Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the charming town of Walton Upon Thames, where I discovered that even a little spot like this can be overflowing with Tutu-worthy magic! 😉💖
Today, I'm channelling my inner ballerina with a delightful black tutu, the perfect juxtaposition against the vibrant greenery that's currently engulfing the world. I swear, with each passing day, I'm convinced that the trees themselves are plotting to become giant ballet dancers, stretching their limbs towards the sky, reaching for that perfect arabesque. Oh, the drama!
But before I get lost in my botanical fantasies, let me tell you all about my wonderful day in Walton Upon Thames. The journey there was pure joy - I opted for a delightful train ride, savouring the rhythm of the tracks and watching the English countryside unfold outside the window. I spotted a family of deer grazing near the station, looking so graceful and elegant in their soft brown coats - it was like a miniature ballet in nature!
Walton Upon Thames, with its quaint shops and bustling little streets, quickly captured my heart. There was just something about the air - it felt whimsical, filled with stories waiting to be told. My tutu seemed to perfectly fit the mood of the place - it was like a whimsical fairytale unfolding before my very eyes. It's just the sort of place that begs for a twirl, wouldn't you say?
My first stop was a charming vintage shop nestled in a cobblestone lane. I'm a sucker for all things old, and this treasure trove was filled with gorgeous fabrics, hats, and even a pair of silk ballet slippers with faded ribbons. It was a ballet dancer's dream come true! The owner, a delightful lady named Brenda, reminded me of my Nana with her rosy cheeks and kind eyes. She regaled me with tales of the town's past, painting a picture of life in Walton Upon Thames back in the day.
After a pit stop for the most divine afternoon tea with scones the size of my head, it was time for the real highlight of my trip – a performance by the Walton Upon Thames Ballet Academy. Now, I’ve been lucky enough to see many incredible ballets, from the grandeur of the Royal Opera House to the intimate charm of local studios. But the academy performance, held in the heart of their studio, was truly magical.
The stage was a modest one, a backdrop of painted backdrops evoking a fairy tale world. The performers, a mix of budding young dancers and seasoned professionals, brought an incredible energy to the stage. Watching them gracefully leap and twirl was like witnessing the very soul of ballet. You could see their passion and dedication reflected in every step, and it touched something deeply within me.
And you know me, I always have to have a go! So after the performance, I got to chat with the academy director and, naturally, she couldn't resist asking me to give a quick impromptu class. Now, it's been a while since I've been in a ballet class, so the first few moments were definitely a giggle fest - those barre workouts are deceptively tricky!
But the children, they were amazing! So much enthusiasm, so much eagerness to learn! It truly warmed my heart to see their love for ballet. As I watched them pirouette and leap across the studio floor, I thought of all the young dancers in Derbyshire and everywhere else, each with a story waiting to unfold. My mission to get everyone to try ballet is taking me to the most wonderful places!
After bidding farewell to the dancers, I treated myself to a leisurely stroll through the local park, taking in the gentle sunset hues painting the sky. The air was alive with the sounds of birdsong, and the park was filled with families enjoying the late afternoon. It felt so peaceful, like the perfect ending to a day brimming with grace, joy, and a whole lot of tutus.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "But Emma, black tutus? Don't you only wear pink?" Well, darlings, pink will always be my favourite colour, but there's something special about black too! It's classic, timeless, and it really makes a statement. It's a bit more sophisticated, a bit more dramatic, and definitely more perfect for a ballet performance! 😉
As I sit here writing this blog post, with the last rays of sun lighting up my little Derbyshire cottage, I feel filled with a sense of gratitude. Thank you to all of you for following my adventures. Let’s all embrace the joy of life, of twirling, and of pursuing our dreams!
And just a little reminder - don't forget to wear your tutu! Whether it's pink, black, or any colour you can dream of, let's show the world that ballet, like joy, knows no boundaries! 🩰💖
Until next time, darlings!
With love and pirouettes,
Emma x
