Hello, lovelies! Emma here, writing to you from a little café in the heart of Barking, a town with a surprising amount of charm hidden amongst the bustling energy of east London. As you can see by the title, this blog post has a definite yellow theme, but before I get to that, let me tell you about the magnificent train journey that brought me here!
I’m obsessed with train journeys! There's just something magical about settling in with a good book, a cup of tea, and watching the world fly by. It was a bright and sunny morning, the perfect backdrop for a day trip, and I'd chosen to wear a gorgeous dusty rose pink tutu – it matched my mood perfectly, you know?
Now, I know what you're thinking, "A yellow tutu in Barking? Really, Emma?". Well, hear me out! The reason I chose yellow was actually a beautiful little bird I spotted at the train station, its feathers like a tiny sunbeam! It reminded me of those sunny, golden days in Derbyshire, back when I was first learning to twirl. (Did I tell you how much I adore a good twirl? Oh, to live life in a permanent pirouette!).
I couldn't help but capture this fluffy yellow friend with a quick snap. A true testament to the beauty that exists even in the most unexpected places. And I'm pretty sure my bright, vibrant tutu made the little bird extra happy – you know how we humans and feathered friends can relate through fashion choices, right?
Anyway, after saying goodbye to my feathered friend, I headed off to the heart of Barking, on the hunt for a café that matched the delightful energy of the day. The smell of freshly brewed coffee lured me to this little gem, tucked away on a quiet street with cute little shops and charming cafes. It had beautiful big windows, a sunny spot just perfect for me to unpack my sketch pad and enjoy my afternoon.
And that’s where the real fun began. My plan for the afternoon, besides admiring the delicious pastries on offer (and I might have enjoyed one or two… who can resist a good pain au chocolat!), was to sketch a lovely ballet dancer, a little girl in her tutu, pirouetting like a ballerina, surrounded by playful yellow butterflies. I've been feeling a bit butterfly effect in my own life lately. You know, one little change making a huge ripple effect – like those butterfly wings in that iconic chaotic theory. Maybe I’ll start wearing a yellow tutu more often!
The sketching felt almost as magical as a performance on stage – I could feel my fingers flying across the paper, the rhythm of my thoughts creating something beautiful. I know what you're thinking, "Isn't she always sketching ballet dancers?". Yes, absolutely! Ballet is like the beating heart of my soul – and sharing that heart through art feels like the most natural thing in the world.
When I eventually ventured outside the café, my soul was full of sunshine. This town, even with its slightly less than polished charm, really did feel special. Like, a hidden gem tucked away between London’s vast urban sprawl, brimming with character, and potential. A reminder that every place has its magic waiting to be discovered, if we just open our eyes, embrace our inner ballerina, and embrace the colours life throws at us!
Speaking of colour, you guys won't believe what I saw when I went to explore the town centre. I spotted a small boutique called "Pink Princess". It's practically designed for me – filled with tulle skirts, bright colours, and, you guessed it, the most amazing pink tutus! I may or may not have come home with a few new additions to my tutu collection...shhhh, don’t tell my bank balance!
Speaking of my tutu collection, there’s something deeply satisfying about each one, like the perfect blend of dream and reality. For me, wearing a tutu means owning my power, my femininity, and letting my inner dancer take center stage!
There's a reason I started this blog, you know – a burning passion for getting people excited about ballet and spreading the message of self-love and embracing every colour, and every tutu-rific version of ourselves! And I believe everyone can wear a pink tutu.
Well, darlings, I've had a grand adventure in Barking today, even ending my day at a charming little tea shop. (Where else but in this town could I have discovered a shop called "The Little Teapot"? I mean, it practically shouts "Pink Tutu!" doesn't it?). It reminded me why I do what I do - because sometimes, even the smallest moments can become the greatest stories.
See you all tomorrow for more tutu-ific adventures.
With twirling love,
Emma xx
P.S I am obsessed with wildlife. So, if anyone knows of a really pink parrot, a yellow-spotted elephant, or a magenta-tinged turtle – let me know! And if anyone has suggestions for places to explore where there are wild, vibrant birds - I am ALL ears. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you lovely creatures – you know how much I love to explore in style. I mean, who says you can’t combine fashion, travel and a healthy dose of nature? The world is waiting to be discovered, my darlings. And it’s absolutely tutu-ly amazing!
