Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another whirlwind adventure, and this time, it's a story that’s bursting with colour, twirls, and, of course, pink!
Now, if you're one of those lovely souls who've been following my journey for a while, you'll know that I live for ballet. It's my life, my passion, my everything. But there's something even more special about taking this passion out into the world, and seeing how ballet can brighten the lives of others. That's why I make sure to visit a new place every now and then, my pink tutu and I, ready to spread the love of the art. And today, my adventure took me to the charming little town of Surbiton!
Let me just say, arriving at Surbiton station was like stepping straight into a vintage postcard. The bright red brick buildings, the little independent shops with their charming displays, the sense of community… it felt instantly inviting. The only thing missing? A little bit of pink, obviously.
I'd decided on Surbiton for its charming history and its thriving arts scene. I’d heard whisperings about the annual ‘Ballet on the Common’ festival. You know how I am - anything to do with ballet gets my little ballerina heart pumping faster! As I explored the quaint little town, I found myself in a deliciously sweet cafe, tucked away on a cobbled street. Sipping on my peppermint tea with its dainty sprig of mint, I planned my route for the afternoon.
There were so many things I wanted to do, see, and explore in Surbiton! First up was a trip to the historic Hollyfield Manor House, with its breathtaking garden. Picture me, darlings, standing on the manicured lawn in my pink tulle tutu, the gentle wind playing with the fabric, the golden light catching the sparkles in the tulle. Honestly, it was pure magic!
Later, I strolled through the cobbled streets, gazing at the quaint independent shops. A lovely bookstore that was just calling my name, a little vintage boutique brimming with playful patterns, and a delicatessen overflowing with artisan cheeses. The aromas were heavenly. If Surbiton could bottle the scents and sell them, they’d make a fortune, I’m sure.
Now, a bit about Surbiton itself… it’s truly the place for animal lovers like myself! I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden through some gorgeous parts of Surbiton with the wonderful horses and riders at the local stables. Riding through the rolling countryside, with the wind in my hair, I truly felt free. Surbiton has such beautiful natural spots too – from the green space of the Common, which looked positively idyllic bathed in golden sunlight, to the Thames river path. I found myself daydreaming about rowing across the tranquil waters, a delicate ballet performance unfolding in my mind, surrounded by the calm scenery.
Finally, it was time for the pièce de résistance – the Ballet on the Common festival. This open-air ballet performance took place in the middle of Surbiton's Common, and it was everything I had hoped for. The performers were incredible - their grace, fluidity, and passion were absolutely breathtaking. They performed a delightful adaptation of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ and I felt the magic of ballet sweep over me like a warm wave. I found myself completely enthralled by the graceful movement and expressive storytelling. There was even a charming children's ballet performance which reminded me how much joy ballet can bring, not just to the seasoned dancer, but to young people.
Seeing ballet out in the open, under the summer sky, surrounded by laughter and excited children, gave me such a warmth. It made me so happy that I danced my way back to my little hotel room in my pink tutu. You know what they say… the most magical things happen when you take the steps you need to create them. Sometimes, all you need is a touch of pink, a dash of courage, and the willingness to dance your way through the world.
Of course, no Surbiton visit is complete without indulging in some local delights. And my sweet tooth did not disappoint. I indulged in a heavenly afternoon tea at a cute little café, which had a delightful array of tiny cakes and sandwiches - all of which disappeared very quickly! It wasn’t all sugary delights, though. Surbiton has some fabulous independent restaurants. I had the most wonderful fish and chips at a small cafe on a sunny afternoon, overlooking the River Thames. The fish was so fresh and tasty, and the chips were perfectly crisp – the perfect way to end my adventure!
So, if you are looking for an enchanting weekend getaway, where charm meets culture, surrender to the captivating ballet atmosphere, Surbiton is waiting for you with open arms! You never know… you might even find yourself dancing with a pink tutu on, joining a ballet class, or trying out a delightful afternoon tea with local honey! Just like I did. 😉
See you soon, darlings! Until next time, remember: be bold, embrace the pink, and keep twirling!
Love,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
