Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the glorious seaside town of Herne Bay, Kent. This little gem was just a hop, skip, and a jump (well, a couple of train journeys) from Derbyshire, and I'm already dreaming of the fresh salty air and the sheer joy of tucking into fish and chips right on the beach!
You know me, I can't resist a trip that allows me to unleash my inner tutu-wearing ballerina, and this one was no exception. Herne Bay might not have a grand opera house or a world-renowned dance academy, but it does have a charm all its own, and I couldn't wait to add my touch of pink tutu magic to the mix!
My journey started in style, of course, aboard the glorious South Eastern railway, where I settled into a spacious compartment and settled into a good book (this time it was "The Tale of the Ballet Slippers," a sweet little children's story about a girl who falls in love with ballet!). My little pink tutu, my constant companion on all my adventures, looked simply adorable tucked into my seat next to me, shimmering like a promise of fun in the sun.
After a short but scenic train ride, we arrived in Herne Bay. The first thing that caught my eye was the sea. It was so incredibly blue, just like the cerulean ribbon on my favourite tulle skirt, and I couldn't wait to get my toes into the soft, white sand!
The main draw, though, was the absolutely stunning Herne Bay Pier. Built in 1888, it's one of the oldest and longest piers in the UK. I must say, as a devoted ballet lover, I have a huge soft spot for pier architecture. It reminds me of the graceful, sweeping arches of the Royal Opera House in London. There's something magical about these long, wooden walkways stretching out into the water. Maybe it's the echo of a grand stage, waiting for its leading ballerina?
I simply had to twirl a little at the end of the pier. The wind danced in my tutu, and for a moment I felt like a magical being, a ballerina floating on air.
After the pier, I wandered the delightful, little streets of Herne Bay. There was something to admire at every corner – adorable cafes, independent boutiques, charming little art galleries… I even stumbled upon a delightful seaside tea shop, complete with a delicate lace tablecloth and antique china. They served the most delicious cream tea (always a favourite!) with perfectly fluffy scones and generous dollops of clotted cream, the kind that could melt the iciest heart!
Now, Herne Bay is renowned for its glorious, wide-open beach, so naturally, I had to spend some quality time there! The sand felt wonderful under my feet (and under my tutu, for that matter!), and I had to try my hand at skipping stones along the surface of the sea. Let me tell you, it was a much more difficult art than I had initially thought. Perhaps a bit more practice needed before I attempt that impressive ballerina "grand jeté" over the waves! But I had such fun! There was something wonderfully exhilarating about feeling the salty wind in my face and watching the tide roll in.
I took a leisurely stroll along the seafront, enjoying the warm sun on my skin and watching the lively scene around me. The sound of children laughing and playing in the sand, families building sandcastles, and the joyous squeals of seagulls overhead - all made for the most charming soundscape for a ballerina's wanderings.
Oh, and I even had the chance to interact with a sweet little seagull! This fellow, with feathers the colour of my favourite ballet shoes, came right up to me, begging for a nibble of my scone. Being a lover of all creatures great and small, I couldn't refuse! We shared a tiny morsel, and I felt like I'd formed a little bond with him, just like you would form a special bond with your ballet partner during a performance.
Herne Bay is a seaside haven, the perfect escape from the everyday. But you know me, I can't resist adding a little tutu-related magic to the occasion! And here, my darling readers, lies a little secret I've been wanting to share with you all…
Herne Bay is an absolute haven for ballet lovers! I know, I know, it may sound surprising, but this town holds some really magical moments waiting to be discovered. And my adventure there took me to one of the most delightful little hidden gems – the Herne Bay Ballet Society.
It was a chance encounter, a peek through the window of a quiet little studio just off the main road. There, in a burst of sunlight, were these graceful young women, clad in classic white leotards and black tutus, practising their pirouettes and plies. My heart literally skipped a beat! The joy on their faces, the grace in their movements, the dedication in their every step... it brought tears to my eyes. These are the moments that make me truly grateful to be a ballerina, a devotee of the art of ballet, a fellow traveller on this amazing journey we share.
Now, my dears, you know I love to dance, so of course, I couldn't resist a visit. It was a little off the beaten track, but believe me, it was well worth the journey! The Herne Bay Ballet Society is a vibrant community of passionate individuals, dedicated to bringing the magic of ballet to life. And the best part? They're incredibly welcoming to anyone who wishes to try their hand at this most magical art form!
Yes, even you, dear readers! You can become the graceful swans of your dreams, you can feel the rush of pure exhilaration when you execute a perfectly poised pirouette, and you can, most importantly, enjoy the incredible joy of expressing yourself through the language of movement!
My time at the studio was a real inspiration! I spent the afternoon taking a beginners class, feeling my body warm up, my muscles strengthening, my spirit soaring. The instructor, a delightful woman with a passion that simply shines, guided us through simple but elegant movements, helping us find grace in every step, and joy in every expression. As we stretched and danced, I couldn't help but smile! The music filled the air, my heart beat in rhythm, and it felt like my tutu, with its perfect cascade of pink tulle, had a newfound joy.
That evening, I treated myself to a lovely dinner overlooking the harbour, with the lights of the pier reflecting on the calm waters, as the last rays of the setting sun cast a pink glow over the sky – just like my favourite tutu!
Before returning home, I spent one last afternoon in the peaceful gardens of the historic Herne Bay library, with my nose buried in a copy of "The Ballet Annual." I loved the stillness and the sense of history, the silent whispers of so many stories yet to be told, yet felt very much at peace, tucked away amidst the towering shelves, enjoying a good read with my little tutu companion nestled on my lap.
I left Herne Bay with a lighter step, a smile on my face, and a deep sense of inspiration in my heart. There's something deeply satisfying about discovering new places and bringing a little tutu-ting magic into every corner of life. It reminds me that the world is full of beauty, wonder, and adventure – just waiting for us to embrace it!
And you know what else? It inspires me, more than ever, to encourage all of you, my dearest readers, to unleash your inner ballerina, to discover the magic within, and to join me on this fabulous journey of tutu-ting through life! So, if you're feeling the need for a little adventure, a touch of magic, and a lot of fun – grab your favourite tutu and join me in the adventure, won't you?
And remember, dear readers, don't just wear a tutu – let it take you on a journey. Let it guide you towards new discoveries, let it spark your creativity, let it be the ultimate expression of your joyful spirit! Because the world is our stage, and we, the glorious ballerinas of our own lives!
Love and twirls,
Emma
