Hey darlings! It's Emma here, back with you from the sunny streets of Hindley. As a Derbyshire girl, you might think I'd have a local prejudice against travelling across the Pennines to this quaint little Lancashire town. Not a chance, my loves! I always say, the beauty of ballet (and of life itself) is that it knows no geographical boundaries. And when I heard about a truly fabulous ballet event taking place here, well, my pink tutu and I were practically hopping on a train quicker than a ballerina in pirouette!
I've been living for the last few weeks in this pink bubble of ballet bliss. I adore finding myself amidst a flurry of twirling tutus and delicate en pointes. Everywhere you look, you spot a passionate balletomane or a budding young prima ballerina in their own world. And believe me, when I say it’s absolutely infectious. It’s like the entire town has embraced the joy and grace of ballet with open arms!
This little corner of Lancashire might not be the usual haunt of a tutu-loving traveller like myself, but I'm here to tell you that there's an undeniable magic to Hindley's ballet scene. It’s that quintessential small-town charm where you bump into familiar faces everywhere you go – at the local bakery (hello, fresh croissants!), the charming little tea rooms that smell divine (they had the most adorable little rose teacup collection – practically a match for my own pink tea set!) – and even on the street. I must say, everyone is utterly delightful and welcoming, not to mention wonderfully encouraging when I strutted down the high street in my very own pink tulle creation (with just the right amount of sparkly pink tulle, obviously!)
There's nothing more heartwarming than watching young girls' eyes sparkle with pure joy as they get to witness the beauty and grace of real-life ballet professionals. I caught the show "Swan Lake" performed by the wonderful company, The Ballet Conservatory, last night at The Hindley Little Theatre. My goodness! It was like watching dreams take flight. It had everything: love, betrayal, exquisite music and some of the most stunning costumes and makeup I have ever seen – think feather boas, billowing skirts, and shimmering leotards. My favourite was definitely the "White Swan" sequence. It was such a contrast between the graceful white and the darker, passionate black – just like a beautifully nuanced choreography! Speaking of nuances, the performances were superb – every plié, every arabesque, and every pas de deux was utterly breathtaking. There wasn't a dry eye in the entire theater. I’ll confess, I let a little tear escape, too – it was pure magic!
But don’t get me wrong, ballet isn't all grand theaters and dazzling performances! It's about so much more than that – it's about strength, discipline, a sense of community, and sheer joy. I spent this morning in a gorgeous local ballet studio where the instructors were both passionate and patient, and the girls all seemed so happy and engaged, working tirelessly, their smiles just radiating their dedication. Seeing those girls reminded me of how truly vital it is for us to embrace the spirit of ballet from a young age. It fosters discipline, teaches perseverance, builds confidence, and inspires self-expression in a truly magical way. I saw little girls with pigtails who would have blown my 8-year-old mind! (That's my age when I first wore my first tutu - remember the story, guys?! You'll find it in Blog #215!). Just think, with some dedication and hard work, any little girl (or big girl, like yours truly, who never stopped dreaming) can become a prima ballerina, strutting her stuff on stage. Honestly, how inspiring is that?!
I know I say this in every blog, but it’s a sentiment I hold dear. It's never too late to embrace your inner ballerina. Why not join a class and channel your inner grace? There are so many studios and classes for every level – no prior experience necessary. But seriously, everyone should try ballet at least once. There's just something incredibly empowering about mastering the art of controlled movements and expressions. I find it so liberating. And who knows? Maybe you'll even discover a hidden talent and a newfound passion. The ballet bug bites hard, my darlings. It has my heart forever!
And speaking of the "bug," Hindley certainly is abounding with them! I spent the afternoon walking along the Hindley Branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, admiring the local flora and fauna – a whole menagerie of pretty butterflies, a beautiful little green lizard that perched on a sunny rock, and even a few grey squirrels enjoying some sun-soaked picnics on a nearby tree! There’s truly something captivating about witnessing the natural beauty of the great outdoors.
Of course, a trip to Hindley would be unthinkable without venturing into the quaint little shops. It seems everyone here embraces independent businesses! I simply adored discovering the lovely gift shops that offer handmade pottery, antique books, and locally sourced honey (honey and tutu's, the best combination!)! And no trip is ever complete without finding that special pink something, a must for a girl like me! I picked up the cutest little pink bow clip - it goes perfectly with my collection, don't you think? Oh, and let’s not forget a new pair of pink ballet shoes from the charming shoe shop in town. I can’t wait to break them in during ballet class tonight!
Now, this might sound a bit unorthodox to some of you. But there is a reason why I love getting around via train – a girl’s gotta do what she gotta do for a picture-perfect travel moment, my dears! The train journey through Derbyshire was simply breathtaking, and even more so when paired with a hot cup of tea, a selection of my favourite cookies and a good dose of music. As my usual travel companions, my iPod, my pink ballet bag (don't even think of trying to take this from me, darling), and my well-worn copy of “The Art of Dance” by Arthur Terry, are always there with me to keep my spirits up!
You know me, a love for wildlife is something I hold very dear, so of course, a trip to a nearby nature reserve was absolutely necessary. It allowed me to take a long stroll surrounded by lush green fields, watch all the gorgeous birds taking flight, and take pictures to remember my visit. If you’re ever looking to truly appreciate nature's beauty in its pure form, I would definitely recommend paying it a visit. It's simply enchanting.
So there you have it! Hindley, Lancashire. It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about ballet, but trust me, it’s truly a hidden gem. I recommend it wholeheartedly! From the inspiring ballet shows to the quaint tea rooms and the adorable gift shops, it’s a little corner of Lancashire with a lot of heart and a big dose of magical charm – it was absolutely the perfect weekend escape.
So what’s next for me, my dears? Well, tomorrow’s journey calls for a charming village in Norfolk with the most enchanting medieval market square you could imagine! If I am ever feeling uninspired or stressed, a stroll through its beautiful market, filled with fresh produce, unique antiques and handcrafted items always reminds me that the best things in life are simple yet powerful, just like a good pirouette, my dears!
Keep checking back on www.pink-tutu.com for more updates, photos and the occasional outfit inspiration (you’ve just got to see my pink ballet-themed travel outfit!)! Until next time, darlings, keep your spirits high and always wear your tutus with pride! 🩰💖
P.S Do share your favourite tutu stories in the comments below! I would love to hear about all your tutu experiences, adventures, and stories – from first time twirls to your biggest ballet goals.
