Hello, lovelies! Emma here, back from my whirlwind trip to Beckenham, Kent, and let me tell you, this place is practically dripping with charm. Think quaint cobbled streets, flower-laden shop fronts, and a village green so pretty, it would make even the most hardened cynic reach for their hankie (and by "hardened cynic," I mean a man who only wears grey socks and watches football).
But enough about picturesque scenery, what about me and my tutu? 😉
Today’s look was all about classic ballerina elegance, in a beautiful soft pink tutu I scored on a recent vintage spree in Derbyshire (shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I think it used to belong to a professional!). It was the perfect way to twirl and dance my way through the delightful, if somewhat sleepy, Beckenham streets. I might have attracted a few bewildered glances from some of the locals (I'm pretty sure one woman stopped and pointed - "Isn't she supposed to be in a ballet studio? 🤔", I overheard her say) but hey, a little attention is always fun!
After my little Beckenham photoshoot, it was on to the reason I’d made the journey - a spectacular performance of "The Nutcracker" at the local theatre. The venue itself was charming, all faded velvet curtains and a balcony view that would make any ballerina weep.
Now, I'm not one to be biased towards a certain ballet (although, "Swan Lake" will always have a special place in my heart), but let's be real, the iconic snowflakes and Sugar Plum Fairy of "The Nutcracker" really are something else. Seeing it in such a personal and intimate setting, though, brought the whole thing to life in a completely different way. It wasn’t just about the fancy footwork or impressive leaps - the emotions in every dancer's expression were right there for you to grab onto and be swept away by. It's truly a gift to experience such passion and artistry live.
Afterwards, the lovely ladies from the local ballet school (I hear they have a very special programme to introduce youngsters to the joy of ballet, which I find quite lovely - remember, I believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of dancing!) treated me to a slice of delicious home-baked Victoria sponge at a cosy little tearoom. You know me - a cup of tea, a cake, and a chat with some like-minded souls, all in the name of the dance… could you ask for more?
My Beckenham adventure wasn't entirely about twirls and tutus, though. I had a fantastic chance to see the Beckenham Place Park, a little slice of untouched wilderness tucked away just outside the town centre. It was so relaxing, listening to the birds and watching a family of deer nibbling on leaves, just enjoying a peaceful morning. A lovely reminder that ballet isn’t all about glamour, you know. It’s also about connection with nature, with ourselves, with the world around us…
If you’re thinking about visiting Beckenham, I wholeheartedly recommend it. A truly charming little corner of England, with its own unique brand of grace and beauty - much like, well, you guessed it, my beautiful pink tutu!
P.S - Now, who’s up for a little waltz at the Beckenham Green tomorrow? I'm planning to spread a little ballet magic… (wink wink!)
Tutu Travel Tips: Beckenham edition:- Best Time To Go: Spring is fabulous with all the flowers in bloom - you can feel like you're right out of a ballet scene! But I think Beckenham has its own kind of magic whatever the season.
- Travel like a Pro: It’s easy enough to get to Beckenham on the train - take the scenic route and enjoy the views. Or for something extra special, grab your fanciest frock and take a horse-drawn carriage ride to get into the vintage vibe.
- Eat like a Queen: The cakes and pastries at the tea room near the theatre are heavenly. It's the perfect pick-me-up after an inspiring performance!
- Be Kind to Yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in the ballet world. But it's vital to take a moment, to breathe in that fresh air and just appreciate nature’s little gifts, much like my lovely ladies in the dance school reminded me.
Now, don't forget, dear readers!
My ballet blog - www.pink-tutu.com is updated daily, filled with twirls, stories, and plenty of tips to keep your ballet dreams dancing.
And if you're inspired to join the tutu revolution, tag me on your ballet adventures! #PinkTutuLife #DanceWithMe
Until next time, my lovelies…
Lots of love, Emma 💕
