Oh hello darlings! It’s Emma here, coming to you live from a rather delightful, pink-hued corner of Chatham! (I’m channeling the colour scheme of the pretty pastel-coloured houses here in this charming little town, how cute!) As usual, it’s been a whirlwind week of tutus, trains and, of course, plenty of pink.
You see, I’m a bit of a travel bug, always seeking out new ballet adventures, whether it's catching a world-class performance in the heart of London or exploring hidden dance studios across the country. And Chatham has just the kind of charm that I adore.
This trip all started with a whisper of an idea: Why not explore Chatham by train? I mean, is there anything more glamorous? And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good old fashioned train journey, watching the countryside zip by? (A sneaky, slightly embarrassing confession, darlings - I secretly get rather giddy at the thought of being a “rail user” haha!) I packed my usual essentials, of course: a stack of ballet magazines for inspiration, a cashmere cardigan for those chilly moments on the train, a well-worn copy of "Swan Lake" and, most importantly, my go-to “Just Do It” pink tutu. It’s got pockets for the little essentials, you know, like a lipstick, a sparkly hair clip, a miniature copy of "Swan Lake" and, dare I say, even a handful of pink glitter. Because a bit of extra sparkle never hurt anyone, right?
Chatham welcomed me with open arms, or should I say, charming railway platforms? After a quick pitstop for a proper “proper” (with two “p’s”, because it’s extra good in the South!) cuppa, I ventured out into the town, feeling rather pleased with myself. There was something in the air, a gentle energy that whispered “adventure!”
One of the first things I discovered was a glorious ballet studio right in the centre of town. I just had to go in. The owner was lovely, her enthusiasm infectious, telling me all about the incredible talent coming out of Chatham. And you know me, I just had to be in that space. A class in a stunning, light-filled studio, with a mix of experienced dancers and enthusiastic beginners – pure magic! Let’s be honest, sometimes there’s nothing quite like the feeling of graceful movements, light steps, and the quiet focus of a ballet class. It just makes you feel good inside.
Speaking of good things, there's something about Chatham that's positively sparkling... Maybe it’s the quaint little shops and cafes (every single one of them seemingly with a charming pink-hued awning!) Maybe it's the peaceful air of the river Thames. Or maybe it’s the sense of history just lingering around every corner.
On my first day, I stumbled upon a sweet, little hidden courtyard nestled in between a cafe and a quaint bookshop, the air buzzing with a playful chatter. There, tucked away, I found a small group of local artists gathered for a “pop-up art show,” and let me tell you, the creativity was bursting from every corner! I couldn't help but feel inspired, picking up a little whimsical piece from a local painter and imagining her inspiration as she recreated the very beauty I was now witnessing in this quaint little town. (Think sunflowers in pink hues, darling, naturally!)
In the evenings, I’d explore the local streets. The air would be a mix of the sweet scent of rose bushes from local gardens and the rich, salty aroma of the nearby Thames. It just adds to the whole charmingly chaotic air of Chatham.
And that brings me to my favourite moment: a visit to a theatre that boasts the best stage in the South. I mean, the stage was enormous! And guess who was performing? A troupe of talented, local ballet dancers, their energy as exhilarating as a summer's day. It was pure magic! I got my fix of pirouettes and a double dose of graceful artistry - a proper ballet lover’s dream come true. I couldn't resist joining the other enthusiastic members of the audience, clapping my hands to the rhythm of the music and feeling a warm tingle of happiness just witnessing that burst of raw, pure, graceful talent.
Oh, but hold on to your tutus, darlings! There’s more to this pink adventure! Chatham was surprisingly full of delightful surprises! For one, I had to find myself the cutest vintage pink bike. This, my darlings, was not just any ordinary pink bicycle; it was the perfect pastel pink bicycle with a wicker basket just waiting to be filled with blooming pink roses and, of course, my favourite ballet book! Let me tell you, the feeling of wind in my hair as I cycled along the River Thames was pure, unadulterated joy!
One day, I felt a certain sparkle (in a good way!) guiding me to the wildlife haven of The RSPB. I felt like the wind in my hair was whispering about it all along, but I needed to be here, right? It's one thing to see animals in books, but seeing the local birdlife just flitting about was simply amazing! I don't know what it is about watching wildlife, darlings, but it has a kind of calm that settles in my heart. I found myself just quietly admiring the feathered creatures going about their daily lives. Maybe it’s the feeling of connection to something much bigger than myself, or perhaps the beauty of those iridescent wings and the sound of bird song as nature’s soundtrack. The calmness it offered was pure magic.
Of course, my time in Chatham was not just about exploring charming streets and getting lost in a world of tutus. There were hours spent chatting with lovely locals (each of them seemingly having the best stories), and the warmest of welcomes (not to mention the most wonderful pink teacups you've ever seen!) at the most enchanting little tea shops. I spent countless hours lost in a world of poetry at the oldest bookshop in Kent. Oh, the magic, darling!
My heart still beats for those quiet moments exploring those hidden corners of history that this delightful town held close to its heart. And then there was the sunset that was breathtakingly gorgeous – a mix of vibrant pinks, purples and a splash of orange just over the River Thames. I felt it all come together in this place, and suddenly I understood what made Chatham such a treasure, its quaint charm radiating through its very heart.
I had a sudden feeling, darling, that Chatham and I had a lot in common. We’re both a bit eclectic, with a touch of grace and an abundance of charm. The warmth and the feeling of coming home – those things that always leave a special place in my heart – made me realise this was not just a journey through beautiful towns but a voyage through emotions. A reminder to live life with an open heart, embrace every adventure, and maybe, just maybe, wear a pink tutu wherever you go. It's the little things that make all the difference, you know.
And as for Chatham, I will definitely be back for a little dose of sunshine and inspiration! The charm, the magic, the little details - I’ve come to truly understand that this place is full of things worth dancing for. Just a whisper of a thought for a moment, but perhaps I should make "Chatham Calling!" my new, pink favourite! What do you think, darling?
Until next time,
Lots of pink and pirouettes,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
