Hello, darlings! It's your girl, Emma, from Derbyshire, and I'm so excited to be sharing this pink-tastic adventure with you! As you know, my life is pretty much a whirlwind of tutus, travels, and ballet, and this week, Colchester, a lovely town in Essex, beckoned me with its history, charm, and, most importantly, a brilliant opportunity to do a spot of tutu-ing!
This is post number 7007 on www.pink-tutu.com – can you believe it?! I’m so chuffed that you’re joining me on my daily ballet escapades! Today's post is going to be packed with sunshine and tutu-filled shenanigans as I take you with me on my Colchester escapades!
Before I start, a confession. Let’s just say, I’m rather partial to the colour pink, but honestly, Colchester wasn't all that pink, at least not on the colour palette scale! However, I knew this wouldn't deter me from unleashing the magic of a vibrant red tutu, the ultimate statement of ballet and joie de vivre.
Getting there by rail - a ballet journey on tracks
As usual, I decided to embrace the elegance of train travel for my Colchester trip. There’s nothing like being swept away by the scenery, enjoying a good book (currently, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog"), and watching the world flit past my window. After a delightful breakfast of poached eggs on sourdough at my favorite café, the 'Cafe'd'Ville' in my Derbyshire hometown, I boarded the train and was en route to my glamorous adventure. This, of course, wasn't without a touch of pink - my tote bag is, well, it's pink! (Who needs more colour? )
Stepping into Colchester
Reaching Colchester station was like stepping back in time - the historic architecture, the cobbled streets... and the little shops that beckoned me to wander! First stop - a charming antique shop with an intriguing array of trinkets and treasures. Did you know that Colchester boasts the oldest recorded town in Britain? It’s fascinating! I absolutely loved learning about Roman history - and how it played such a key part in the town’s growth.
After soaking in the history, my tummy was rumbling! Of course, a quick pit stop at a tea room for afternoon tea was absolutely essential - my pink tutu paired perfectly with a perfectly brewed cuppa and the most decadent homemade cakes. (Don't you think pink and red complement each other magnificently?!)
Twirling and Dancing in a Ballet Class
My afternoon was a ballet lover's dream come true. I enrolled in a master class with the Colchester Ballet School. The studio was bright and welcoming, and the energy was infectious! We did warm-up stretches (my favorite!), practiced barre exercises, and finished with a challenging sequence of jumps and pirouettes. I was absolutely buzzing with excitement - my passion for ballet had really reached a peak! Let’s just say I twirled through the rest of the afternoon! It’s the best feeling in the world – my red tutu practically danced with me! The best part? It’s a class I plan to attend again in the future – watch this space, guys!
The Beauty of the Zoo - and a Love of Nature
After ballet class, I felt completely energised! I simply couldn’t resist a visit to Colchester Zoo – a haven for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike. It’s also home to one of the biggest collections of exotic animals in the UK. I spent a whole afternoon marvelling at monkeys swinging from tree to tree and elegant cheetahs in their enclosure, looking utterly graceful! It was a day where my pink-tutu vibes merged with a pure love of the natural world - what could be better?!
A Delicious Night in Colchester - Dinner & Dreams
As dusk settled upon the town, I discovered a quaint, little restaurant called “The Old Fish House,” which felt so inviting, with its low ceilings, flickering candles and the warm glow of rustic furniture. They have a wonderful array of seafood dishes, which, of course, I was delighted to indulge in. My cod served with steamed asparagus and garlic sauce was divine, accompanied by a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio, I felt truly relaxed! This culinary delight truly rounded off my day!
My Red Tutu Makes its Statement - Everywhere!
Of course, no trip is complete without a sprinkle of glamour - a delightful evening at the Mercury Theatre, right in the heart of Colchester. I saw an incredibly moving production, ‘Hamlet’ with its profound themes and engaging dialogue. My trusty red tutu, paired with my classic ballet shoes and a black velvet cape for a touch of theatre drama, became a visual beacon of theatrical spirit – you see, I simply adore finding ways to wear my tutus everywhere I go!
Back to Derbyshire, With a Head Full of Tutu-filled Dreams
Waking up in my cosy little room above the restaurant was a true delight, and it’s probably one of my favorite things about traveling - experiencing a place through local haunts and cafes. The gentle patter of rain on my window pane added to the tranquil atmosphere as I slowly sipped my morning coffee, lost in my thoughts about the beauty I’d witnessed and the wonderful people I'd met. Then it was time to board my train back home!
From the Train Back to Pink-Tutu Land – a reflection of a wonderful adventure…
My adventure in Colchester was a fantastic experience. I explored a town brimming with history, charm and beauty – a fantastic combination! I twirled and danced with a passion that only ballet can ignite, embraced the gentle sounds of nature and enjoyed delightful cuisine in picturesque cafes and restaurants. But above all, it’s a day where I've fallen more in love with my tutu - a garment that transforms me into a whirlwind of energy and makes me want to share the joy of ballet with everyone I meet!
So, my dearest followers, until next time - spread your wings and wear a tutu! You won’t regret it! The world is waiting to embrace the pink tutu revolution - and Colchester has made it pretty obvious that wearing your heart on your tutu sleeves is a brilliant thing to do!
Keep your ballet shoes close,
Love, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
