#TutuBlog 2024-08-29 in Bicester with a italian tutu.

Hey loves! ?

It’s Emma here, back with another delightful day out and – you guessed it – another beautiful tutu! This time, I found myself whisked away to the charming town of Bicester, just a hop and a skip from my little corner of Derbyshire. It’s always an adventure when you're on a train journey – the world rushing by, and the quiet moments to dream up new ballet moves (or dream up the next colour to paint my nails, pink, obviously! ?) I’m always finding little treasures at stations and on trains too, which always make my day, like today! I was lucky enough to find the cutest vintage travel poster - a ballerina with a huge, feathery pink tutu! Talk about inspiration!

When I first thought about visiting Bicester, I had visions of beautiful rolling hills, historic pubs, and...a breathtaking ballet studio? Well, I did find those lovely countryside views (perfect for a graceful pirouette, don’t you think?), and the pub was full of character (I even did a little ballet-inspired jig while waiting for my lunch!), but I didn’t quite find a dedicated ballet space… or at least, not a ballet space I could sneak into!

But my adventure wasn't a total flop! On my way to the town centre, I found this gorgeous Italian-themed shop! It was a little like a ballerina’s dream. And, to top it all off, the shop owner gave me this stunningly beautiful Italian tutu to try on! It was perfect for Bicester's day-trip - a beautiful, silky pink number. I knew as soon as I put it on, that it was my perfect companion for exploring Bicester.

I loved everything about the tutu: the soft, flowing material, the perfect fit (every ballerina needs a tutu that moves with them!), and the vibrant shade of pink. The detail was extraordinary, from the delicate ruffles to the perfectly-placed bows. The colour is just magnificent – that unique shade of blush pink that's almost magical. It took my breath away, and I felt like a ballerina in a storybook, all set for a graceful waltz through the bustling market! ?

My first stop was Bicester Village, the retail heaven of discounted designer clothes. As soon as I arrived, I was in my element, and felt the ballerina within! With the tutu flowing behind me, I was twirling around boutiques, imagining myself on stage at a grand ball!

Now, Bicester Village may be known for its luxury labels, but I was also charmed by its countryside character! It feels so different to your average retail park! I spotted the cutest wildlife roaming around, a fluffy bunny, a little family of squirrels scampering up a tree, and the most beautiful birds singing in the trees, their melodic chirping was so calming after all the exciting shopping! It truly made me appreciate the delicate harmony of nature and fashion!

And what does any ballet fan do when they want a snack? They head straight for the chocolate shops, obviously! ? So, after my shopping spree, I had a little treat of delicious fudge and a cup of tea in one of Bicester’s sweet little tea rooms, surrounded by pink roses. Everything seemed perfect and very ballet-esque to me, very feminine, like I’d just stepped onto the stage after a beautiful performance!

Later, I explored the charming, historic town centre. The narrow cobbled streets were practically begging for a graceful ballerina pirouette or a plié. It's one thing to perform on a stage, but quite another to embrace ballet in every aspect of life, to become part of the everyday environment. And I absolutely loved it!

Bicester itself has so much history, with its gorgeous ancient church and quaint little cafes - every street had a new photo opportunity! The tutu added such a unique flair to every photo. I imagined it to be a bit of an amusing spectacle for passers-by: this woman in a tutu taking photos and dancing in the street - how unconventional but perfectly fitting for this picturesque setting. If I can make people smile as they witness this fusion of beauty and grace, then mission accomplished!

And it’s made me think - wouldn’t Bicester be a wonderful setting for a ballet performance? I envision a performance in the town square, a backdrop of historical buildings, dancers floating in their graceful movements, accompanied by music that weaves through the streets! Now that would be something truly spectacular, don’t you think?

Bicester may be small, but it has big potential for a unique ballet experience, with its open spaces, captivating streets, and stunning surroundings, it would create the perfect stage for a truly immersive ballet experience. It’s the sort of place where the magic of ballet could be realised on an everyday basis! Who wouldn’t love a flash of colour and grace in their day? It’s something to dream about! Perhaps one day… ?

Every day is a dance for me! Every new adventure is a chance to express myself and to spread the joy of ballet! I believe everyone can enjoy the ballet experience in some way! Even if you're not a dancer, you can find the ballet within yourself – whether it's twirling with a playful spin while enjoying a beautiful meal or a cup of tea, or even simply adding a splash of pink to your outfit! Every step is an opportunity for elegance, for grace, for expressing the unique beauty of movement. So embrace the tutu life, live a bit more like a ballerina, and spread a little bit of joy!