Oh, darlings! I'm back from my whirlwind trip to Welling, a delightful little town in Kent. This time, I brought the pinkest, most fabulous tutu I could find - it was a dream, absolutely covered in hand-sewn sequins and with the most beautiful layers of tulle, it twirled like a ballet dream come true.
My journey, of course, was as glamorous as my tutu. I took the train from Derbyshire, a comfy carriage with wide windows that gave me the most stunning views of the English countryside. It reminded me of my childhood dreams of galloping through fields on a white horse, except I was chugging along on tracks! There's something truly magical about travelling by train, you know? It’s an adventure every time.
Once I arrived in Welling, I traded my suitcase for my trusty ballet bag and set off to explore the town. It's so charming, with its quaint shops, little cafes and stunning gardens bursting with colour. It's the kind of place where you can lose yourself in the beauty and wander for hours. I must admit, the most beautiful sight I found wasn't in the shops, it was actually in the local park. There, tucked away among the trees, was a family of deer. They were graceful creatures, elegant and peaceful, reminding me of the balletic grace of my favourite dancers. And honestly, seeing them, the world became just that little bit more perfect.
After a quick bite of lunch at the adorable Little Tea Shop - complete with dainty cakes and a teapot the size of my head, of course - I was ready for a bit of ballet. Welling has this beautiful community ballet school hidden away on a quiet lane. It wasn't flashy, just a simple building but the moment I stepped inside I could feel the vibrant energy. They even have a cute little stage in one corner where they hold their recitals and workshops. Now, don’t think that because this place wasn’t in a big theatre it was a disappointment. It felt like a real gem, like the hidden ballet secrets of a local village.
Of course, I couldn't go to a ballet school without at least one dance. I'm not gonna lie, I felt a little silly putting on my pink tutu amidst a group of young students but it felt good! I danced and twirled, feeling the joy of movement in my bones, even the students’ little smiles were a bonus. And don’t even get me started on the beautiful music they were learning, It just soothed my soul!
That evening, my ballet heart led me to the Welling Town Hall where there was a stunning performance of Swan Lake, hosted by a local ballet company. It’s honestly, the sort of thing that gives me goosebumps just remembering! Imagine this: stunning costumes, brilliant choreography, the grace and emotion of the dancers…. And, the most captivating thing of all… the audience's applause afterwards! It really felt like the kind of event that makes people forget the cares of their day, just lose themselves in the beauty of the dance.
But honestly, darlings, the real highlight was seeing a couple of little girls, maybe 6 or 7 years old, in their pink tutus. It was adorable, a perfect picture of childhood dreams coming true. You see, there is something so powerful about dance, especially for little ones. It builds confidence, creativity and imagination. Honestly, who knows, perhaps, one day those little dancers might find themselves performing on stage like the talented stars at the Town Hall!
The next day, I bid Welling goodbye. This little town definitely has a special place in my heart now. I left, with a light heart and a feeling that this little pink tutu adventure was worth every mile of that train journey, every step I took exploring and every moment of ballet joy!
It’s so easy, darlings, to fall into a routine, to forget to embrace the joy in every moment. Welling reminds me to appreciate the little things, the beauty that's all around us, and of course, the simple joy of twirling around in a pink tutu, no matter what town we’re in!
What about you? Do you have any favourite little towns you’ve visited? Are there any dancers or shows that have made your heart leap for joy? Tell me all about it!
See you tomorrow!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
