in an explosion of colour, textures, and irresistible smells! I couldn't help but indulge in a delicious (and very pink, of course) raspberry jam doughnut – because hey, who can resist a treat when surrounded by so much deliciousness?
As the day drew to a close, I took a quiet stroll through a nearby orchard. The sweet aroma of ripening apples, pears, and plums filled the air as the sun cast a golden glow over the trees. With every step, I felt myself becoming one with the enchanting atmosphere.
You know, a girl’s got to unwind after a long day exploring! To relax after a delightful day, there was only one option: the Longton Theatre. And what was playing? Well, of course, Swan Lake! No surprises there, but Longton's take was different, fresh, and totally captivating! They had included an impressive dance number by a troupe of ballet rabbits! And yes, they all had fluffy white tutu-esque tails and one rabbit, they called "Plié" (yes, how cute!) actually tried to give me a bow when she danced by. She was so tiny, just adorable! I’m a sucker for a good ballet rabbit.
Before I head back to my city dwelling, I have to admit, my little adventure to Longton was truly enchanting! This quiet little corner of the world has left me feeling refreshed, inspired, and truly blessed to be a part of the wonderful tapestry that is this lovely town.
If you ever need a breath of fresh air and a touch of magic in your life, head to Longton – you won’t regret it. I'll be back, Longton! Just you wait and see... next time, I’m bringing a picnic, complete with pink flamingo napkins and, of course, my pancake tutu! I hope you enjoyed this little slice of my life. Remember, if you’re ever feeling a bit lost, always, Follow the Tutu! See you soon!
Yours in pink (and pancakes),
Emma xx
