Hey darlings!
It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and I’m just bursting to tell you about my latest adventure! It's time to don my sparkly green tutu (yes, you read that right! My tutu collection is growing like a wildflower patch!) and journey back in time to the birthplace of the Bard himself – Stratford-upon-Avon.
This trip was a bit of a departure for me, leaving my trusty steed (a.k.a my trusty bicycle, which is definitely the best mode of transport in Derbyshire, after my Dad’s trusty car, of course) behind. No, this time, I opted for a journey aboard a train, watching the world zoom past through the window as I indulged in a good book and a pink strawberry and custard milkshake. (Who can resist the charms of a classic, huh? Especially when served on board a vintage train, the nostalgia! )
Anyway, let’s get back to Stratford! You've heard me rave about the wonders of the London ballet scene, but the ballet world is vast! It's like discovering a new treasure in a vintage shop – just when you thought you'd seen everything, something incredible pops out! So I was excited to discover a hidden gem - the Royal Ballet School’s Birmingham branch!
Of course, any self-respecting tutu-wearing traveller knows there is no visit to Shakespeare's hometown complete without seeing the Royal Shakespeare Company. And boy oh boy, I was transported to another world! The production was a real treat. I swear the stage must have been built on a rotating platform because I was swirling in the theatre along with the actors, losing myself completely in their performance!
There is something magical about theatre. You are swept away into another time and another world, and it all happens on this wooden stage under bright lights. Maybe it is the collective sigh from the audience as the curtain opens, maybe it’s the sense of togetherness between audience and actor or perhaps it is the sheer magic of telling a story through gesture and expression…but it just makes you feel so alive! And if I can get all deep and meaningful for a moment (please, hold the pink frothy latte), I think theatre makes you appreciate life and how precious it is. So much like a ballet performance, no matter how many times I experience it, theatre makes my soul feel a bit more polished.
Speaking of polishing my soul (and, ahem, my tutu collection!), I discovered an incredible little vintage clothing shop that just screamed 'Emma' to me! Honestly, it was like a rainbow explosion of pink tulle and floral lace, I'd need a 'Get Out Of Jail Free' card just to make it out of the door before emptying my bank account! It would be rude of me not to share this new vintage paradise with you all (and I'm going to drop some hints here for those of you thinking about the perfect gift for your best girl )... It is called "Ruby's Retro Revival" and if you happen to be wandering around Stratford and fancy finding something special for a vintage party or just a fun-filled night out, go visit Ruby, she’s an absolute gem.
But Stratford isn't just about theatre and vintage fashion, my dears! The place is buzzing with history. The cobbled streets and Tudor buildings, the charming river and quaint bridges just draw you into a bygone era. If the castle had been around, I'd be there, too, for a castle photo shoot, complete with a dramatic tutu pose. You know, just me and the wind and maybe a peacock or two - maybe even one in pink, to blend with the ensemble (but I'll take what I can get at this stage!).
Oh! And did I mention the food? Speaking of delicious treats, let’s talk about Stratford's culinary delights! One word for you all – Scone! They make a delicious cream tea in Stratford, perfect for a leisurely afternoon spent exploring the river and all those historic pubs. They had my name written all over them. The locals are super friendly too. If you have time for a nice chat, there are plenty of local shops with super friendly owners ready for a catch-up (or perhaps to talk tutus with an enthusiastic dance student - wink wink!)
If there's one thing I learned from this trip (besides where to buy the best cream tea!), it is this - no matter where you are, the little things make all the difference. A warm smile, a friendly conversation, a charming little shop filled with pink frocks (sorry, it is a tutu blog after all!), a delicious afternoon tea and a stage alive with vibrant characters – they all add up to create the most perfect kind of tutu magic.
As I said before, I think everyone should take a ballet class and experience the transformative power of a Tutu. (Ok, I’m being dramatic here, but it is quite nice isn't it?) But until everyone embraces the pink tutu way of life (yes, we're all gonna be dancing around like ballerinas before we know it!), you'll have to content yourselves with enjoying a few virtual twirls. Until next time, darlings!
With all my love,
Emma
xx
