#TutuBlog 8365 - 29th May 2019
Hello lovelies! 🩰💕 It’s Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire pink tutu aficionado, back from a whirlwind trip to Acton, a quaint and utterly charming town that stole my heart!
The journey was part of the adventure, of course. I swapped my trusty car for a train journey, which allowed me to truly absorb the English countryside, its verdant green rolling hills and quaint villages a feast for the eyes. There’s something utterly magical about watching the world go by from a train window. It sparks a sense of wanderlust in me, reminding me that there's so much out there to explore.
Acton, nestled in the heart of a beautiful valley, instantly felt like a haven of peace and quiet. It's a world away from the bustle of city life, where you can hear the birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves, a soundtrack that was as calming as it was enchanting.
I was so excited to discover that Acton has its own local ballet company, the "Acton Ballet Troupe", and a beautifully restored Victorian theatre, The Acton Arts Centre. Naturally, I had to check them out!
The Acton Ballet Troupe is a gem, a vibrant and energetic group of dancers dedicated to sharing the joy of ballet with their community. Their performances were brimming with enthusiasm and passion, showcasing a delightful blend of classical and contemporary ballet. It was an absolute joy to watch their grace and strength on stage! Afterwards, I couldn't resist getting a photo with the company dancers in front of the theatre's charming facade - a memory that will always remind me of the magic of ballet!
The Victorian architecture of The Acton Arts Centre transported me to a different era. The building, resplendent in red brick and ornate carvings, felt steeped in history. I loved wandering through the lobby, taking in the elegant details of the space and admiring the ornate posters from past performances. There was something truly special about the atmosphere within the theatre.
And speaking of the magic of ballet, it wouldn't be a true Emma adventure without a visit to a ballet studio, would it? So, of course, I went along to Acton's "Ballet Steps" studio. As I warmed up with the other students, my heart was already dancing with joy. There's something undeniably thrilling about slipping on a pink tutu and moving your body in this way - a reminder that dance is a universal language that speaks to the soul. It's about freedom, expression, and connecting with your inner child.
While Acton certainly offered plenty of opportunities for pirouettes and grand jetés, it wouldn't be complete without experiencing the town’s enchanting natural beauty. So I grabbed my picnic basket, filled with delicious delights from a local bakery, and headed to the Acton Valley nature reserve. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of wild flowers. I spent the afternoon surrounded by breathtaking scenery - a beautiful contrast to the bustling world outside.
The highlight of the afternoon had to be the horses grazing in the field near the nature reserve. Their velvety coats, shining in the sun, were absolutely mesmerising. And wouldn't you know it, one of the most gorgeous horses even approached me, nudging me with his soft muzzle as if he was trying to say hello. I couldn’t resist getting a selfie with my new equine friend – he's definitely the best new follower my Instagram has had in a while!
You know I'm always on the hunt for a good pink-tutu-inspired accessory to add to my collection. In the heart of Acton, I found the cutest little shop filled with handmade goodies. Naturally, it didn’t take me long to spot a delicate pink scarf, a soft, billowing creation adorned with a graceful, swirling pattern that reminded me of a ballerina's dress. I snatched it up like it was my birthday, a delightful addition to my pink tutu wardrobe.
Later that evening, I discovered a hidden gem: the Acton Village Hall, a quaint and welcoming venue playing host to the town's local folk dance group. Now, I'm not the best line-dancer in the world, but it's about giving it a go, isn't it? I found myself enjoying the camaraderie of the group and even learnt a few moves – although I suspect my version of the "Macarena" was more of a "Macarena-inspired" contortion.
As my day in Acton came to an end, the setting sun painted the sky with fiery hues. I walked along the charming streets, feeling grateful for the magical experiences the day had offered. It wasn’t just about the dancing and the wildlife; it was about the warmth of the people and the captivating charm of this peaceful, enchanting town. It's a place that captures a spirit of community, where laughter and smiles are shared with genuine warmth.
If you’re looking for a getaway that blends peaceful nature, artistic beauty, and the joy of dance, Acton should definitely be on your list. I guarantee you'll fall in love with this little piece of paradise just as I have.
And, just to add a dash of my favourite flavour to the adventure, I couldn't leave without encouraging everyone in Acton to join me in embracing the world in pink! So, to all you wonderful people, put on your pink tutus, spin, twirl, and let your spirits soar! After all, life is better in pink. 💕
Remember, to see all the photos from my Acton adventures and keep up with all my pink tutu adventures, head on over to www.pink-tutu.com.
And as always, don't forget to spread the pink tutu love! 💖
Until next time, darling, Emma x
