Hello, darlings! Emma here, ready to take you on a little adventure, and this time, we're going somewhere special – Wigston Magna! Now, I know what you're thinking, “Wigston Magna?! That’s just a bit… suburban…” And yes, maybe it’s not exactly a global hot spot for fashion, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting, don’t you think? We’re gonna shake things up with some fabulous fashion, fabulous ballet and a whole lot of fabulous fun!
Before we get into the adventures, let's talk about how I got here! The train journey, as always, was an experience! I opted for the first-class carriage (because why wouldn't I?!) and felt like a princess as I sailed past the rolling hills of Derbyshire on my way to Leicester. There was even a little chap who sat next to me – don’t judge me! He seemed like a good lad – he even gave me some really juicy gossip about the new Royal Ballet cast – definitely gonna be keeping my eye out for those in future!
I mean, come on, everyone loves a good bit of drama. My friends, you just have to know - there’s always so much gossip at ballet performances – they’re truly mini-dramas in real life. I can’t wait to see if I can find a few new secrets at today's ballet extravaganza - just a sneaky peek, you understand. * Wink Wink*
I reached Wigston Magna with my heart soaring, ready to embrace this new experience! As my train journey started on a Monday, it gave me plenty of time to catch up with all of my daily blog updates. It’s my dream to be a ballet blogger – I do this post every day without fail and the amazing response just spurs me on. I get comments from around the world, so it's like my own personal little fan club - it's great! Plus, it allows me to spread the gospel of ballet, pink, and, of course, tutus – my mission is to encourage the world to live in a cloud of tulle, after all!
Today, my look was an ode to the timeless elegance of Italy. I was rocking a classic ballet tutu in the most vibrant shade of pink – picture the sunset in Rome – absolutely divine! It twirled so beautifully with every movement, matching the delicate ruffles of my pastel pink lace blouse. Of course, I can't forget the finishing touch: a statement flower crown that looked like it was pulled straight out of a Roman garden! Oh, darling, you'd have thought I'd stepped straight out of an old-time Italian ballet, wouldn't you?!
Before we moved on to my adventures, it's essential to talk about food. Food plays such a big role in all my travel adventures, and Wigston Magna has a delightful little place called ‘L'Angolo Di Gusto’ where they had a delicious focaccia bread, with lashings of olive oil, rosemary, and that delicious Italian parmesan cheese that just makes everything taste extra special. Oh my, it was a divine way to fuel up before all my activities. You'll just have to take my word for it... * Wink Wink *
This trip had the theme “Italian Ballet” in mind! I just love a touch of class, don’t you? It was something I wanted to celebrate. There were just so many beautiful ways that this fabulous theme flowed into all aspects of my Wigston Magna escapade - especially my time at the fabulous 'Dance Centre'. It had everything – a gorgeous room, amazing, friendly teachers, and so many fabulous students with just the right amount of that “I’m so cool but I love ballet" attitude that we all have, and they totally loved me because they wanted to talk tutus all morning. Seriously – it's an addiction – especially to my new obsession! I had so much fun doing my exercises. I've definitely been missing a good class, darling! So much so that it had me longing to grab my best pink tutu and head back to Derbyshire to do some practicing. * Sigh!* But the fun was just getting started!
Later on, my schedule called for the “Wigston Magna Opera House” and for this performance, my tutu just HAD to be show-stopping. It was the epitome of a good ballerina – pink silk with beautiful silver detailing on the edges, shimmering sequins scattered throughout – pure extravagance. Just the look to make the performance even more special. I must have looked as beautiful as a real ballet princess – I felt like I had the perfect balance of elegance and whimsical fun.
The theatre was a little gem – it’s much older than it looks on the outside. We have so many amazing historical sites and old buildings in the UK – but often I just take them for granted. But to have such a beautifully preserved historical building as my backdrop just gave my ballet inspiration – I felt that true old-school, theatrical vibe! And the show was even better, darling! The "Giselle" ballet is always my favorite, with its combination of elegance, storytelling, and beautiful choreography. It really gave me that classical ballerina feel and put me into the perfect Italian mood for my trip – so inspiring, don’t you think?
I couldn’t stay there for hours on end. The ballet took up my whole evening! But my trip was only just beginning! To end a great day on an exciting note – I walked past the cutest cafe – they even had a huge fluffy cat who loved having his chin stroked – he reminded me of a little panther in pink with those huge eyes that just had me feeling very girly, so you can see how this worked on my afternoon! After all, we have to live life to the full, even if it's just for a few minutes in an idyllic cafe.
Speaking of my time spent in cafes, let me share something that warmed my soul and, surprisingly, reminded me of home. There's a little cafe, very much a ‘local’ that's a little further out of the city centre in Wigston Magna – tucked away in an unlikely spot you might even say. A little cafe by the name of ‘A Spoonful of Kindness' was full of smiles. It was bustling with life – you'd have thought I was at a little gem of a hidden treasure spot for ballet fans and locals alike - all the good people of Wigston Magna! They really made me feel welcome, darling. I think they can tell I have a deep, burning passion for ballet – and this cafe felt like it could just have come from my very own Derbyshire – with all those great conversations with new people.
One of the highlights of this experience had to be the cute wildflower meadow! What is a trip without the countryside, right? There was just something about the vibrant colours, with splashes of delicate petals of purple and yellow dancing in the breeze... it brought a special warmth to my soul – a simple reminder that beauty can be found anywhere if we are open to seeing it, even if we're not dressed up in tutus! The wildflowers were really quite remarkable. And, darling, do you know what made it even better? They all swayed gracefully – it was like their own little ballet, twirling gently in the breeze. I couldn't help but feel a connection to the dance – a graceful sway – as though my pink tutu had flown to my shoulders like magic!
It's always those unexpected moments, don't you think, that turn a trip from good to amazing? This time it was all those great connections. It's always important to keep exploring, both geographically and, let’s face it, fashion-wise too!
I might not have found my perfect fairy godmother at the dance studio in Wigston Magna - maybe in next week's blog?! – but I certainly discovered the beauty of this lovely, hidden gem of a town. There is something for everyone. Even if you're not wearing a pink tutu or attending a fancy ballet performance! Wigston Magna was truly a dream for a little ballet princess like me, and that, darlings, is something truly fabulous!
Don't forget to join me again tomorrow for a new exciting post - maybe it’s a secret ballerina location!
Until next time, darlings, stay sparkly and full of passion for life – and don’t forget to wear pink. You’ll look simply radiant in your tutu!
Lots of Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
