Hello my lovely lot,
It’s Emma here, writing to you from the slightly-less-pink-than-usual-but-still-beautiful town of Bridgwater. This lovely Somerset town is not the first place you’d associate with ballet, but as a tutu-clad traveller, I'm all for finding the beauty in every nook and cranny, even the slightly more industrial ones.
This adventure was a bit of a whirlwind, and you’ll never guess how I got here - by horse! Yes, my friends, a beautiful Clydesdale named Barley and I took on the rolling hills of Derbyshire before I hopped on the train (the real kind this time!) to my next destination. That’s how I roll, darling, a touch of old-world charm with a sprinkle of modern magic.
But first, let me introduce you to my new, totally random tutu companion for this trip. Now, I usually have a meticulously planned wardrobe for each journey, but sometimes the universe throws you a curveball in the form of a charity shop. This one was a dream, a sunshine-yellow tutu with swirls of glitter that could rival a disco ball! It's definitely not my usual pink palette, but oh my goodness, it is SO. MUCH. FUN. It felt like I was wearing a tiny sunbeam as I strolled through the countryside, stopping to say hello to the sheep, who, let me tell you, are quite the fans of flamboyant tutus! They almost looked jealous, bless them.
Anyway, back to Bridgwater! I've spent the day exploring its quaint streets, spotting some truly unique architecture and discovering an amazing vintage shop overflowing with gorgeous fabrics. My dear, you won’t believe the selection of velvet! I can’t help but think about all the stunning, sparkly costumes I could create with them.
But, Bridgwater wouldn’t be Bridgwater without its iconic carnival, a colourful spectacle that fills the town with music, laughter and a riot of colours. The atmosphere was electrifying, and it reminded me that ballet and carnival are both about celebrating the human spirit through movement, artistry and sheer joyous energy. I even had a chance to do some impromptu "street ballet" with some of the friendly locals, with the occasional (very enthusiastic!) passerby joining in. You really should see me execute a pirouette while balancing a box of carnival sweets! It’s pure, unadulterated fun, darling.
Speaking of the human spirit, I made a new friend while here! A fellow traveller, a budding artist, caught sight of my fabulous tutu and struck up a conversation. We talked about art, dance, and how each of us interprets the world through our own unique lenses. She even confessed to trying to incorporate some of her own artistic expression into her wardrobe. The magic of ballet, my darlings, is contagious. It inspires creativity in all forms!
And the thing that most surprised me about Bridgwater? The Wildlife! Just outside of town, I discovered a nature reserve, a hidden gem teeming with birdsong, rustling reeds and the gentle splash of water. I spent hours observing the fascinating life bustling within this natural sanctuary. We have such wonderful pockets of wilderness right on our doorsteps, you know? A reminder that beauty and inspiration are everywhere you look, if you just open your heart and mind to the experience.
So, if you’re ever looking for a new adventure, dear friends, I implore you to come to Bridgwater. I know it might not be the most obvious destination on your map, but trust me, this place has a little bit of magic tucked away in its charming corners. Embrace the unexpected, and let it spark your creativity. And don't forget to wear a tutu while you're at it! The more vibrant the colours, the better!
See you in the next post, my lovely lot. Until then, stay sparkly!
Emma
xxx
