Post #561
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Blackburn! Now, I know what you're thinking: Blackburn? Really? But trust me, it was a truly delightful experience, especially for a tutu-loving girl like me.
As many of you know, I adore travelling, and whenever possible I try to explore our beautiful British isles by train. It's a way to soak in the scenery, maybe sneak in a little bit of reading, and of course, to people-watch and be inspired by the variety of styles.
This time, I chose the trusty Northern Rail line - a real adventure, with the dramatic Lancashire countryside whizzing past. Imagine, rolling green hills with a scattering of quaint cottages, topped off by the dramatic Pennine Range in the distance. So romantic!
And then, I arrived in Blackburn, a town with a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene, especially for ballet lovers like me. Now, I wouldn't normally wear a white tutu in Blackburn. (Honestly, who would?). It’s a tad too sophisticated for a town known for its hearty breakfasts and booming markets! But let’s face it, life is all about the unexpected and adding a touch of colour and whimsy to every moment, even in a town famous for its mills and industry.
So, I strutted down the street, my pristine white tutu a stark contrast to the grimy Victorian brick buildings. The look on people’s faces was priceless. Some did a double-take, some just stared in astonishment. I, on the other hand, was feeling fabulous, spreading my love for the graceful art of ballet one twirl at a time.
A Surprise Ballet Encounter!
The main reason I visited Blackburn was for the "Dancing in the Streets" event, organised by the local arts council. Imagine this, a community ballet class in the heart of town square. No fancy studios, no mirrored walls – just a beautiful, historic cobbled square, sunlight filtering through the branches of ancient trees.
It was glorious! Every age group, from toddlers to grandmas, were swaying, leaping, and pirouetteing to the rhythm of the music. I couldn't help myself – I joined in with the impromptu ballet class! There we were, a group of strangers bound by a love for ballet and a passion for life! We twirled and pirouetted in perfect unison under the watchful eyes of an expert teacher. I was mesmerized. The world, in that moment, felt absolutely perfect.
That evening, my journey took me to the stunning, gothic St Mary’s Church, where I witnessed a truly breathtaking performance by the "Blackburn Ballet Theatre". The beautiful venue was perfect for a show brimming with drama and emotions – every step, every pose a ballet masterpiece. And as they gracefully took their bows, I felt a warm, fuzzy feeling of pride for these talented artists. It felt magical!
Wildlife Interlude!
And while my primary mission was to explore the dance scene in Blackburn, a bit of wildlife spotting is a must for this passionate nature-lover. The nearby Ribblehead Viaduct is truly a spectacle, an amazing structure of steel and stone, built in the Victorian era. I had a perfect time watching majestic Peregrine falcons gliding gracefully through the air, an amazing sight against the backdrop of this iconic structure.
Sharing the Pink Tutu Magic
The journey back to Derbyshire felt incredibly peaceful, especially after a wonderful weekend full of exciting dance adventures and delightful nature discoveries.
Now, darling, I have to ask. Has Blackburn ignited a desire to try out ballet for you? Perhaps, inspired by this post, you'll wear a pink tutu out of your comfort zone? Remember, ballet is not just a fancy dance, it's an embodiment of joy, self-expression, and grace.
So go ahead, put on your tutu and start dancing! Even if it's just around your living room, with the sun streaming in. I can guarantee, you’ll feel fabulous and fabulous is my favourite!
Until next time, darling,
Emma x
