Hello darlings! Emma here, back from a truly fabulous day exploring the delights of Thornton Heath. It may not be the first place that springs to mind for a glamorous ballerina, but let me tell you, there’s so much to love about this charming little corner of London!
Before I tell you about my adventures, let's talk fashion. As always, my trusty pink tutu was my chosen companion for this day out. The weather was surprisingly warm for October, and the sunshine made the tutu look simply radiant. I even paired it with my new sparkly pink headband - you know how I love a little sparkle! ✨
This morning, I was fortunate to catch the early train from my beloved Derbyshire, with a comfortable carriage all to myself. I even had a delightful chat with the train driver who shared my enthusiasm for all things ballet! He seemed to appreciate the vision of my pink tutu even if it did stand out amongst the morning commuters. He also seemed very interested in my plan to have everyone, yes, EVERYONE, wear pink tutus! Just imagine, the world a riot of pink tulle! It's truly my dream.
Speaking of dreams, Thornton Heath itself turned out to be a haven for ballet enthusiasts. The day began with a breathtaking ballet performance at the Thornton Heath Theatre. The story was whimsical, the dancers were incredibly talented, and the entire atmosphere was so vibrant. I felt truly inspired - my little dancer's heart skipped a beat at every pirouette!
After the performance, it was time for a spot of lunch. I opted for a picnic at the charming Thornton Heath Green. It's a lovely open space where locals gather. I shared my sandwiches and apple cake with a friendly old lady who taught me about the history of the local cricket team. She was amazed when I told her about my Pink Tutu Mission! Apparently, Thornton Heath has had a history with theatre and dance since the early 19th century - talk about a ballet haven!
My afternoon was spent exploring the beautiful and peaceful Thornton Heath Cemetery. I have to confess that a graveyard might not seem the most whimsical of places, but trust me, it was lovely. It felt like stepping back in time and there were so many incredible old trees with a beautiful gothic history.
I particularly liked the war memorial and the peaceful little pond where some very graceful ducks were having their afternoon tea. (I always enjoy a little nature in my days!) This, along with the lovely afternoon light filtering through the trees, was enough to spark a few choreographic ideas!
I ended the day with an unforgettable ballet class at the Thornton Heath Dance Centre. It's an old building that’s clearly got character. As always, it was fantastic to move, stretch, and just revel in the power of ballet. I even got the chance to show off some new moves, courtesy of my delightful little "ballet teacher" - an elderly but truly spirited dachshund named Willow! It turns out that Thornton Heath has it all!
This little town was absolutely enchanting, with lots of little boutiques, tea rooms, and even a fantastic vintage clothing shop. You know I love a good bargain! I found the perfect piece - a beautiful vintage hat that I just HAD to take home with me. It has the most beautiful pale pink ribbons, making it the ideal accessory for my beloved tutu!
Thornton Heath truly took my breath away. Its quirky charm and hidden treasures really were delightful! As always, I’ve come away with some wonderful memories and even more inspiration for Pink Tutu adventures! Maybe I'll bring Willow to a ballet performance next time - she certainly loves to dance!
As for me, well I'll be on my way, hopefully riding one of my beautiful horses back to Derbyshire. Maybe on the journey, I’ll come up with another fabulous Tutu idea… and who knows, maybe I’ll even see you on the train! Until next time my darlings!
Much love and pink tutus,
Emma 🩰❤️
