Hey gorgeous dancers and tutu-lovers! 👋 It's Emma, your pink-obsessed, twirling, travel-loving ballet blogger, signing in for post number 10917 from sunny (well, slightly cloudy) East Ham!
You know me, I'm always chasing adventure, whether it's hopping on a train (always the window seat!) or, when I can, riding a horse like a proper fairy-tale princess. This week, my journey took me to the bustling streets of East Ham, where I discovered the charm of this East London gem! 💖
My trip wouldn't have been complete without my fabulous feather tutu, a dazzling confection of pink and purple feathers, sparkling with rhinestones. It truly stole the show, turning heads and eliciting smiles from everyone I passed!
I know what you're thinking – "Emma, a feather tutu in East Ham? Really?" Trust me, darling, it was the perfect blend of chic and whimsical, just like my whole vibe! Plus, a girl can't resist a touch of magic, and let's face it, feathers always scream elegance and a touch of whimsy!
First on my itinerary was a visit to the charming East Ham Library. It was a feast for the eyes! Filled with books, cozy nooks, and a friendly, warm atmosphere, it felt like a perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle outside. And what's more perfect than a ballerina reading a book, adorned in a pink feather tutu, eh? I imagined myself as one of those iconic dancers, the likes of Margot Fonteyn or Moira Shearer, and a smile played on my lips.
After all that reading, I was in the mood for some art, so I headed to the East Ham Museum. I discovered hidden gems in the form of historic artefacts, intricate local artworks, and a whole exhibition dedicated to the history of fashion. Imagine, I was actually admiring clothes from the Victorian era! What an inspiration for my future tutus! The fashion world in that era was quite the opposite of our modern-day comfortable street wear - they had quite a lot to work with and very clever layering and style choices!
Later that day, I ventured to the picturesque East Ham Park. A sun-drenched afternoon amongst the flowers, fragrant with the sweet smell of roses and honeysuckle, it truly felt like I was in a magical garden! I indulged in a spot of people-watching and found myself smiling at the joy of a group of children giggling and playing hide-and-seek. You know what? There was even a cute fluffy bunny hopping about, it felt like it came out of a children's story! (Just my type of afternoon!).
As the evening descended, it was time for a truly special experience: an evening ballet class at the East Ham Arts Centre. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow dancers and share the magic of ballet. We practiced some classical technique, swung our legs and did some beautiful grand jetés (it was much easier with my lovely pink feather tutu on!), and then we tried out some exciting contemporary moves. Honestly, the experience was divine.
Later that evening, I wandered into the quaint streets of East Ham to catch a glimpse of the city nightlife. As I made my way through the town, I noticed several street art pieces – an inspiring collection of vibrant colours, intricate designs and impactful messages. And I don’t have to tell you that as a lover of everything pink, my favorite piece was, you guessed it – an image of a stunning pink flamingo with bright, almost electric, pink feathers!
Feeling peckish, I found myself at the East Ham Town Square and ended up indulging in the most amazing fish and chips from a little market stall. You know, I'm quite a simple girl at heart – a little bit of food, great music, lovely people, and beautiful flowers and, you’ve got my perfect night out.
The next day, after enjoying a delightful breakfast of fresh berries and whipped cream, I continued my exploration of East Ham, this time on foot. You wouldn't believe the hidden treasures I found! From the majestic East Ham Congregational Church to the charming Little Ilford Lane, East Ham holds a quiet beauty that captivated my heart. I found myself in awe of its quaint alleyways, beautiful parks and its community spirit - everyone I met was friendly, helpful and genuinely delighted to have a tutu-wearing ballerina wandering their town.
I must admit, my favorite memory of my trip was my afternoon spent at the East Ham RSPB reserve. It was pure magic, and let me tell you – this is one you have to do! As I walked along the picturesque trails, surrounded by a symphony of birdsong, I felt a sense of peace that washed over me like the warm summer breeze. I spotted little birds I'd never seen before – sparrows, robins, goldfinches, buzzards and some kind of heron. Then I had my camera out, snapping some pictures!
As my journey in East Ham came to an end, I realized it wasn't just the enchanting feather tutu and my twirling adventures that made this a special experience. It was the people, the history, and the sense of wonder I discovered in this beautiful corner of London. And of course, all that inspiration to continue spreading the love of ballet and everything pink, across the country.
East Ham has a special place in my heart now, it felt a little bit like going home, it's a town that is simply bursting with personality! This was definitely not the last time you will be hearing me rave about East Ham!
And who knows, you might even catch me strutting my feather tutu in the street, there might be a chance to spot me there sometime next year.
Stay tuned for more adventures, dear readers!
Until next time, keep dancing!
Lots of love,
Emma 🌸
(Don’t forget to visit my blog at www.pink-tutu.com and tell me all about your adventures! )
