Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and today, I'm buzzing about my latest adventure. I swapped Derbyshire's rolling hills for the spires and ancient cobblestones of Oxford. It was the perfect setting for a ballerina with a penchant for pink!
The journey was almost as delightful as the destination. You all know my love of train travel; something about the gentle rhythm of the wheels and the world whipping past makes me feel like I'm in a beautiful ballet.
Of course, no train journey is complete without a glamorous ensemble! Today, I chose a blush-pink pencil skirt and a delicate silk blouse, accessorized with a pair of sleek ballerina flats and, naturally, my very special feather tutu. It's the one with the dusky pink feathers, a touch of grey, and a delicate dusting of lavender - truly, a statement piece.
Arriving in Oxford, I felt like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole. The university buildings are magnificent, with their Gothic arches and honey-coloured stone. I could just imagine the great minds that had walked those same pavements centuries ago, perhaps dreaming of dancing among the stars!
My first stop was, of course, a visit to the renowned Oxford Playhouse. It's an absolute treasure, steeped in theatrical history, and brimming with excitement. I even caught a glimpse of the stage manager - looking very dashing in a bowtie, no less! You'd think with the history and elegance, the whole place would be stuffy, but it had such a warm and vibrant energy, like the anticipation before a thrilling ballet performance.
Oxford is teeming with ballet history, too! It's home to the beautiful Oxford Ballet Theatre, where I felt like I had stepped into a fairytale. The studios were bright and airy, filled with the whispers of grace and the scent of sawdust. And when I peered into a window, I was spellbound by a beautiful, ethereal ballet class, with dancers moving like whispers through the air. I even spied a little girl practicing her leaps with a twinkle in her eye; such pure joy!
Now, a bit of me secretly hoped I might stumble upon a hidden ballet studio tucked away down a cobblestone lane, one perhaps led by a mysterious, yet whimsical, ballerina. Imagine – a magical, cobweb-filled studio with a worn, wooden floor and shimmering, faded curtains! It could be a story straight out of a book!
Even a trip to Oxford isn't complete without a proper tea experience, darling. We all know my weakness is afternoon tea with a delightful teapot, miniature finger sandwiches, and an assortment of petit fours! And what else could a ballerina wear but a pretty pink dress and a pair of pearl-trimmed ballet shoes?
For my tea date, I chose a charming tearoom called the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The name made my heart skip a beat. It felt like stepping right into Alice in Wonderland – except it wasn't the white rabbit we spotted hopping down the street, but a little terrier with a pink ribbon! My day was complete, and the tea, the most delectable! I nearly ate my weight in tiny cakes and dainty sandwiches. But, no matter. It's all about indulging in those small moments of joy, right?
As I strolled through the beautiful university gardens, bathed in golden sunshine, I couldn't help but daydream about how wonderfully Oxford would have looked at night with the spires all illuminated and the moon casting its silvery glow over the River Thames. And you know me, darling, a romantic soul! I dreamt of being a graceful ballerina dancing by the riverside, with the moon as my only audience and the night wind swirling my feather tutu.
Oh, and the wildlife, darlings! It was as delightful as the human cast of characters. I was fortunate enough to catch sight of some majestic swans gliding gracefully through the canal. They really are nature's ballerinas, their movement so smooth and elegant, and their wings – a glorious ballet of feathers. They added such a magical touch to the day.
Oxford is a city where time seems to move differently, where the air hums with creativity and magic, and where every corner reveals a new, delightful discovery. I found myself lingering in ancient courtyards, my imagination weaving tales of bygone centuries and enchanting ballets.
Oxford, I leave you with a bittersweet smile. A part of me wants to run away with you and discover all your hidden corners, a feather tutu in hand and my ballet slippers tied tight. But I know, for now, you'll always hold a special place in my heart, a city full of grace, charm, and magic.
I hope this glimpse of my Oxford adventure inspires you to grab your pink tutu and head off on your own adventure. Maybe even try a ballet class, or a twirl in the park, and remember: life is too short to be anything other than graceful, darling!
Until next time,
Emma x
