Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad travel companion, and guess what? Today I'm whisking you off on a magical journey to Burnley! I know what you're thinking – Burnley, of all places?! Well, let me tell you, darling, this industrial town in Lancashire holds a special place in my heart. And let's be honest, wouldn't a little dose of pink tutu sparkle be perfect to brighten up the day, even in a slightly grittier setting? 😉
It's been a long time since my last train journey (honestly, the only proper mode of travel for a true ballerina – and much more sustainable than flying!) But today was different. My dear friend and fellow tutu enthusiast, Amelia, was performing in a fantastic production at the Burnley Mechanics theatre, and I was determined to be there to cheer her on!
As I watched her glide across the stage in a swirling pink tulle dream of a costume (let's be real, even in a professional setting, I'll always appreciate a dash of pink), my heart filled with joy and pride. It wasn't just the dancing itself (Amelia's choreography was breathtaking!), but the pure joy that radiated from her face, the feeling of complete freedom and artistry. That's what makes ballet so special, darling – it transcends everything, allowing us to embrace our emotions and find beauty in every step.
Speaking of steps, you know I just had to take a stroll around the town afterwards. My ballet shoes were thankfully a little more street-friendly for the occasion (although, secretly, I was a bit tempted to throw on a tutu and dance my way around the market!). Despite Burnley's reputation for being somewhat industrial, I found some charming pockets of hidden beauty.
Let's just say, darling, there's no excuse for a dull day in Burnley when you have a pink tutu at the ready. Think Victorian architecture adorned with blushing pink blooms, quaint cafes that wouldn't be out of place in Notting Hill (minus the extravagant rent), and even a chance encounter with a majestic flock of swans gliding through the canal. The pinkness truly brought it all to life! I swear, there was a whole family that stopped me for a chat after I gave their little girl a little twirl lesson – a tiny dancer in the making! My work here is never done, you see...spreading the tutu love far and wide.
Speaking of spreading the love, you guys know I couldn't resist popping into a few vintage shops. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a delightfully retro pink sequined handbag – perfect for a night out at the ballet, don't you think? And I have a feeling it might even pair perfectly with a brand new pink tutu I've got my eye on, the moment my suitcase arrived in my hotel room, I just had to snap a photo. Let me tell you, the fluffy layers of tulle were begging for some dramatic twirls and that glorious pink just bounced around the room, how could you possibly resist? I can just see it now: I'll look fabulous, my handbag will shimmer, my tutu will twirl, and the music will sweep me off my feet.
But before we move on to the night's grand finale, let's have a quick tea break! It's hard to do all this travelling and tutuing without a good dose of English tea! Speaking of, I managed to find a delightful little cafe that served a cuppa worthy of royalty – which reminded me: I simply must make it to Burnley Castle the next time I'm in the area!
Anyway, back to the evening! Amelia’s performance was stunning. I know we're talking about ballet, so of course there was beauty and grace galore, but there was something about the emotion, the passion, the stories that she brought to life, that truly captivated me. And did I mention how incredible she looked in her sparkly pink costume? It was practically shimmering under the stage lights! Honestly, it just felt like pure magic.
Now, it’s late, and I’m back in my hotel room, finally relaxed after a day of wonder. It feels like a lifetime ago that I left the cosy comfort of my Derbyshire home (where the wildlife is just as breathtaking as anything you could see in the city, but in a quieter, wilder sort of way). I'm already starting to crave a little country life and the quiet calm of my favourite meadow, but it’s just a hop, skip, and a tutu twirl away.
But hey, that’s the joy of being a ballet-obsessed blogger with a penchant for pink tutus – it’s all about the journey. And even if it takes me through the bustling streets of Burnley or the wild countryside of Derbyshire, it's a journey I'll happily embrace with a pink-tinted smile, and a pair of sparkly ballet shoes ready for whatever the road may bring.
So, darling, if you see a vision in pink tutus whirling past your local park, it might just be me. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you'll even get a chance to join me for a twirl or two!
Until next time!
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
