#TutuBlog 10412
Hello darlings! It's your girl Emma, back with another pink-tutu-tastic blog post. Today's adventure takes us to Uxbridge, a charming little town nestled in the heart of West London. Now, I know what you're thinking: Uxbridge? Doesn't exactly sound like a place brimming with ballet inspiration, does it? But oh, my dears, you'd be wrong. Today, it's all about finding the magic in the everyday.
First things first: how did I get to this beautiful, quirky town? Well, you guessed it: a good old-fashioned train ride. Nothing beats a scenic journey by train, listening to the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks, watching the countryside flash by like a technicolour dream. Oh, and did I mention I'd squeezed my darling pink tutu into my bag, because a good ballet dancer never lets go of her best friend?
Arriving at Uxbridge station, I was immediately captivated by the bustling town square. There was a lovely old market happening with stalls overflowing with handcrafted trinkets, delicious smelling food, and beautiful blooms of all shapes and sizes. It was like a miniature Notting Hill carnival, bursting with life and charm! And trust me, my tutu felt right at home amongst all this vibrant colour.
After picking up some homemade jams for my mama back in Derbyshire, my first stop was the magnificent Brunel University campus. They have a stunningly beautiful building in the heart of the campus called the Runnymede building and a lake that shimmered like a gigantic pearl in the afternoon sun. Now, you all know I can’t go anywhere without some ballet practice. The courtyard outside the Brunel building made a perfect spot for some grand jeté practice with my new favourite pink tutu. Of course, I felt a little self-conscious twirling about at first, wondering if I'd turn some heads, but soon enough, I found myself embracing my ballerina alter ego, twirling freely amongst the pigeons, and you know what? No one blinked an eye! I mean, when you’re sporting a fabulously frilled pink tutu, you've got to own it, my loves.
After my graceful performance, it was time for lunch, and a delightful surprise awaited me at The Prince of Wales pub. I found a cosy spot by the window and treated myself to their heavenly homemade steak and ale pie. My pink tutu might have seemed out of place amidst the leather armchairs and vintage tapestries, but let me tell you, there's nothing quite like pairing your classic ballet attire with a good ol’ English pub. The warmth, the delicious food, the crackling fire…pure magic!
Now, my loves, no trip to Uxbridge is complete without a visit to The Swakeleys House. This exquisite country manor dates back to the 16th century, and it truly transported me back in time with its enchanting gardens, grand halls and secret passages. There were so many places to twirl and spin – amongst the blossoming wisteria in the sun-soaked courtyard, through the intricately patterned rose gardens, or even under the majestic willow tree weeping over the duck pond. Let’s just say I had myself a fabulous little photoshoot, and those Instagram pics are going to be top-tier, my dears.
But there’s more to Uxbridge than its picturesque beauty and history. It's home to a thriving artistic scene too! The Rex Theatre was a joy to behold with its red-velvet seats, the faint aroma of popcorn and the hum of excited anticipation in the air. And guess what? There was a ballet performance happening that evening – not one of your classical affairs, mind you, but a fantastic piece of contemporary ballet set to modern music, infused with a little bit of theatricality and a touch of modern jazz. The combination of these diverse genres, fueled the performers' expressive movements in a way I'd never seen before, leaving me awestruck and utterly captivated.
While the stage showcased incredible dancing, the real treat came at the end of the show, as the dancers came down to greet their audience. One of the female dancers, in her beautiful, sleek ballet costume, stopped right in front of me. My heart skipped a beat as she winked at me with a playful smile, her blue eyes glittering. You'd think she was greeting the Queen, she was so radiant, but all I did was blush a little (that blush went perfectly with the pink, obviously) and grin, completely enamoured. And in that brief moment, I knew I'd left an imprint on this town and its charming residents. My darling pink tutu, she truly does bring magic and wonder wherever she goes.
Even though my pink tutu was feeling a little tired after the long day of adventures, I felt absolutely revitalized by the atmosphere of Uxbridge, its beautiful architecture and its unexpected blend of history and modern energy.
This town might be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to creating unforgettable memories and proving that there’s a magical ballet moment waiting for you just about anywhere, especially when you’re wearing a fabulous pink tutu!
P.S. Now I know some of you may be feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of wearing a pink tutu. I get it. I know the first time I popped on a pink tutu, I felt a little nervous. But, darlings, just remember, you only need one tutu to change the world – yours. You’re never going to truly love ballet unless you give it a shot, so get out there and spin your way to happiness!
And now, my loves, it's time for me to settle into a comfy corner of the carriage and let my imagination dance to the gentle rhythm of the train tracks. Until next time, keep it pink, keep it twirly, and remember… life's a ballet.
