Hello, my darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the pink-tutu paradise that is Derbyshire! 🩰💖
Today's adventure is a little different. Usually, I'm bounding around London, sipping champagne at the ballet, or twirling in a vintage tutu in the theatre. But today, we're taking a trip on the scenic route! I’m hopping on the train to Bishops Stortford for a rather extraordinary experience: a gymnastic tutu workshop! Yes, you heard that right. I'm swapping out my classic, romantic tutus for something a little… well… more athletic! 🤸♀️
This whole thing started when I came across a little shop in town called "The Ballerina's Boutique." They stock some truly dreamy tutus, but nestled amongst the feathers and tulle, there were these incredible, gymnastic-style tutus! You know me, I love a challenge, and I couldn't resist getting my hands on one. The bodice was stretchy and supportive, and the skirt, oh the skirt! Imagine, a rainbow of swirling chiffon, cascading like a waterfall. My heart skipped a beat, because I just knew I needed to test out its performance in a real gymnastic setting. So, off to Bishops Stortford we go!
The train journey, as always, was a source of pure inspiration. I had my travel journal with me, scribbling down all sorts of fabulous ideas for blog posts: "Pink tutus and picnics" (could be fun for a picnic in the park), "Tutu Tips for Traveling" (maybe some pointers on how to pack a tutu for a trip?), and "Travel by Train, Ballet by Moonlight" (perhaps an elegant, ethereal photo shoot at a train station… with a dramatic ballet backdrop).
I found my little boutique just off the main square, a haven of ballet delights, with tutus of every colour imaginable! I bought myself a lovely pink coffee mug as a souvenir. My gymnastic tutu felt wonderfully weightless, I’m sure I could perform amazing jumps in it and land flawlessly. After chatting to the very friendly owner about her latest finds, it was off to the gym to kick some serious butt in this athletic marvel of a tutu.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not exactly a gymnast. I might be graceful in a traditional tutu, but landing back on the ground after a cartwheel in this little number? Well, that's a story for another day. But you know what? I’m fearless when it comes to my pink tutus! So, with the grace (and the slight awkwardness) of a ballet dancer who has wandered into a gymnastics class, I put my best foot forward.
And let me tell you, the experience was incredible. It was so much fun! To feel the wind whipping through the chiffon as you fly through the air is utterly exhilarating! Even though I landed (or rather fell) a few times, the sheer joy of experimenting was unforgettable. There was even a moment when I almost nailed a handstand, albeit with the tutu catching on the floor (you're probably picturing it all... picture me standing there, precariously perched upside-down, tutu crumpled on the ground like a ruffled flower).
In a way, the entire afternoon felt like an extraordinary little metaphor for life. Sometimes you just have to step outside of your comfort zone, embrace a new challenge, and remember that even when you fall, you're still twirling beautifully.
By the time I hopped back on the train to return to Derbyshire, my gymnastic tutu felt like a dear old friend. And yes, I had definitely earned my delicious chocolate chip cookie reward.
You know what they say? If life throws you a challenge, throw a tutu at it! 😉
Stay fabulous, darlings!
Until next time,
Emma xx
