Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite tutu-loving blogger, back with another dose of pink-hued positivity from my adventures in the world of ballet. 🩰✨
Today's post comes to you from the charmingly quaint town of Hanwell! Now, I know what you're thinking, “Hanwell? Emma, is that even a proper place?” Let me tell you, darlings, it's most definitely a proper place! In fact, it's the kind of place you get to know not from Google Maps but from the gentle hum of life, the way the light dances on the cobbled streets, and the stories whispered in the breeze.
I got to Hanwell the way I like to do most of my travelling – by train! The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels, the endless stretch of countryside whizzing past, and the smell of the fresh air – there's nothing quite like a good train journey to inspire a day of exploration.
Speaking of exploration, I wore my cyan tutu today! Yes, it was absolutely perfect for this whimsical town, its delicate fabric just swirling as I took in the charm of its streets. A lot of you ask, “How do you even fit it in a train? Emma! You must pack light, right?” Well darlings, the secret is a large bag with a large internal tube. Just roll the tutu, like a tube of wrapping paper. It saves so much space! My lovely fuchsia bag really set off the tutu perfectly, and the train journey went just beautifully.
My first stop? Well, I always feel it's important to get a little bit of local flavour. A visit to the local bakery led to the discovery of the most divine cherry and almond pastry. (Oh! Did you know they also have gluten-free versions?! I think we're living in a golden age.) You know I like a good treat to refuel, and nothing sets you up for a great day quite like a bit of deliciousness.
Next, it was off to Hanwell’s very own ballet school, the "Hanwell School of Ballet." The moment I stepped through the door, the scent of polished floorboards and the music of the warm-up exercises made my heart soar! You could feel the passion of the dancers in every flick of their wrist and the lightness in their leaps. It reminded me of the excitement I feel when I start my ballet classes in Derby. My Mum has a standing booking every Monday at "Derbyshire Ballet," it's the highlight of our week, truly it is! I really hope to get her up here to Hanwell some time so that she can get a sense of this special school and the lovely ballet family in Hanwell.
One thing I discovered that afternoon, my dear readers, was that Hanwell has a very strong tradition of ballet. Apparently, there used to be a famous ballet company here called "The Hanwell Ballet," and it was renowned across the whole country. The school seemed to be holding that tradition strong! The children I met at the school were as graceful as swans, as nimble as kittens and as expressive as willow trees in the wind. We shared some beautiful exercises, and, to their delight, I demonstrated a simple sequence from my favourite "Coppelia" dance!
There’s no denying my passion for a good ballet show! If there’s a good performance on, especially when I’m traveling, I’ll often find myself drawn in by the rhythm, the drama, the passion… I can feel it all so intensely. Today, a quick glance at the town’s event schedule led me to a "ballet in the park" show. So, a stroll through Hanwell's beautiful green spaces later, I found myself settled in front of the stage, with a big, red fluffy picnic blanket and a little pink tutu-inspired hamper!
What a show! The ballet dancers moved with such effortless grace and passion. The little bit of sunshine breaking through the clouds, a picnic blanket with the perfect view, the delightful tunes of the orchestra... I don't think it gets more perfect than this, darlings! It was like something out of a dream. I even had the pleasure of chatting with the ballerina who played the leading role!
That brings us to another thing I’ve noticed during this adventure. The people of Hanwell are lovely! Warm, welcoming, and brimming with that charming British warmth. They truly embraced me into their little world, making me feel so comfortable and welcome in their town. I even managed to pick up a little something in the charming independent bookshop – a new, beautiful copy of “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" It's a perfect read for a cozy night in!
The sun began to dip, casting long shadows on the streets of Hanwell. As I made my way back to the train station, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy. I have such fond memories of this magical place Already, I’m plotting my next trip back! After all, there’s nothing like the romance of travelling on train journeys across the English countryside. It really is my favourite way of exploring!
The truth is, darlings, that’s exactly how my journey has taken shape; the constant desire to find that beautiful moment, that special spark in a different place, That's my life, exploring, dancing, enjoying my adventures in a tutu – because every adventure needs a bit of tutu-tastic charm! And always remember: you can’t go wrong with a touch of pink. It just makes everything feel so much more wonderful. You know you can count on me for that!
Until next time, keep those twirls going!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
