#TutuBlog 2026-01-11 in Wickford with a pink tutu.

Hey lovelies,

It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, and I'm bursting with excitement because I'm on another adventure, and you know I love to share those with you all. This week's journey? Wickford! Yes, I know, I said Wickford. Maybe you're thinking, 'Emma, what’s so exciting about a small town like Wickford?’. Oh darling, let me tell you, I have a special reason!

Before I spill all the delicious details, let me just say that my arrival at the Wickford station was pure bliss. Nothing beats the sound of the steam engine chugging along, the clattering wheels, and the smell of coal and history - a journey on a steam train always takes me to another era! I grabbed a latte in the vintage-style cafe near the station and did some people-watching, it's the little details that make these little adventures so special, right?

So, what exactly is bringing me to Wickford, you ask? Well, imagine this: a whole weekend dedicated to the art of ballet! That’s right, I’m in Wickford for the annual “Wickford in Dance” festival. It's like the ultimate ballet-lovers paradise! You have workshops with legendary ballet dancers, stunning professional performances in the grand old Wickford Theatre, ballet classes galore, and even street dance performances in the town square. Talk about a treat for a girl like me!

Now, the truth is, this was meant to be a weekend for some serious ballerina bonding. I planned a trip with my bestie from ballet school, Amelia. She's as passionate about ballet as I am. But unfortunately, Amelia is down with a pesky virus. I was devastated, as you can imagine, but I wasn't about to let a little cold rain on my parade. So, here I am, solo traveller, taking on the Wickford challenge.

Did I mention the most fabulous thing about this festival? This year, there's a theme! "Pink Paradise". You guessed it - it’s a call to unleash your inner pink princess! Oh, darling, the sight of all those wonderful ladies wearing pink tutus was so glorious! We’re talking pink tulle tutus, feather boas, sparkling headbands, and pink satin shoes everywhere! And don't even get me started on the fabulous costumes. You could call it a bit of a "Tutu-licious" explosion!

Let's not forget my favourite part: The Tutu Walk! This morning, we had hundreds of participants decked out in their finest pink creations - and me in my custom-made sparkling, rose-gold tutu (I'm not letting any old tutu steal the show! ). We all walked in a line, a swirling, shimmering stream of pink through the centre of the town, drawing smiles and cheers from the onlookers. It’s like an actual fairy-tale brought to life! The energy was electrifying, and the atmosphere was bursting with pure joy and excitement! Let’s just say, the crowd was utterly captivated by our “Pink Paradise” parade!

Of course, what would a ballerina weekend be without some fabulous dance classes? I attended an early-morning contemporary ballet class - talk about waking up the muscles - and later a ballroom dance workshop which really took my breath away, all the elegance and poise is utterly mesmerising. Then, I'm heading off to watch a fantastic "Nutcracker" ballet production later on in the Wickford theatre. You guys know how much I adore The Nutcracker - the music, the costumes, the sheer magic of it all - just fills me with joy!

Speaking of joy, you won't believe the surprise I got! I received an invitation from The Wickford Wild-Life Park! It seems that they have a special affinity for ballerinas - I wonder why, I must admit? Turns out, there is a whole troupe of dancing ducks who have become internet sensations with their ballet moves! So, I’m off to the Wild-Life Park later today for a "waddle-along-with-the-ducks" ballet class - just imagine the fun!

Oh, before I forget! The festival organisers decided to launch a new 'Tutu for All' campaign! It’s their call to everyone to try on a pink tutu and get involved in the magical world of ballet! So, I’m proudly waving my pink tutu and encouraging everyone to take the plunge and give it a try. Let’s make ballet a global phenomenon together and spread the love and the joy of movement, music and, of course, Pink!

Now it’s time for me to get ready for a little tea and scones at a gorgeous tea shop called “The Little Tea Room”. Later on, it’s off to The Wild-Life Park, and then on to the ballet performance. I’ll be sharing all my thoughts on my “Pink Paradise” experience in the next blog post.

And don’t forget to leave your comments, tell me what you think! Do you have a favourite colour? Would you try on a pink tutu?

Stay fabulous, you pink-loving darlings! Catch you all tomorrow.

Emma xx