Post 8872: www.pink-tutu.com
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, writing to you from the gorgeous seaside town of Paignton! I simply had to get to the coast this week. I know, I know, I always seem to be running off, but there's just something about a bit of sea air that makes my heart sing and my tutu twirl.
Now, I may be from the beautiful Peak District, but my journey down to Devon was a little less 'Jane Eyre' and a little more 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. Yes, I actually hopped aboard a horse-drawn carriage from my local stables, the lovely ladies at "Equine Adventures" even gave me a pink satin ribbon to tie around my hair (perfect for the occasion!).
My trip, however, didn't involve a sugarplum fairy adventure. This time I brought along my new "Gymnastics Tutu". You heard me right! A tutu with a hint of athleticism. This little number, in a beautiful soft pink with sparkling silver sequins, is as much about strength and flexibility as it is about grace. I'm planning on tackling some seriously fun moves in it (just wait until you see the Instagram stories!), because let's face it, ballet girls need to stay toned too!
After a leisurely (and photo-worthy!) carriage ride through the rolling hills of Derbyshire, I arrived at the bustling Paignton station. Oh, I do love train travel! I always seem to have the best chats with people when I'm on the rails - fellow travellers, commuters, even the guard. This trip was no different; I got chatting to a delightful young lady who runs her own ballet school in the city! Isn't it fantastic how ballet just brings people together?
After a quick tea (Earl Grey with two sugars, thank you!), I checked into my lovely hotel overlooking the sea. You could almost smell the salty breeze. It's this little hotel with the most charming name - "The Seagull's Nest" - a true little sanctuary by the sea! It even has its own little courtyard where I practiced my arabesques, and the hotel staff were sweet enough to supply me with a vase for my fresh lavender – very ‘me’, don’t you think?
But of course, no trip to Paignton is complete without visiting the famous Paignton Zoo! It's right on the water, with incredible views, and it’s bursting with fascinating animals – from African elephants to graceful zebras! And of course, no trip to the zoo would be complete without my favourite part: spotting the birds! Now, I wouldn't exactly call myself an "ornithologist", but there's just something special about watching those feathered creatures, their colours, their shapes, the way they flit about! It’s as though they're miniature ballerinas dancing in the wind. They truly inspired me with their grace and poise!
I made a little friend during my zoo adventures, a magnificent cockatoo, (and yes, he did try to snatch my little sparkly tiara!) We did share a perfectly delightful pink flamingo cupcake though - he did enjoy his portion of the cupcake! 🧁 I have to admit, watching this incredible bird in its natural habitat - even without its fancy feathered tutu – really sparked my creativity for my next blog post. Maybe it will be about a little ballerina named "Rosie" and her fantastic journey through the zoo! I’ll let you know how I get on, you beautiful lot! ( I just hope that Mr Cockatoo is ok with the cameo appearance!) 🦜
After all those amazing experiences, I treated myself to a leisurely stroll down the picturesque Paignton promenade. There was music playing in the background – the gentle melody was absolutely charming, and the setting sun made for such beautiful silhouettes as people passed by in their beautiful silhouettes, like dancers from an Impressionist painting. I took it all in, the sea air, the sights and sounds, and just felt truly grateful for every moment, every magical twinkle. The sea air is so revitalising, and the whole atmosphere was pure bliss.
Now, you guys know me – always looking for an excuse to dress up and twirl! Well, as fate would have it, there was a street performance on the promenade – a brilliant ballet theatre group, their energy and passion simply incredible, their moves as graceful and flowing as a dancing feather in a summer breeze.
I simply had to take a few twirls myself, right in the middle of the bustling promenade! I knew the passers-by would look at me, but you know me, I couldn’t care less. After all, every single person has a right to wear a pink tutu if their heart desires, wouldn't you agree? (Don’t forget, my little dears, you’re never too old to learn to love ballet – trust me! I know plenty of lovely ladies in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s who’re rocking the ballerina look with grace and enthusiasm – they look fabulous!)
As the sun set, I headed for "The Seagull’s Nest " and, after a scrumptious meal – sea bass cooked in pink Himalayan salt (another pink connection! I do love all things pink!), I collapsed into my little room with the calming sea views to finish my little daily blog for you lovely lot.
You see, even when I’m journeying, it’s always about more than just the place I’m visiting, it’s about bringing that special feeling, that sense of joy and happiness with me, and sharing it with you. I hope, in a tiny way, this has brought a little bit of sunshine and grace into your day. 💖
Don’t forget to let me know what you're up to! 🩰 What do you think of my gym tutu? Will you be rocking one in your next workout class? What pink-tutu-themed adventures are you planning for this week?
See you all soon – stay fantastic, you lovely bunch! 💕
Love always,
Emma.
* www.pink-tutu.com *
