Hello darlings! It's Emma here, and I'm absolutely bursting with excitement because I'm off on a tutu adventure! Today's destination is the beautiful town of Basildon in Essex, a place steeped in history and, dare I say it, a hint of the quirky and unusual.
Let's rewind a bit: After a splendidly long sleep (after all, even ballerinas need their beauty sleep!), I woke up feeling like a blooming flower in my pretty pink satin pyjamas - absolutely ready for anything. But first, breakfast! A hearty bowl of homemade granola with berries and a steaming cup of tea, always a great start to my day.
Then came the excitement! My trusty horse, Dasher (yes, he does live in the stables near my home in Derbyshire!), is a complete gentleman and absolutely the best mode of transport. We’ve just done a scenic trot down to the train station – imagine, the gorgeous rolling green countryside whizzing past, with me looking dashing in my ballet dress (always got to be prepared!), topped with a bright pink bow!
I was chuffed to spot a rather elegant flock of black-headed gulls perched on a fence near the train tracks! Don't get me wrong, I am not quite a wildlife enthusiast… more of a ‘give me the odd pigeon-flutter’ kind of gal! But it definitely got my day off to a rather divine start. Just saying…
After settling in comfortably on my first-class carriage (sometimes a girl’s gotta treat herself!), the journey was practically a dream! Even the train conductor looked at me, as if to say, “That's a fabulous pink tutu!” - it truly made my day!
Reaching Basildon was pure joy! It's so quaint, and honestly, so charming. My aim was to explore some hidden gem of a theatre – perhaps somewhere with some magnificent architecture that might give the Royal Opera House a run for its money! And I was certainly not disappointed!
There was the charming Basildon Arts Theatre. It might not be all plush velvet curtains and chandelier, but boy, this little theatre oozes history and charm! They have an eclectic programme too – everything from traditional dance performances, modern musicals, and even the odd Shakespearean show (always love a good Shakespeare!). The manager, a sweet lady with the most beaming smile, told me she absolutely loved to see the joy dance brings to everyone!
You see, darling, my mission is to get everyone dancing. I believe in the joy, grace, and empowerment that comes with dancing, especially with the art of ballet. Whether you’re spinning and leaping across a grand stage, whizzing about a ballroom floor or doing a waltz in your living room - every move is a masterpiece!
So after some chat with the wonderful Basildon Arts Theatre manager, it was time to soak up the local ambiance. There's something very special about a quiet stroll through the bustling streets - a little retail therapy with my best gal pal, Millie, never goes amiss. We discovered a darling little independent bookshop - we both fell in love with the selection, especially their rather quirky collection of antique books on dance and ballet. And as a true dance aficionado, I had to treat myself to a little something, right?!
We finished our adventure with a lovely lunch at The Queen's Head pub in Basildon. And boy, did I get the most magnificent, decadent roast chicken lunch ever! The service was fabulous, and the locals were all super friendly!
Finally, back at the station with my bags filled with a whole new arsenal of dancing goodies! Dasher was champing at the bit to take me home and share my adventures with him – he is a fantastic listener.
Well, that's my darling, it's a wrap on another exciting tutu adventure! Today, I'm exhausted (ballet and shopping can be quite strenuous you know!), but it was so worthwhile!
If you want to follow my journeys, join me on my blog - www.pink-tutu.com, my website where I share my ballet adventures with the whole world.
I do hope to inspire all you wonderful women, young and old, to embrace your inner dancer! If you want to embrace the fabulous tutu-wearer in you, remember that there are no boundaries when it comes to ballet.
Until my next tutu adventure…
Love, Emma
(PS - Don't forget to take a little peek at my newest tutu blog – www.pink-tutu.com and feel free to say ‘hello’ and tell me your ballet story!).
