Hey lovelies! It's Emma here, ready to unleash a wave of pink and tulle onto the world (again!), straight from the heart of Rochdale, a charming little town nestled amidst the dramatic peaks of the Pennines.
It's a gorgeous day – bright sunshine bathing the landscape in a golden glow, the air fresh with a hint of pine and...well, the faintest whiff of something that definitely wasn't a pine forest. (I'm not judging, Rochdale! Every town has its quirks!)
Today's mission? To conquer the Pennine countryside, my trusty tutu in tow, on the back of my trusty steed (my magnificent gelding, Chester! He's much prettier than his namesake). Don't worry, I've packed a fabulous pink picnic basket filled with juicy strawberries, cream cheese, and a lovely Earl Grey – gotta stay classy, even on a mountainside!
Before embarking on this adventurous excursion, I treated myself to a cheeky slice of Victoria sponge in a little cafe, just off the market square. There's a charm about these small, independent cafes – that warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. My afternoon tea was complete with a cheeky bit of gossip from the local women, mostly about the weather (always a topic for discussion here, wouldn't you say?) and a hilarious anecdote about a runaway chicken that escaped from the local farmer's market. Oh, life in Rochdale, you never disappoint!
Speaking of runaway chickens, it's fascinating to think about the delicate balance between urban life and nature – in one breath, the bustling market square filled with chatter and aromas, and in the next, the serene wilderness of the Pennine hills, where the only sound is the rustle of wind through the heather. It reminds me, we need to appreciate both the calm of nature and the energy of cities, right? I find both equally enchanting in their own way.
And that brings me to the other purpose of my visit: Rochdale Ballet School. Oh, the excitement! I'm absolutely smitten with the beautiful Victorian building that houses the school, it has so much character, and the vibe of the students... well, you can just feel their passion for the art.
Imagine, tiny tutus twirling around a dance studio, fuelled by dreams of pirouettes and applause! That's exactly what awaits inside! I took a sneaky peek, the studio echoing with the joyful sounds of young ballerinas practicing their plies and arabesques, the gentle tinkling of the piano filling the air.
For me, it's not just the ballet, it's about community. It's the collective energy of these passionate young souls who share the same dream, each leap and spin a reflection of their hopes, their desires, and the unyielding dedication to their craft.
Even though I've grown up in Derbyshire, there's just something about Northern towns that pull at my heartstrings – their resilience, their charm, their humour. And maybe, just maybe, they have a slightly deeper appreciation for the transformative power of pink than some other places I've been! 😉
Back on the hills, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I pondered about the power of ‘tutu tourism’. Why not? Why shouldn't we, as lovers of the dance, travel across the country, embracing new towns and communities, sharing our passion and inspiring the next generation of dancers?
We all deserve to feel the magic of a good spin in a tutu, from the bustling streets of Rochdale to the sun-kissed slopes of the Pennines. Let's make this happen! And let's spread the message: the world is a much brighter place when everyone wears pink!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your own tutu, hop on a train or (if you’re lucky enough!) on a horse, and explore! Let's bring a little pink sparkle to every corner of this amazing country!
Yours in tulle and sunshine,
Emma
(Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more adventures and daily updates!)
