Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad traveller, reporting live from sunny, if somewhat grey, Slough. Yep, you heard that right! I'm trading in my usual Derbyshire hills for a spot of urban exploration, all in the name of ballet, of course!
This week, I'm feeling especially whimsical and have a brand new, perfectly pink tutu packed (and ready for an Insta-worthy pic!) Because what better way to brighten up the dreary British winter than with a splash of colour? I mean, let's be honest, everyone needs a bit of tutus in their lives, right?
Itās funny how one's travels always seem to revolve around ballet in some way, and today's adventure started with a fabulous trip on the train. Yes, the Great Western Railway has seen better days, but a little splash of pink brightens even the dingiest carriage! The other passengers were, shall we say, intrigued. I mean, who wouldn't be when confronted with a girl in a full pink tutu and dancing around to "Swan Lake" on her headphones? The true joy of travel is in how much colour you bring with you, don't you think?
But before we talk tutu, we have to talk Slough, the home of that infamous joke ("Slough of despair?" - so very last century). Well, I have to say, I found Slough rather charming! Sure, it's not exactly a hotbed of ballet activity (at least not yet), but I discovered some hidden gems in this industrial town. I even spied a stunning park, just begging for a twirl or two. Maybe Slough could be my next "Pink Tutu Promenade", who knows?
After settling into my quaint (and surprisingly stylish) hotel, it was time for a well-deserved cup of tea and a spot of reading (and Instagramming!). Oh, I can't forget my favourite part: finding a bakery with the most delectable pink pastries. Talk about the perfect afternoon snack for a ballet-loving blogger!
Now, onto the real reason Iām in Slough ā a performance at the Wycombe Swan Theatre! My love for ballet has no boundaries ā and neither does the pink tutu! They have the most magical production of āGiselle" on, with some truly stunning costumes. Even the backdrop, painted with swirling lavender and cerulean tones, inspired a few spontaneous ballet moves. You can take the girl out of the studio, but you canāt take the ballerina out of the girl!
The performance itself was utterly divine! Every movement, every expression was a masterpiece! Seeing such pure artistry made my heart sing. (But it didn't beat as fast as it did when I saw those stunning costume details ā so much inspiration for future tutu designs!)
And oh my goodness, did I mention the wildlife? You wouldn't believe the gorgeous peacocks we saw roaming freely at Wexham Park (which happens to be near the theatre). Their emerald and sapphire feathers practically screamed ātutu inspirationā!!
Speaking of inspiration, after seeing so many wonderful performances, I realised something ā thereās no place too small, no stage too modest for the magic of ballet. Every time I travel, I get to spread my love for dance. The world, after all, needs a whole lot more pink tutus and swirling pirouettes.
Perhaps Slough isnāt exactly the cultural haven of Paris, but that doesn't make it any less special. Itās places like these, that might surprise you, that can be the most exciting adventures!
Until next time, lovelies! Remember: donāt let anyone tell you what you canāt wear! Embrace your inner ballerina, even in the unlikeliest of places.
XOXO, Emma
P.S: For those of you who are new to ballet, but intrigued by its magical charm, why not sign up for a beginnerās class? Your local dance studio will be happy to help. Who knows? You might discover the passion of dance, or perhaps even create your own dazzlingly pink tutu masterpiece!
