Hello my lovely pink-tutu peeps! It’s your girl, Emma, back with another blog post hot off the presses. Today, we’re taking a little trip to my beloved Derbyshire, specifically the lovely city of Derby, to take in some culture, embrace a bit of ballet history, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a local robin or two (pink tutu not included for wildlife viewing, although, a bird with pink plumage would be fabulous!).
For those of you who haven't joined me in the magical world of pink tutus, allow me to introduce myself! I'm Emma, a proud Derbyshire lass who's smitten with ballet, pink (obvs!), and all things lovely and twirly. I love exploring the world, especially when I can do it by train or even better, on horseback, wearing, of course, my favourite tutus.
Today's outfit was a vision in dreamy cyan. Think azure skies meets delicate lace. The soft colour pops against my deep auburn hair and really makes my blue eyes sparkle. You see, darling, it's all about finding the perfect colour combination to flatter your unique features. Trust me, you can pull off ANY colour in a tutu with a little bit of confidence and the right undergarments!
So, here's the thing – Derby has been on my bucket list for ages. It’s a city brimming with ballet heritage, having produced some of the most brilliant ballerinas in history, and the iconic Derby Theatre is just begging for a tutu-clad visitor, don’t you think? It was the perfect excuse for me to take a delightful train journey, something I always relish, because, honestly, is there a better way to travel than nestled in a comfortable compartment, looking out at the world roll by? The rhythm of the train tracks is the perfect accompaniment to my playlist of ballet classics. You know, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, maybe a touch of Stravinsky for a bit of contemporary flavour.
Reaching Derby station was an absolute delight. It’s like a portal into the past – beautiful architecture, intricate details, and a sense of history hanging in the air. The city is a real gem – lots of gorgeous independent boutiques selling unique treasures and some really interesting vintage shops. Of course, I had to find a spot for afternoon tea (it’s a must, darling, whenever I’m travelling!). My choice? A cosy café near the Theatre with gorgeous rose-patterned china and tea served with the finest of finger sandwiches. The ultimate indulgence, if you ask me!
Speaking of the Derby Theatre, it's a truly iconic venue. They’ve been putting on spectacular performances for years and just last year hosted a spectacular production of “The Nutcracker”. It’s truly a dream venue – warm, inviting, and filled with the magic of theatre. It’s even got the original stage curtain from 1940. Talk about history! They have such a diverse range of performances from traditional ballet to contemporary pieces, even modern dance, street theatre, and some truly fabulous music shows! This year, they're holding a festival focusing on up and coming ballerinas. I can’t wait to go back and check it out – perhaps I can snag a spot for my own ballet performance later this year, maybe I’ll do a one-woman ballet show! Imagine, a pink-tutu fuelled journey of joy and grace, all within the historic walls of the Derby Theatre!
And talking about history… who doesn't love a good trip to a museum, especially one with such beautiful architecture like the Derby Museum and Art Gallery? This one is all about the history of the city, from the Romans to the Industrial Revolution, complete with Roman relics, Victorian memorabilia, and the stunning Derby porcelain. The intricate detail and craftsmanship left me speechless – I could spend days exploring the different collections. They’ve even got some brilliant Victorian photographs – imagine the sheer elegance of their gowns! Makes me wish for a pink tutu that's time-travel-worthy, don’t you think?
But Derby's allure goes beyond buildings and museums – there’s an undeniable sense of life and beauty throughout the city, just waiting to be discovered. You can find hidden gems on nearly every corner, and every street is a picture perfect post card waiting to be discovered. Oh, and speaking of picture perfect – there’s nothing I love more than strolling around and discovering quirky boutiques and vintage shops full of unique pieces to add to my tutu-inspired wardrobe. And believe me, I found some hidden gems in Derby! I scored a pair of dazzlingly iridescent pink opera gloves – perfect for an evening at the ballet – and an exquisite silk scarf with delicate floral patterns.
My afternoon was rounded off with a lovely walk through Derby Arboretum. It's such a tranquil spot, filled with mature trees, serene paths, and plenty of wildlife to spot. Even though my eyes are on the lookout for a fluffy pink bird, alas, the robin I saw was disappointingly red, but still adorable. But even a walk in a tranquil garden filled with flowers bursting into their most brilliant colours was a treat. I did have a cheeky photo op by the pink blossoms, with my cyan tutu a striking contrast to the vibrant magenta. It was like a little piece of ballet paradise in the heart of Derbyshire.
You know what, my dear readers? This trip has really reinforced why I love Derbyshire so much – its history, its beauty, its warmth, its culture, and its quiet charm are unlike anything I've found elsewhere. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled trip full of culture, vintage shops, delicious afternoon tea and a beautiful Arboretum, you know where to head.
But I’m off, darlings. I have a feeling this isn’t my last Derby visit, not with all these ballet memories to explore! And trust me, you don't need to be a ballerina to enjoy Derby's allure. Come explore this beautiful city with me, you'll be delighted by its treasures!
Don’t forget, keep twirling and let your inner ballerina shine!
Yours truly, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
