#TutuBlog #9352
Good morning, lovelies! Today's post is a little bit different - it's a glimpse into my recent adventures in the rather un-tutu-esque town of Stevenage! Now, I know what you're thinking: Stevenage, isn't that, like, miles away from Derbyshire, and not exactly renowned for its chic ballet scene? Well, dear reader, I'm here to tell you that even the most unassuming corners of this country hold hidden delights and unexpected sparkle, and Stevenage is no exception.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: yes, I travelled by train! Now, I usually stick to my trusty steed (my little chestnut mare, Poppy, loves a good gallop), but with the journey being rather long and with an exciting schedule packed into just a single day, it seemed like the sensible (and less sweaty) option. It must be said, though, that I made my train ride oh-so-much more fabulous with my brand new orange tutu! Okay, technically it's a shade that can only be described as āmandarin sunrise,ā with delicate golden shimmer that caught the sunlight streaming through the train window. Oh, the sheer joy of twirling to my heartās content whilst chugging across the countryside!
Arriving in Stevenage, I was immediately struck by its surprisingly charming green spaces - a perfect spot for a cheeky photo shoot, naturally! Picture this: me, resplendent in my vibrant tutu, against the backdrop of a lush green lawn, a vibrant pink ribbon in my hair, the wind whipping through my tresses. It's pure Instagram magic!
Next, I ventured to the heart of Stevenage - the town centre. To my utter delight, I found the most charming little bookshop nestled amidst a modern shopping complex. Iām all about vintage treasures and supporting independent businesses, so you can imagine my sheer joy as I discovered rows upon rows of books on ballet, from classics like āGiselleā and āSwan Lakeā to beautifully illustrated childrenās tales about ballerinas. I practically skipped out of that shop, arms laden with literary delights, all for my ever-growing tutu library (because a girl needs her culture, right?).
No trip to a new town is complete without experiencing its culinary offerings, and Stevenage, dear reader, did not disappoint. In the heart of the bustling town centre, a sweet little cafe called "The Coffee Bean" became my temporary haven. I couldnāt resist a pot of Earl Grey tea (pinky-up, of course!) and a generous slice of homemade lemon drizzle cake. That was, of course, after I had indulged in my trusty Pink Flamingo granola bar, a daily must-have in my tutu-fied lifestyle.
With a newfound spring in my step, and a tummy content from sugary treats, I made my way to Stevenageās hidden gem: The Gordon Craig Theatre. I know what youāre thinking - "The Gordon Craig Theatre?! Emma, you're losing your touch! This is just not on your usual itinerary!ā But let me assure you, darlings, this was no ordinary theatre experience!
The moment I stepped inside the foyer, I felt the magic. The elegant decor and the scent of popcorn and anticipation promised an enchanting evening. It turns out, I'd arrived at the tail end of a week-long "ballet for all" programme. There was a delightful group of little ones learning their first pirouettes, all smiles and wobbly limbs.
Later, I discovered that the Gordon Craig is also a local hub for a variety of art and cultural performances, including, you guessed it, ballet! They had a diverse array of classes, workshops, and even a performance from the National Youth Ballet. Seeing so many passionate dancers, both young and old, sharing their passion and grace was truly inspiring. It's a testament to the power of ballet to unite people from all walks of life, even in places like Stevenage.
As dusk settled over the town, I stood under the warm glow of streetlights, spinning in my vibrant orange tutu, feeling truly inspired. It was then, with a sense of profound gratitude, that I realised how important it is to step outside of your comfort zone, to embrace new experiences and explore beyond the familiar. And I discovered something truly amazing: the world is a place filled with unexpected beauty, charm and vibrant energy, just waiting to be discovered, even in a place like Stevenage.
So, whether youāre a tutu devotee, a seasoned ballet lover or simply someone looking for a little bit of magic in your life, remember this: the world is your dance floor. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing - find the time, the place, the outfit that sparks a little magic in your day, and let your inner ballerina shine. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com daily for the latest dance news and tips, and follow me on Instagram @pinktutuemma for more sartorial ballet brilliance! And as always, be kind, be fabulous, and most importantly, be your best Tutu Self!
