#TutuBlog 2023-10-27 in Strood with a pink tutu.

Hello my darling tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away to the quaint, charming town of Strood in Kent. This week, my journey was punctuated with the quintessential British romance of train travel and, believe it or not, even a bit of horseback riding! Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a whirlwind of pink, ballet, and all things beautiful!

Strood is a small town with big character, and it held a certain irresistible charm for this little ballet bunny. After my usual Derbyshire to London train adventure (a comfy first class carriage and a good book, of course), I hopped onto the southeastern line, taking in the green fields and quaint English countryside. There’s something about the rhythm of the train tracks, the rhythmic sway of the carriage, and the glimpse of ever-changing scenery that truly soothes the soul. It felt like an enchanting journey fit for a ballerina in her prime, don't you think?

My first stop was the amazing Rochester Ballet School. You can imagine my delight! A little gem tucked away near the River Thames, brimming with promise and the delightful clatter of happy tap shoes. My heart soared at the thought of all the young talents blossoming within those walls. It’s always a joy to watch children discover the magic of movement, and the twinkle in their eyes as they grasp a new pirouette is simply divine.

The school hosted a spectacular showcase of young talent – an enchanting mixture of classical ballet and contemporary pieces. There was something incredibly captivating about watching them glide across the stage with grace and precision. I, of course, sported my own, impossibly fluffy pink tutu, adding a touch of extra glitter to the occasion. I couldn't resist striking a pose on stage with some of the darling dancers - my pink tutu making a perfectly elegant statement against the black backdrop!

But my adventure in Strood didn't stop there. The beauty of a town like Strood is that you can immerse yourself in history and nature with equal ease. So, what's more quintessentially British than a leisurely horse ride through the idyllic English countryside? With a touch of apprehension and a healthy dose of excitement, I found myself mounted on a magnificent chestnut horse.

It was such a surreal experience – a quiet morning of peaceful trotting through fields bordered by ancient oak trees, sunlight filtering through the canopy and dappling the ground beneath our hooves. I could practically feel the centuries whispering past as the wind ruffled my hair. There was an innate rhythm to the experience – a connection to a raw and primal way of moving. A true adventure worthy of a pink-tutu clad ballerina, right?

My trip wasn't complete without a dose of English village life. The Strood Cricket Club became my next stop. Imagine: rolling green lawns, the crisp scent of freshly cut grass, and the friendly chatter of local residents.

I, of course, had to strike a few graceful poses on the green, adding my touch of ballerina magic to the picturesque scene. And while I can’t claim to have any hidden cricketing talents, the day was a delight, filled with the joyous buzz of local sport and the shared passion for something that truly feels British to the core.

I firmly believe that the power of a pink tutu transcends time and space. It's not just about ballet – it's about embracing self-expression, about adding a sprinkle of whimsy to everyday life. As I walked through Strood, I imagined how much more colorful and joyful the world would be if everyone embraced a touch of pink tulle in their lives!

Whether it's striking a graceful pose in the park, attending a local theatre performance (I caught an absolutely brilliant production of “Grease" at the Strood Playhouse), or just wearing your pink tutu for a stroll through the shops, I encourage you to find your inner ballerina! Let your spirit soar, let your heart sing, and, of course, let the pink tutu shine!

Oh, and I can’t leave out the wildlife! While strolling by the river, I spotted an adorable otter! Such an adorable little critter, its playful nature almost mirrored my own love of life. This whole trip really had the perfect blend of ballet, nature, and adventure, leaving me with a full heart and a happy mind.

Remember, darlings, life is about spreading a little bit of sparkle and joy. And what better way to do that than by putting on your pink tutu, embracing your inner ballerina, and stepping into the beautiful unknown!

Until next time, may your lives be full of twirls, grace, and plenty of pink!

Yours always,

Emma www.pink-tutu.com