Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, coming to you live from sunny (well, let's just say not pouring rain) Hanwell!
I'm already a week into my grand London adventure and, my goodness, it's been a whirlwind! It all started with a rather delightful train journey - can you imagine, I actually got a carriage to myself?! I mean, talk about a fairytale. The swaying rhythm of the train was practically like a barre workout and I found myself doing some tiny pliés just for the heck of it. Let's just say I definitely turned heads - in a good way, obviously, with my bright pink tutu billowing in the breeze!
Anyway, arriving in Hanwell felt like stepping into a picture postcard. It's just the cutest little town, a world away from the bustle of central London. My adorable cottagey B&B is brimming with lavender and rose scent, with an incredible view of the Thames - perfect for my morning stretching routine. I think it's important to keep up your training even when on the go, right?
Speaking of training, I took my first Hanwell ballet class last night! The studio is such a gem - quaint and cozy, filled with the magical scent of floor polish and...let's be honest, a good dose of ballet powder. You wouldn't believe the talent here! It turns out, Hanwell is practically a ballet hot spot, with incredible dancers from all walks of life. Even some little girls, about five or six, were doing their very best to arabesque - absolute cuties!
For the class, I chose to wear my latest love - a vibrant cyan tutu! I know, I know, I'm a pink tutu girl at heart, but every now and then you gotta switch it up. And this particular tutu, with its twirling layers of chiffon and the sparkling gems scattered throughout - it simply demanded a night on the stage! Honestly, every twirl I took was a symphony of graceful, glittering delight.
But it's not all about ballet, lovelies! Hanwell's got its fair share of charm. The bustling market was a delightful sensory experience, the stalls overflowing with everything from juicy strawberries to beautifully crafted jewellery. I just couldn't resist the temptation of a delicate hand-painted porcelain ballerina figurine. Now, she'll have pride of place on my mantelpiece at home in Derbyshire - a permanent reminder of my lovely Hanwell adventure!
And did I tell you about the amazing wildlife? Yesterday, I spotted a whole family of swans frolicking on the river! You have no idea how excited I was! You'll have to admit, there's something truly majestic about a swan gliding on the water - it's just about the most graceful creature, apart from, you know, a ballerina, of course! 😉
Of course, no visit to Hanwell would be complete without indulging in the local delicacies. Yesterday I sampled a traditional afternoon tea - imagine, cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and dainty little cakes, all served with a generous pot of fragrant Earl Grey tea. Absolutely delightful!
As much as I'd love to soak up the atmosphere and explore the rest of this gorgeous little town, my schedule calls for me to venture to a performance at the beautiful Sadler's Wells theatre in London tonight. And trust me, this is going to be a truly magical event. I’m planning on a more classical look for this - something sophisticated yet with a touch of elegance – but definitely nothing without a tulle skirt, obviously. I can't wait to be surrounded by other passionate ballet enthusiasts, sharing our love of the art form and feeling the magic of the theatre.
I know what you're thinking: Emma, it seems like you’re always busy with ballet. And you’re right! It is such an important part of my life and it inspires so many things about me - my fashion, my travels, my attitude, even my way of seeing the world. It's that magic that makes it so important for me to share my journey with all of you. I believe that every single person has a ballerina inside them just waiting to be unleashed - a hidden love for movement and expression that just needs the right opportunity to shine through! So what are you waiting for? Let’s embrace that inner grace and go forth and twirl, darling!
Remember, if you have any tips for fun activities to do in Hanwell, do drop me a line on pink-tutu.com – I’m always looking for inspiration from my lovely readers. And as always, don't forget to wear your tutu, whether it’s a sparkling cyan one like mine, a classic pink tutu, or even a pair of sparkly tights - I want to see you all twirling and dancing through life!
Until next time, stay pink, stay bright, and keep twirling!
Love, Emma
