Hello my lovely ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Northern Ireland, where the charm of the countryside and the bustle of the city played out like a graceful dance across my heart.
Oh, my darlings, the journey was magical! We took a train up, winding through picturesque countryside bathed in sunshine, a scene that made me feel like a princess on her way to a grand ball. The carriage was filled with chattering people, all so beautifully diverse, but with a shared love of adventure that radiated in the air. And then there was me, of course, in my bright pink tutu, turning heads and scattering smiles like confetti! 😄
Landing in Newtownards, I was greeted with the warmth of the Irish welcome, a comforting mix of genuine friendliness and genuine banter. We stayed at this delightful little hotel tucked away on a quiet side street, just a short stroll from the harbour. Imagine: cobblestone paths, quaint little shops overflowing with treasures, and the seagulls chattering away in the distance. Oh, how my heart felt like it was about to burst with happiness!
Now, before we get into the real ballet shenanigans, let's chat about a wee bit of wildlife that stole my heart! The day after our arrival, we went for a wander down the harbour to spot the seals. Can you believe it? Seals, right there in Northern Ireland, just hanging out in the sunshine. It was absolute bliss! The way they basked in the sun, all sleek and graceful, made me think of ballet dancers perfecting their sun salutations in the studio. (Come to think of it, that would make a perfect ballet piece! Hmmm, maybe one for the diary...)
Tutus & Tea
Of course, no trip to Newtownards would be complete without some ballet, right? A quick hop on the local bus brought us to a theatre just outside of town. The whole place hummed with the energy of pre-show anticipation, the audience practically bouncing in their seats. The stage was a work of art itself, draped in soft, shimmering fabric that made the room glow with a kind of magical light. The dancers took the stage and moved like poetry, their every gesture filled with such emotion and power, and all I could think was "oh, the humanity of it all!"
After the performance, I was absolutely brimming with inspiration. There's something about seeing such a masterful display of art and skill that simply takes your breath away. I've been working on my own choreography ever since, adding elements inspired by the choreography and energy I saw on stage. And oh, it's all going to be sprinkled with pink tutus, of course! 😉
That night, we headed back to the harbour for dinner. We found ourselves in this delightful little cafe, complete with outdoor seating where we enjoyed some lovely creamy potato soup and the most scrumptious scones ever. As we chatted about the show, we all agreed: a trip to Newtownards isn't just about the destination, it's about the journey itself. It's about taking time to appreciate the small things, the unexpected moments, the new experiences that make life such a wonderful dance!
Ballet-ing Around
Speaking of unexpected experiences, I must tell you about my "ballet in the park" escapade! Yes, I found this quaint little public garden in the middle of Newtownards, surrounded by beautiful rose bushes and chirping birds. As I put on my pink tutu, a few curious locals stopped to chat. You'd be amazed at the kind conversations you can spark with a tutu and a big smile! We ended up having a lovely conversation about the joy of dance, with a few children even attempting their best ballet poses. And as the afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in soft pastel hues, I felt such a deep connection to this charming little town.
This whole trip has filled my heart with so much joy. As I settle back in Derbyshire and reflect on the days gone by, I can't help but think that a touch of magic was in the air during my travels. And for that, my lovely ballet bunnies, I thank you for inspiring me to live life to the fullest, to always follow my passion for ballet, and to always, always embrace the power of a pink tutu!
Stay tuned for more travel adventures and of course, ballet musings.
Much love,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
