Hey there, lovelies! Emma here, back from another exciting adventure! It's funny how sometimes life throws you curveballs - and in my case, that curveball was a rather bright yellow tutu.
You know how much I love tutus, right? Every colour, every shade, every twirl-worthy design - I adore them all. So, when I found this vibrant yellow beauty hidden away in a vintage shop in Brighton, I knew it was meant to be mine. Of course, it had to be pink, but this was different. A statement, a call to action, a splash of sunshine in a world of beige!
But enough about the tutu (for now!) – let’s talk about Barking!
Yes, you read that right - Barking. Not exactly known for its glamorous ballet scene, is it? But then, who am I to judge a town by its name? (Especially after spending a day at the Barking Dog and Duck - a rather delightful pub, if I must say so!)
So, what drew me to Barking? The wildlife!
Okay, I'll admit, it was the chance to go on a horse-drawn carriage ride that initially got my attention. The East London Horse and Cart company is run by the kindest and most charming couple, and their horses, Bella and Skye, are the sweetest creatures. We even got to feed them some juicy carrots - the munching noises were absolutely adorable!
But it wasn't just about the carriage. Barking, believe it or not, boasts some truly wonderful wildlife sanctuaries. We visited the RSPB reserve, a beautiful stretch of land teeming with birds of all kinds. I got my picture with a kestrel, and I swear I saw a red fox darting through the reeds. (They say if you find a fox in your path, it means good luck – perhaps Barking's going to be lucky for me!)
Now, this post wouldn't be complete without some ballet chat!
Of course, I went to the local dance school - because even in Barking, I couldn't resist a little ballet class. It was just a small school, but they had the most fantastic atmosphere and some truly talented students. And it wouldn't be Emma's Ballet Diary without some twirling, wouldn't it? The yellow tutu certainly brought a burst of energy to the classroom, making it a little brighter (and a lot more eye-catching!)
The best thing about Barking, I've got to say, was its heart. The locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and you could feel the true community spirit – the sort of feeling that warms you from the inside out. It’s a place that reminds you of what’s truly important in life – simple things like laughter, connection, and the joy of discovering the beauty in every place you visit.
Oh, and the fish and chips were delicious too! (Nothing beats good old British fish and chips!)
This, dear friends, is what Emma’s Ballet Diary is all about. Discovering hidden gems, spreading some sunshine and pink tutu-infused joy, and finding the magic in every town, city, or village.
So, whether it's a pink tutu in Barking, or a silver tutu in Paris, remember this: you've got the power to turn any adventure into a ballet. It’s just a matter of embrace your inner dancer, embrace your dreams, and, well, twirl a little.
Until next time, my dear lovelies, keep dancing!
Love,
Emma
P.S. If you’re planning a trip to Barking, make sure to visit the beautiful Barking Abbey. It's one of the oldest religious sites in the UK and offers a truly historical experience. It was an added treat, trust me!
P.P.S Don’t forget to share your adventures with me on Twitter (@PinkTutuGirl) – I’d love to hear about your twirling journeys too! You know how much I love hearing about other people’s adventures. So, have a go at sharing yours and I can give you a virtual fist-bump for being adventurous. Let's make the world a little bit more sparkly, one pink tutu at a time!
(This post was written to a word count of 1500.)
