Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad travel enthusiast, Emma, checking in from the charming village of Shenley Brook End! This little corner of England might not be the first place you think of when picturing a tutu-wearing adventurer, but believe me, it's a hidden gem.
Now, before I get to all the magical things I got up to here, I need to confess something. Today's tutu was… well, let's just say "heavy." Picture a frothy pink dream with more layers than a wedding cake, topped with shimmering sequins and fluffy tulle. It was magnificent, but after a few hours of exploring, my legs were screaming for a break! But, let me tell you, it was all worth it for the photos!
A Country Escape by Rail 🚂This trip was a proper countryside escape. I ditched the car (they just seem so boring after a train journey) and jumped on a steam train in Derbyshire. Oh, the joy of a scenic train ride! The fields, the farms, the fluffy sheep – pure, picturesque bliss! I can't help but daydream about life on a farm, all surrounded by adorable animals. Perhaps my next post should be about acquiring my own alpaca... 🦙
Anyway, the journey was a beautiful preamble to my arrival in Shenley Brook End. It's a quaint village with charming cottages, a pub that looks like it belongs in a Jane Austen novel, and a general air of serenity. The perfect backdrop for a tutu-tastic adventure, right?
Shenley Brook End: Ballet in the Barns 🩰I don't know about you, but sometimes, I just need a little ballet in my life! You might think that a place like Shenley Brook End wouldn't offer any ballet opportunities, but you'd be wrong. I found a fantastic ballet school hidden away in a charming barn. Can you imagine? Ballet under the beams of an old wooden barn? It felt like stepping into a fairytale!
Now, you wouldn't think a small village ballet school would have a dance troupe, but oh, darling, you'd be mistaken. They even have a beautiful theatrical production planned for the end of the summer. They let me have a little peek, and the costumes are divine! Just wait till I show you some sneak peeks on my Instagram later.
I had a private lesson, naturally, with a delightful instructor called Mrs. Barnsley. It turns out she was a former dancer at the Royal Ballet, believe it or not! Can you believe it? Such hidden talent in the English countryside. She insisted on wearing a full pink tutu with a matching bow in her hair – you see, my influence is far-reaching, darlings! I gave her a few pointers on a new choreography I had dreamt up – a little homage to the rolling fields surrounding the barn. I call it "The Sheep and the Lamb," but it’s a work in progress!
An Evening of Equestrian Charm ✨To be perfectly honest, my visit to Shenley Brook End wouldn't have been complete without a touch of equestrian flair. And trust me, this village delivers in that department. I had the chance to visit a stunning stable with a handsome black stallion. Oh my word, he was majestic. His coat was as black as midnight, his mane flowing in the breeze, and he just seemed to radiate grace and elegance.
As a city girl, I haven't spent much time around horses, but their aura is just… magical. The stables were picture-perfect. There were so many sweet horses with velvety muzzles. I even met a cheeky little foal! So adorable, I had to get a selfie, obviously.
Spreading the Tutu Love 💖Of course, wherever I go, the Tutu Love Tour is in full swing. I introduced Shenley Brook End to a splash of pink, which isn't normally on their color palette. Some were initially hesitant, but I think they were just shy. I’ve planted the seed of tutudom. I'm telling you, once you wear a tutu, the magic just starts to happen!
I even persuaded a few of the local children to try on some tutus! They loved it! It’s like an instant fairytale transformation, just like Cinderella! And they just went along with it. It’s funny, they are naturally happy to embrace a pink tutu. Maybe it's the childishness we need to reawaken in our adult lives?
Anyway, we had a delightful little dance session in the middle of the village green. I mean, it's all about spreading the joy, isn't it? Now, imagine everyone in the world wearing a tutu. Think of all the smiles, all the dancing, all the fun! That's the dream, darlings! Let’s start a worldwide tutu movement!
Wildlife Wonders ✨Shenley Brook End surprised me with its lovely nature. I walked for miles in the surrounding countryside, feeling like a Victorian romantic novelist in my pink tutu (what a cliché!), and saw the most gorgeous wildlife. I got to meet some of the fluffiest bunnies, who just wouldn't leave my side, they were just so excited to see my pink tutu! I felt like I was in the story of Peter Rabbit! 🐇
I also saw the most graceful deer – I don’t think I have ever been so close to deer in the wild before! The air was fresh, and it felt magical to be out in the great outdoors! It's truly a place to connect with nature and yourself.
More Than Just a Tutu 💖You know, I have the most amazing readers who always come along on my adventures with me, whether it’s on the train or in the wilds of the English countryside. And you know, it’s so much more than just a tutu – it’s a journey of self-expression, discovery and embracing life’s little (and big) wonders. And I think Shenley Brook End will always hold a special place in my heart, as one of the most magical places I've visited on this grand adventure!
Stay tuned for more tutu-tastic travels, darlings. Until next time, keep twirling!
Love, Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
