Hello darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another pink tutu adventure. Today's journey takes us to the charming town of Cheshunt, just a short train ride from my Derbyshire home. As a ballet enthusiast, the journey itself is a pure delight. The gentle rocking of the train and the view of the countryside flitting by always puts me in the mood for a grand pirouette.
But before we delve into the Cheshunt delights, let's chat about my outfit. This time, I opted for a sassy little gymnastic tutu - think pink tulle, plenty of bounce, and a splash of shimmering sequins. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between ballet elegance and a touch of sassy street style, you know? Plus, the sunshine demanded a little extra shimmer. Honestly, how can you resist a touch of pink sparkle?
Now, back to Cheshunt. The moment I stepped off the train, a lovely little bookstore caught my eye, brimming with dusty tomes and whimsical decorations. It just screamed “afternoon tea with a novel,” don't you think? As tempting as that sounded, I knew my heart was calling for a dose of dance.
Turns out, Cheshunt boasts a hidden gem – The Cheshunt Ballet Academy! It's this quaint little studio with beautiful, sunlit windows and the sweetest little reception area. The staff were absolutely darling - so welcoming and genuinely enthusiastic about ballet. The owner, Miss Charlotte, reminded me of a retired ballerina, all graceful and wise with a sprinkle of 'been-there-done-that' charm.
I simply had to have a peek at a class. Oh, the energy! The dancers were an eclectic bunch, ranging from giggling toddlers taking their first tentative leaps to older ladies gracefully working through the barres, all united by their passion for this art. The sound of their tiny, and not so tiny, shoes tapping across the wooden floor brought a smile to my face. I love witnessing that shared language of ballet – the joy, the discipline, and the sheer elegance that flows through every movement.
Now, you all know I can’t resist a good performance, so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon ‘The Cheshunt Ballet Theatre’. They're putting on a show next month – “Swan Lake”, the classic! A beautiful theatre, full of plush velvet seats, stunning chandeliers, and the scent of anticipation – pure theatrical magic. Tickets bought, of course!
Cheshunt certainly knows how to delight. Later in the day, I enjoyed a delightful picnic on the Cheshunt Manor House grounds – picture picturesque gardens, an impressive mansion, and me in my pink tutu! (Of course, I found a spot a little further from the path – wouldn't want to frighten the horses. Always a ballet girl at heart, you know. My love for horses and ballet - a most fabulous pairing, don’t you think?).
Speaking of fabulous, I can't help but tell you about this darling shop I stumbled upon – a real vintage treasure trove. I fell head over heels for a delicate antique locket, its silver perfectly etched with a whimsical design, an extra special souvenir from Cheshunt.
I finished my day with a meander along the River Lea, admiring the beautiful views, watching playful squirrels scampering amongst the trees, and spotting a couple of kingfishers dipping in and out of the water – how utterly charming. It felt like a scene straight out of a ballet, and yes, of course, I did a little pirouette by the water’s edge – why not?
Cheshunt, you’ve truly stolen my heart! From the sweet elegance of the ballet academies, the delightful vintage finds, to the playful beauty of the riverbank, you are a perfect blend of charming English town and graceful dance.
And as the sun set, painting the sky in beautiful hues of pink and purple, I knew Cheshunt would forever be etched in my pink tutu heart. Now, how about we all embrace our inner ballerina and add a touch of pink to our lives, wouldn't that be utterly divine?
Until next time darlings,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
