Hey loves! It's your favourite Derbyshire dancing queen, Emma, here! I'm officially back from my whirlwind trip to Upminster and let me tell you, it was utterly fab-tastic!
As many of you know, I'm a firm believer in venturing out beyond the studio. Getting inspired by life's unexpected corners is crucial to any artist's journey. And Upminster was just the place to do that, especially with the help of a very special Tutu, of course.
Now, some of you may think a pink tutu and a journey to the heart of Essex wouldn't mix. Well, consider yourselves proven wrong! It was the perfect mix of quintessential English countryside charm and… well… me, with my trusty pink tutu, always ready to brighten things up!
The Grand Upminster Arrival
I arrived at Upminster station feeling absolutely like I'd stepped out of a ballet scene - a grand, beautiful, Victorian station, adorned with ivy, standing proudly on a platform bathed in sunshine. I knew at that moment that the day was going to be filled with lovely surprises!
First things first: my train ride! Remember I'm not just a ballet dancer, I'm a serious train enthusiast. There's something so elegant, romantic, and nostalgic about travelling by train. And this trip, with a fellow tutu-loving friend, Hannah, beside me, was absolutely delightful. We laughed, chatted, and spun, you know, the usual ballet-girl antics, in our pink tutus. Heads turning, smiles everywhere, you know how it is! 😉
A Tutu in the Park
Our first stop: Upminster's picturesque King George's Playing Field. It was one of those perfect summer days, the kind where everything seems to sparkle, and I knew a photo op was mandatory. So, Hannah and I pranced around the park, posing by the colourful flowerbeds and even attempted a couple of twirls by the giant willow tree (totally channeling our inner ballerinas!). We felt like we'd just jumped out of a page from a children's fairytale - a scene filled with pink tutus, playful laughter, and joyful twirls!
Upminster’s Secret Wildlife
A real treat followed – Upminster's hidden gem: Upminster Nature Reserve. We were expecting meadows, some trees, but we didn’t realize this beautiful patch of green land housed such amazing wildlife. We were greeted by the cheerful chirping of birds, the quiet rustling of leaves, and even a cheeky squirrel who seemed just as impressed with my pink tutu as I was with him.
But here's the thing – my tutu really opened the door for some lovely conversations! Several visitors, initially caught by surprise by my outfit, were all smiles and happy to share their local knowledge about the wildlife. Turns out, the reserve has over 200 different species of bird – I swear, we saw at least ten during our wander!
Afternoon Tea Delights
A ballerina can’t stay healthy on park snacks and birdwatching alone, so naturally, the next stop was for a glorious afternoon tea at one of the cutest, quaintest little tea rooms called ‘The Teacup’s Nest’. Imagine pastel colours, antique furniture, and teacups adorned with dainty floral patterns – sheer heaven! The delicious sandwiches, delicate cakes, and freshly brewed tea were simply divine, a perfect treat after a long day of adventure!
A Tutu at The Players'
And last, but by no means least, we went to The Players' Theatre. A charming venue with a bright pink door and an atmosphere of artistic vibrancy! (They even complimented my tutu!) Seeing the performance by the local amateur dramatic society, full of talent and energy, was just the icing on the cake for our Upminster escapade. You know, ballet dancers are often performers ourselves, so I felt a great sense of connection watching their captivating stories unfold!
Why My Pink Tutu Travels With Me
This little Upminster adventure has reminded me why I’m so attached to my trusty pink tutu – it's more than just an outfit, it’s a symbol. It symbolizes joy, confidence, and the beauty of spreading that infectious happiness wherever I go. Plus, it sparks conversation, invites curiosity, and often breaks down any social barriers. After all, who can resist a little twirl in a pink tutu?!
Ballet for Everyone
And speaking of breaking down barriers… my biggest mission is to encourage everyone to experience the magic of ballet. It's for everyone! Just like our tutu-fied journey to Upminster, the joy of dance and artistic expression transcends any geographical boundary or social norm. So, go ahead, step outside your comfort zone and give it a try. Whether it’s joining a class, watching a show, or simply finding the courage to twirl in your own pink tutu (any colour works!), embrace the beauty of ballet!
Catch me next week, where I'll be exploring a brand new corner of the UK. Keep those pink tutu-inspired adventures coming!
Stay sparkly! Emma 💖🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
