Hello my gorgeous lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, here, and it's time for Blog Post #7977, straight from the heart of Longton, Staffordshire. Ooh, this place is giving me all the Victorian vibes! Just picture cobbled streets, pretty little shops with gingham awnings, and charming old pubs with cosy nooks for a spot of afternoon tea.
Itās my lucky day, though, because I'm not just sightseeing. Oh no, I've been invited to watch a lovely little performance at the local ballet studio, "Longton Dance Academy" - a perfect excuse to whip out my fabulous new pancake tutu, and believe me, it's a stunner!
This little creation is the ultimate mix of flirty and whimsical. Imagine a fluffy cloud of the most delicious blush pink tulle, layered with shimmery silk ribbons, all tied together with a sassy little bow - a real āletās have some fun!ā moment, donāt you think?
Of course, I couldn't arrive without my faithful travel companion, āSparklesā ā my chestnut mare. I was going to travel by train, as itās such a romantic way to travel and it would have allowed for more time to read up on Longton history on the way there. But I thought it would be so much fun to arrive on horseback! Sparkles is surprisingly quick for a gentle creature, I am pretty sure thatās just for showing off, to get everyone to coo and point. Anyway, we cruised along in the sunshine ā so dreamy ā I felt like I had stepped right into a ballet!
Speaking of dreams, thatās what the children in Longton Dance Academy brought to life. You see, I absolutely believe in ballet for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're 5 years old or 95 years old - the magic of movement, of expressing yourself, of feeling the music course through your veins ā that's universal. And it's exactly what those kids in Longton showed us.
I could tell they'd put their hearts into every pliƩ, every tendu, every graceful arabesque. Watching those tiny ballerinas, their eyes sparkling with joy and determination, was more than just watching a performance. It was witnessing the magic of art, the beauty of expression, the joy of simply dancing!
I think they all agreed with my mission statement; āTutus for Allā. It seems that my pancake tutu made an impression, as many children approached me during the intermission, enthralled by the multi-coloured swirls and fluff of my outfit. One sweet girl even confided to me her desire to learn how to ātwirl like a princessā, so we struck a deal; sheāll promise to practice her pirouettes and I'll share my tips for perfecting the āEmma bounceā!
Oh, and what about Longton itself? It's bursting with personality, like a cup of Earl Grey tea with a generous squeeze of lemon. From its charming flower-filled streets to its historical landmarks - like the "Longton Hall" and the "Shorthose House", this place feels alive. It has this distinct feel, it is truly the sort of place Iād feel happy just wandering the streets in a tutu with a bunch of brightly-coloured ribbons tied in my hair. Iād never met a cat more excited than the one in the āShorthose Houseā! He looked up at me as I entered the gardens, swayed on his paws and meowed to attract my attention, purring so loudly that I could feel the vibrations in the ground ā now that is what you call welcoming! He must have known how much I adore cats. He was just sitting in his window in a very stylish velvet basket, looking very much like heād had his breakfast served to him on a silver plate! I think he must have been an absolute pampered house cat. He even reminded me of a cat that lives in Derbyshire, near where I grew up! I used to feed him little chunks of tuna, which he really seemed to like ā I suppose they do that all over England.
Talking of the wild things ā I spent the rest of the afternoon on a glorious picnic in the lovely greenery of "The Longton Park" - perfect for an afternoon in the sunshine, where even managed to spot a little sparrow with an unbelievably vibrant yellow beak. The little bird even hopped up onto my hand, while I was trying to enjoy a scone and a spot of jam, I thought he might try to take a bite!
Now Iām in a comfy little room at "The Rose Cottage B&B". It's so beautifully decorated; soft floral wallpaper, vintage floral china on the dresser, and a view out to the rambling rose gardens - a picture perfect English countryside scene! I do think my love of everything vintage and romantic has led me here!
But itās time for me to hit the hay! The call of tomorrowās adventure is upon me - rumour has it thereās a delightful little tearoom that makes a famous pink lemonade thatās not to be missed! Who knows what surprises tomorrow will bring! Iām even considering breaking out my favourite new feather boa in celebration. So until next time, keep twirling and stay stylish, darlings!
