Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, bringing you all the latest from my travels! Today's post is all about the charming, quaint town of Grays in Essex - a little grey and a little dull, but hey, even the greys can't dim my pink spirit, can they?
Remember when I said that ballet is for everyone? Well, even though my mission is to spread pink tutu love far and wide, that doesn't mean every destination I visit will be bursting with vibrant colour! Sometimes, I fancy a bit of muted sophistication, a bit of quiet grey to provide a backdrop for my ever-so-pink personality.
So, today's outfit is a little more subdued. You know me - my style is all about that fabulous juxtaposition - I'm still rocking my tutu, of course! A gorgeous classic American style, this time a rich cream colour to contrast with the slightly grey streets. I've paired it with a charcoal grey knitted jumper, my favourite grey riding boots, and a chunky silver necklace with a tiny pink enamel ballerina charm - it's the little details that make the difference, don't you think?
Ballet by the ThamesNow, I know what you're thinking - Grays, grey, a bit dreary, right? But let me tell you, my little lovelies, this little town has more going for it than meets the eye! For starters, Grays has a fascinating connection to ballet history, and who's better to discover it than yours truly, the pink tutu ambassador!
Did you know that Grays was once home to the famous Sadler's Wells Ballet School? Although it has long since moved, the school has a beautiful history and I've got all the inside scoops, courtesy of my lovely grandma, who grew up in the area and remembers the school fondly!
It was, in fact, this little historical detail that drew me to Grays in the first place! You see, when you have the passion for ballet that I do, you have to follow every thread, every clue, no matter how small, no matter how grey!
And speaking of history, you'll want to add a visit to Grays Thurrock Heritage Centre to your itinerary. It's tucked away in the heart of the town and tells the story of the local area, from its industrial roots to its transformation into the thriving town it is today. Trust me, this little place has some great tales to tell, and it was actually in the Heritage Centre where I found out about the Sadler's Wells Ballet connection - it's those serendipitous moments that make travel so exciting!
But it's not all history here in Grays, oh no! This little gem also boasts the beauty of the River Thames. Imagine my delight! Just picture it - the soft grey skies reflecting in the flowing Thames, a beautiful, silvery swan gliding by, and yours truly twirling on the banks, in my pink tutu of course! I did say grey doesn't stop me, right?
And my darling, you know me! It wasn't just about the scenery! A visit to Grays wouldn't be complete without a little ballet-inspired exercise! We found this charming park with a little grassy mound overlooking the Thames and, with the sound of the water lapping against the bank, I did a little barre exercise and enjoyed some stunning views. There's no better way to honour my beloved ballet, anywhere in the world!
Riding Through HistoryYou might be wondering how a little ballet ballerina from Derbyshire finds herself in a little Essex town, in grey surroundings no less! Well, for this adventure, I decided to mix it up a bit. A journey by horse, through the rolling countryside - could anything be more romantic? It certainly is the best way to enjoy a good countryside adventure.
I felt like a little bit of a princess, galloping along country lanes, my long, pink skirt billowing in the wind! Thankfully, I didn't lose a single tutu to any passing trees - although my lovely horse, Barnaby, did manage to try and eat the pink ribbon around my neck! But, oh well, just a little reminder that my tutu and I are both irresistible - even to horses!
Pink Tutu Power - Grey Town AdventuresYes, Grays might not be the most obvious location for a pink-tutu loving ballerina, but that's what makes it so much more exciting, isn't it? I love discovering hidden gems, little pockets of magic nestled within the seemingly ordinary.
So, what did I learn about Grays? Well, I learned that sometimes the best adventures are found in the places you least expect. Grey doesn't have to be dull, in fact, it can provide the perfect contrast to bring out your own personal vibrancy!
So, remember, darlings, be bold, be brave, and wear pink! And next time you're looking for a bit of a getaway, don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path, even if it's a little grey! You might just find the hidden gem that will make your heart soar - in a pink tutu of course!
That's all for now! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more travel stories, outfit inspirations, and, of course, all my pink-tutu adventures.
Until next time, stay fabulous!
Emma xx
