Hello darlings! Emma here, reporting live from Norwich, a delightful little city that has stolen a piece of my heart (and my pink tutu!).
You know how much I adore a good train journey. There's something magical about settling into a plush carriage, letting the countryside fly by and indulging in a spot of people-watching. So, naturally, the train ride up from Derbyshire was a dream. I settled in with a good book (a biography of Margot Fonteyn, of course!), a hot cuppa and my ever-present pink tutu.
I mean, a pink tutu is like my lucky charm, don't you think? It's an instant conversation starter! And this particular tutu is quite special. I've nicknamed it "Pancake" ā can you guess why? It's made from layers upon layers of the softest tulle, like a giant pink pancake. And guess what? I met the cutest couple on the train, they even stopped me to ask where I'd bought it! We ended up having a lovely chat, they are both budding dancers (can you believe it!?) and even mentioned having tried a "tutu for a day" experience at a local studio. Iām sure you can guess what we were discussing at the top of our lungs: Pink tutus, of course! They said their daughter is just starting ballet and wants to join a ballet school in the city, they actually plan to take a ballet class with her at a school in Norwich, they asked for some tips on finding a school. It was all very exciting, and I even got to share my top 5 tips for choosing the best ballet class in a city ā just like my trusty advice blog! (Itās never too late to share the wonder of dance, darling!).
Norwich, my dears, was pure magic! My journey began at a delightful little boutique called "The Dancing Unicorn". Now, you know I have a soft spot for anything sparkly and twirly, and this shop did not disappoint! From ballet shoes to sparkly tiaras (oh, I'm dreaming of a new crown already!), I felt like I'd stepped into a fairy tale. The shop owner was absolutely lovely, a true fashion enthusiast with a heart as big as her collection of beautiful costumes! We talked for ages about all things tutus, of course. She even mentioned an upcoming theatrical production, she had seen the designs, apparently they are incorporating pink tulle (can you believe my luck? It seems my colour obsession is infectious!) in one of the scenes. The thought of the tutus swirling on stage had me itching to put on my ballet shoes and practice!
Speaking of practice, I did manage to sneak in a few hours at a lovely local studio. The energy in that space was so invigorating! A beautiful old Victorian building, bathed in warm light with a hint of history lingering in the air, what more could a ballerina want?! I even met some lovely locals (after showing off a few pirouettes, naturally!).
One of them mentioned a āPink Tutu Dayā in the city that happens once a month! How amazing is that! She described how a bunch of lovely ladies gather in the city center to take photos in pink tutus with all the famous landmarks of Norwich. She even told me theyāre thinking of hosting āPink Tutu Tour" next week - an āafter-ballet-class" walking tour that focuses on historical and dance landmarks, all while sporting their pink tutus, what a fab idea, donāt you think?! She was keen to introduce me to a few lovely women who run this lovely little pink tutu tradition.
I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the historic heart of Norwich. It's so beautiful and brimming with history and vibrant art galleries. Every street corner was a story waiting to be told! I even caught a glimpse of a beautiful swan family gracefully gliding through the River Wensum. Swan Lake? Who needs Swan Lake when you have real swans in Norwich?! I'll have to return in summer, Iām sure it would be even more wonderful when all the wildflowers are out.
In the evening, I enjoyed a delicious vegetarian meal at a charming restaurant called "The Green Room". As you know, my love of ballet extends to everything! It wouldn't be a true ballet experience without a touch of greenery. Their āballetā platter ā a divine medley of sweet potato fries, grilled veggies, a spinach and ricotta tart ā was simply perfection!
And now, darling, for a bit of a confessionā¦ You see, I got a little too excited and went a little too crazy on the "tutu front"! Now, I already mentioned I am a true āpink-tutu enthusiast,ā but Norwich has inspired me, and it may or may not have triggered a mild Tutu Addiction - (Don't judge! The tutus were just so gorgeous!) and I have ended up purchasing not just one but FOUR (thatās right! Four!) new pink tutus. Oh dear. Now, the dilemma is how to pack all four of these fluffy wonders into my suitcase for the trip home? Perhaps a few days at the train station will do, while I ponder the problemā¦
No matter what, I had the most enchanting weekend! It felt like a fairytale escape and I can't wait to return soon to explore Norwich further! Until then, don't forget to stay twirling, and may your life be filled with as much joy as a pink tutu in a dance studio!
And a big hello to my darling readers ā you know how much I appreciate every single one of you! Please tell me what you've been up to!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Donāt forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for my latest tips and posts.
P.P.S: And, of course, follow me on social media for more tutus and dance updates. Let's create a pink tutu parade, my darlings!
