Hey, lovelies! It’s Emma here, back with another pink tutu-tastic adventure! 🩰🌸 This week, I swapped the rolling green hills of Derbyshire for the charming streets of Maidstone, a town with history, beauty, and a surprising amount of pink! Yep, even though I didn’t have my usual collection of frothy tutus with me, pink followed me, and you know I love a touch of pink in my life, especially on a beautiful sunny day like today!
But first, let's talk trains! I know some of you are still apprehensive about traveling since, well, that happened, but seriously, it’s the best way to travel! Plus, I love spotting all the little details from my carriage window; a field of cows with fluffy white calves, a charming station master in a peaked cap, or even a particularly well-dressed squirrel!
Once in Maidstone, the first thing I did was head straight to the Maidstone Museum, a real treat for the senses! I loved the exhibits showcasing the town’s history, particularly the Victorian period, and they even had a section on local wildlife which included a stuffed red squirrel. Now, we’re talking a true fan of nature. 🐿️ It really is incredible what these museums preserve for us to learn and discover!
You might be wondering what this has to do with ballet? Well, darling, EVERYTHING! History inspires artistry. Museums are just bursting with inspiration. I came away with ideas for new dance routines; imagine a ballet inspired by Victorian architecture and style! I was picturing ballerinas twirling in long skirts with delicate floral embellishments, or even some impressive grand jetés in the grand ballroom of Leeds Castle, with its fairytale towers and history!
Okay, I'll admit, my ballerina side took over, and I did start doing some impromptu arabesques and piqué turns in the museum, but luckily, the staff didn’t mind my brief performance. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get to perform in this grand setting – I can dream, right? 😉
But wait, there's more! Next, it was time to indulge in a real treat: Afternoon Tea at The House of Tea, the prettiest, most delicate little cafe you’ve ever seen! This was all about pastel tones, fresh flowers, and finger sandwiches and cakes that would make a ballerina blush. Of course, I had to have a pink macaron! And honestly, it felt like the perfect moment to daydream about my next trip; maybe Bath next week? The thought of exploring a beautiful city with pink buildings is enough to make my head spin!
Speaking of ballet, my little dance adventure led me to the Maidstone Studios Theatre, where I got to watch a brilliant, and wonderfully unique performance! The show was called "Rewind", which sounded captivating and intrigued me instantly. I love contemporary ballet; it allows the dancers to be creative and use their emotions to tell a story through movement! The piece blended classical ballet technique with modern, sometimes dramatic, expressions of life. There was a feeling of introspection, maybe reflecting back on past experiences? Honestly, it really made me think about my own journey and where I've come from – not only in dance, but in life, too. And then of course, they included some fantastic use of pink fabric that simply wowed the audience! (Let's be real, it really wowed me).
Overall, it was another delightful day spent exploring, discovering, and of course, embracing the beauty of ballet and life in pink!
Until next time, lovelies, remember to keep your chin up, wear pink tutus proudly, and remember to leap into every adventure with grace! 💖🩰
With love,
Emma xx
