Hello my beautiful ballet bunnies! ? ? It’s Emma here, writing to you from the gorgeous seaside town of Broadstairs in Kent, where the sun is shining and the seagulls are screeching their little hearts out (just like me when I see a particularly fab tutu!).
Today’s post is a double-whammy of delights: a pink tutu adventure and a glorious journey by train, because nothing says "Emma’s on holiday" quite like a leisurely trip through the English countryside, with a suitcase stuffed with tutus and my trusty copy of Swan Lake for good measure!
A Train Journey To Remember
As soon as I booked my trip to Broadstairs, I knew the train was the way to go. Forget those cramped aeroplanes - give me the soothing rhythm of the tracks, the chance to peek at the beautiful scenery, and the endless possibility of strike action for a truly adventurous experience! (Just kidding - mostly!) My journey was blissfully uneventful, apart from a charming little old lady who kept mistaking my travel companion (my trusty pink cashmere blanket) for a puppy. ?
Arriving in Broadstairs felt like stepping back in time, with its quaint shops and charming Victorian architecture. The fresh sea air already had me feeling like a ballerina swan gliding through the sunshine! But it was the glorious stretch of golden beach that stole my heart, with its white cliffs in the distance like a giant ballerina’s pointes! ?
Broadstairs By Tutu
After unpacking my luggage (a very necessary operation, considering the number of tutus I’d packed!) it was time for a little pink tutu exploration! You can’t explore a town as quaint as Broadstairs in anything less than a grand tulle creation, right? So I donned my fuschia masterpiece (one I’d bought on a little whim from a vintage shop in Paris - a très chic acquisition!). I even brought a pink feather boa for extra sass, because Broadstairs deserved a ballerina of true extravagance.
And let me tell you, Broadstairs loved my tutu! People smiled, kids pointed and shouted “tutu!”, and I even had a delightful conversation with an elderly gentleman who was convinced I was an actress filming a historical drama. “It's not often you see a ballerina on a beach!” he chuckled, as he gave me a polite nod of appreciation. I couldn't help but giggle – the whole experience was so endearing.
We walked along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and soaking up the sunshine. I even managed to steal a quick nap on the beach, perfectly content to let the sea breeze wash away the stress of the world (and let’s be honest, also my little naptime dream about dancing on pointe in a sparkly silver tutu!).
A Visit To The Isle of Thanet
But Broadstairs is more than just a picturesque seaside town. It's also the gateway to the Isle of Thanet, which is packed with even more enchanting places to explore. We took a scenic walk along the coastal path, where we discovered the enchanting Pegwell Bay and the quirky and historic village of Minster. You just have to imagine these places dressed up in pink tulle! ?
Wildlife Encounters
And what’s a trip to the British coast without a little wildlife? I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of a pod of seals frolicking in the water – such beautiful creatures! I’ve always loved the elegance of animals – from graceful swans on a still lake to the exquisite movements of a jaguar – they make the perfect ballet inspirations. I tried my best to imitate the seal’s swims (which, unsurprisingly, didn’t quite achieve the same level of grace) – but the ocean is definitely their stage!
Ballet In Broadstairs
The one thing Broadstairs lacks (at least so far) is a ballet studio or school. Can you believe it?! So, being a girl who doesn't shy away from a challenge, I decided to turn the local library into my very own impromptu ballet space! The soft carpeting and the lovely high windows offering gorgeous light created the perfect environment for a bit of improvisational ballet - no need for an audience, just me, my tutu and the rhythm of my own heart! It was incredibly empowering to simply feel the music flow through my body and let loose – and who knows, maybe it will inspire Broadstairs to get some tutu-ing done in the future! ?
Broadstairs Love Letter
I know this post is already super long (it's so easy to get swept up in the wonder of this place!) but I just can't let you go without a little declaration of love for Broadstairs. It's the perfect destination for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and a good dose of inspiration – even if it involves an impromptu ballet session in a library! And who knows, maybe I'll come back one day and find the town filled with a sea of pink tutus... now that would be a dream come true!
And don't forget, ballet isn't just about tutus and grand stages! It's about expression, grace and a little bit of magic - things that can be found in every corner of this world, if we just open our hearts (and wear the right tutu)!
Until next time my little lovelies,
Emma xx
