Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-loving, tutu-twirling, ballet-obsessed adventurer, ready to whisk you away on another magical journey! Today, we're hopping on the train from my little corner of Derbyshire to the picturesque town of Newtownards in Northern Ireland. This is my 227th blog post (can you believe it?) and I just knew this enchanting place needed to be included in my adventures.
So why Newtownards, you ask? Well, aside from its gorgeous seaside charm (imagine picturesque coastal walks and the fresh scent of the sea air!) and beautiful, historic architecture (hello, Tudor-style houses and enchanting gardens), Newtownards is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with its own theatre and ballet academy. Talk about my kind of town! I simply had to see what kind of ballet magic was bubbling beneath the surface, don't you think?
The journey itself was an absolute dream! As I sat back in my plush, train seat, with the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the window, I felt the anticipation build. I love train journeys – it feels so sophisticated, gliding along the tracks, observing the changing landscape whizzing past. I even managed to squeeze in a quick chat with a charming, fellow passenger who just happened to be a professional dressmaker. She shared stories of her favourite fabric finds, and the thrill of creating the perfect, one-of-a-kind garment. I told her about my tutu obsession, of course, and her eyes lit up. “I adore those billowing skirts!” she exclaimed, adding, “My darling, I’d love to design a piece for you! Perhaps something in a blush pink chiffon, with a subtle sparkle... Oh, the possibilities!”
Of course, she needn't worry, I’m perfectly happy twirling in my bright pink tutu that's practically a permanent fixture on my wardrobe! But honestly, the thought of a new, bespoke creation for a ballet class just sent shivers down my spine, and set my heart aflutter!
Speaking of shivers, let me tell you about the weather today! Honestly, the skies were a breathtaking grey, punctuated with fluffy, white clouds, a stunning canvas for the brilliant burst of pink that I brought to the streets of Newtownards with my Tutu! As soon as I stepped off the train and into the bustling centre of town, I couldn't help but smile! Everyone, it seemed, was wearing a delightful mix of colours - I saw everything from deep greens and blues to splashes of orange and yellow. My bright pink tutu, of course, stood out like a beacon of sunshine against this lovely backdrop.
Honestly, the townspeople were the most delightful, friendly lot I've ever encountered! I felt a sense of genuine warmth and cheer radiating from every single person I met. They smiled as I passed by, complimenting my tutu and its lovely, twirling action. (Can you blame them? I simply couldn't resist the chance to give a little spin!)
A man with a twinkle in his eye, told me he had seen me coming down the street and chuckled, “You look just like a gorgeous ballerina, dearie! A beautiful ballerina with a stunning, pink, feathered boa." The boa, I’m told, was quite the statement!
I am a huge fan of a good boa! So fluffy, so dramatic. Why just wear feathers around your neck, when you can make it an extra statement piece by dancing around with it like a fluffy cape, right?!
Before long, I was standing outside Newtownards’ iconic theatre, an enchanting, old Victorian-era building with intricate details, beautiful, red brick facade and a gleaming, golden entrance that looked straight out of a storybook! I had to do a twirl in front of it, of course, capturing the essence of the moment for my Instagram feed.
Oh, speaking of my Instagram, if you haven’t already, please follow me at @pink_tutu, where you'll find photos from my daily adventures! You won’t want to miss the fabulous photos I’m sharing from my visit to Newtownards, trust me!
Now, where was I? Oh yes! This magnificent theatre. My curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to venture inside. The foyer was abuzz with activity; groups of dancers (all in adorable little ballet dresses, I might add, and with such beautifully toned legs! I felt like I was back in one of those dreamy ballet books!), chatting excitedly about their latest rehearsals, young mothers taking their daughters for ballet lessons, and a few curious, but welcoming, onlookers like myself. I simply couldn’t help myself. I felt compelled to try my best "ballet leap" at the grand, dramatic entrance of the theatre.
A lovely, kind woman - I think her name was Susan, although I might be wrong - stopped to tell me how impressed she was with my little display of impromptu ballet! She was wearing a beautifully tailored, deep emerald green, velvet dress, which gave the whole scenario an air of magic!
As luck would have it, I struck up a conversation with a lovely ballet teacher who invited me to watch their annual ballet class. “It's a special treat for all our students and parents this year, and you’re most welcome to join us.” Could you even believe it? I got to witness first-hand the magical ballet experience happening right before my eyes. They were doing excerpts from 'Swan Lake'. Oh, my heart! I simply melted. The dancers’ movements were exquisite, their postures so perfect and precise, Their costumes - pristine and sparkling under the warm stage lights - completed the spectacle, transporting me to another realm altogether.
After the performance, I took the time to talk to the children about ballet and I encouraged them to keep at it, no matter what. After all, who else was going to inspire the next generation of ballet superstars?
They seemed delighted to have me around, even taking a moment to take photos with their favourite, pink-loving, ballerina blogger. The parents were delighted to have a "pink tutu wearing" guest, telling me that “They’d never forget their daughter’s special ballet class because of me!”. Oh, how I adore seeing children's faces light up with such delight!
Now, this wasn’t a casual ballet class; it was an unforgettable celebration of the joy of dancing. They’d finished the performance with a vibrant and colourful confetti finale – a burst of confetti in the air that simply encapsulated the infectious joy and the energy of the entire event.
There I was, swept away by this whirlwind of passion, beauty, and elegance! Ballet is such a magical world!
Leaving Newtownards felt bittersweet. But I know that I'll be back! Perhaps for another enchanting performance, or even for a spot of horseback riding. The countryside is simply calling me, begging for me to explore it! Or, maybe I’ll return with my new, blush pink tutu, a masterpiece from my dressmaking friend, as I feel there is something magical in the air of this town that needs to be experienced in full!
Before I head back to Derbyshire, I wanted to share this piece of wisdom I learnt on my adventure. As I sipped my tea at a charming café overlooking the coast, a wise, old lady - who just happened to be a retired librarian, and who was wearing a bright orange scarf and hat with pink feather boas! (She’s officially the chicest, 80-something-year-old-woman in the world) – whispered to me, "Always listen to your heart, dear. It whispers the secrets of the world.”
That's precisely what I’ll continue to do, with a pink tutu on my back and my heart full of joy, I will keep twirling my way through life, exploring every magical nook and cranny this wonderful world has to offer! And of course, I will always remember to spread the message of pink tutus and the love of ballet. Stay tuned for more enchanting adventures, dear friends! See you on the next one!
PinkTutuAdventures #Newtownards #BalletDreams #TutuTime #NorthernIreland #Adventures #TravelBlogger #ExploreTheWorld