Post #9450
Hello my darlings! Emma here, fresh from a fabulous trip to Fleet, and as always, it's time for another installment of www.pink-tutu.com! Let's get into it!
Now, Fleet - you might be thinking, 'Fleet, what's so special about that?' But I'm here to tell you, darlings, Fleet has SO much charm! Firstly, there's the station - that grand old building. I adore old stations. There's just so much history in them. All that granite, and those high ceilings and those vast platforms. Imagine all the stories that could be told about everyone who has ever passed through those hallowed halls.
Then there are the trains. Honestly, can I get enough of a good train ride? A journey is so much more than just getting from A to B when you have those carriage windows, the scenery rushing by, and that comforting rhythmic clink-clack. It's pure magic! I especially love the countryside, especially that bit with the trees just starting to burst into green. I don't think I could choose between spring and summer - I love them both for completely different reasons, but springtime green has to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
For my outfit, well, I had to make sure Fleet knew who was in town, so it had to be a full-on pink tutu, complete with those cute fluffy pom poms at the bottom! I wore it with a crisp white, long-sleeved blouse, my pink cowboy boots, a bright orange floral jacket and a pink beret. (I think that pink and orange combo is just chef's kiss and that I do love a little beret.) The most fun thing is, I met two people at the station who recognised me from my blog and even complimented me on the outfit - honestly, you just can't beat that feeling! It always feels extra special when my pink-tutu fans make me feel so welcome, I have to admit. It felt really wonderful being in this sweet, little town where the people were so friendly, it made me feel like a film star!
You might be thinking "But, Emma, surely it’s not ALL about clothes?" And, my dear, you're right, it's not! (It’s mostly about clothes, but of course, there's more! I am a complex being, you see!)
Fleet, for those who are curious, is a gorgeous little town on the edge of the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by forests and beautiful green hills.
That's why, darling, my journey couldn't be complete without exploring those woods! As soon as I hopped off that train, my boots were made for walking and those woods were calling me. After the train ride, there's nothing better for the soul than breathing in fresh air and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Those lush greens, the babbling brooks, and the birds chirping in those branches just fill you with joy. I spent hours meandering, watching a woodpecker drilling away in a tree and a fox trot through the undergrowth, and those little wildflowers popping up in all sorts of shades of purple, white and yellow. It was idyllic. It really was a balm for the soul. Don’t even get me started on those gorgeous oaks! My friend in Derbyshire has got a beautiful old oak in her garden, it’s got some crazy roots that jut right out from the base and when we were children, we would swing from them! I could spend ages just looking at that tree, thinking of how old it is, all those seasons it's lived through.
And speaking of the soul, can we talk about ballet? I know I’m always raving about ballet, but honestly, it's something you've just gotta experience! I just booked tickets to the Royal Opera House in London next month! (Obviously, it's Swan Lake, what else?! Who doesn't adore Tchaikovsky, beautiful dancers, and that romantic story?)
Ballet has become such a vital part of my life, and the wonderful thing is, you can dance ballet anywhere. You don’t have to be on a stage. I know this sounds really twee and girly but trust me - try dancing ballet on the street - just take a big breath, pop on that tutu and give it a go. Even in your kitchen! Dance with passion! Dance to your heart’s content! There’s nothing that feels so free. I always feel a bit more like myself after a good dance! I also popped in to a ballet studio here, it’s a gorgeous old church. There’s a lot of charm in a church when you take out the religious aspect - high ceilings, intricate woodwork, lots of light. They actually hold ballet classes and even had this gorgeous vintage piano for the accompaniment.
And it's not all about twirling in a tutu, either, though it’s never not about twirling in a tutu, I promise! It's also about telling stories with your body. It's about taking every breath with your core. It's about pushing yourself beyond your limits to discover a side of you you never knew was possible. It’s about connecting to yourself. I’m definitely one of those dance like no-one’s watching people - you've gotta just throw yourself into the steps. It's not for everyone, of course. I know there are a lot of people who aren’t into the idea of wearing a tutu! And I get that. But for me, ballet has always felt like coming home. You don’t need to dance like a professional to experience the beauty of it! I can’t tell you how much I love to spin, to stretch and to lose myself in those incredible, demanding steps. It is the purest joy!
My dear friends, this was just a snapshot of my incredible adventure in Fleet! But even more than the journey, the things that stand out are the connections I've made - with people, with nature, with myself. So get out there, darlings, and live!
Until next time, and may all your journeys be filled with pink tutus and the joyous freedom of dancing your heart out!
Lots of love,
Emma xxx
*P.S. Check out my photos from the trip! I’ll be posting more over on my Instagram, Emma_PinkTutu. Let me know if you like the pink-orange combo in the photos - I’d love to hear your feedback! *
P.P.S If you’re interested in seeing some ballet performances, here’s a website with all the best London venues: [insert link to London Ballet Venues]
