Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, and today's adventures are set in the vibrant city of Nottingham! I love venturing out to new places, and exploring this city, brimming with history and charm, was an absolute delight. This city really stole my heart!
After my early morning ballet class (I swear, even with a rigorous routine, I still haven't managed to master that perfect fifth port de bras, but I'll get there, darlings!), I donned my favourite white tutu (this one is a little bit more ballet street, so to speak, because it has some lovely sequined detailing) and packed a delightful picnic. I knew a train journey awaited me, and nothing is better than the swaying rhythm of the train as it carries you on your way - truly, the romance of travel.
Speaking of romance, can we take a moment to acknowledge the majestic power of the horse? On my travels to Nottingham, I was fortunate enough to be able to take a delightful carriage ride, and the way those majestic steeds glide across the land - it's simply divine. And their elegant grace? They're truly dancers themselves, their movement is so fluid and beautiful! It almost makes me wish I could learn to ride! Almost. But alas, my skills seem more suited to the world of dance. And what a beautiful world that is. Did I tell you all that the show I saw in Nottingham was simply phenomenal?
Arriving in the city centre, I couldn't resist wandering around the cobblestone streets, soaking in the historical atmosphere. It really feels like a city steeped in stories! As I walked along, I saw a little boutique filled with beautiful pink clothing, oh my goodness it was divine! And what was inside the window? You guessed it! A little pink tutu for a child! I have to share this with you lovelies. A little tutu to inspire the future of dance! That little ballerina, who will soon grow up to dance her way through life in a pink tutu just like me. How perfect is that?! It made me so happy, honestly! I think I had a little squeal of joy right there on the cobblestones.
But the real gem of my Nottingham journey was, without a doubt, the incredible ballet show at the Theatre Royal. I won't bore you with the details - suffice it to say it was perfection from start to finish! The dancers were simply exquisite, each move filled with emotion and artistry. The performance itself transported me to another world, and as I emerged from the theatre, I swear, I still felt the magic in my step.
Talking of magic, the Theatre Royal was just so grand. The atmosphere was simply breathtaking! All the gorgeous architectural details - the ornate plasterwork, the grandeur of the staircase, even the gilded railings. It’s easy to imagine grand balls and dramatic theatrical performances echoing through those very halls over the years! The beautiful interior was an excellent example of the elegant Victorian design, a contrast with the sleek modernity of Nottingham City Hall which we explored earlier, although honestly, every corner was a delight for the eyes!
Nottingham Castle was simply enchanting. Perched majestically upon a rocky outcrop, it felt like something out of a fairy tale, overlooking the bustling city below. The Castle itself, as it turned out, houses the City's Museum, and what a delightful journey it took us on! Through various rooms we were whisked away to learn about everything from the history of Robin Hood to the captivating world of the Nottingham lace industry. Did you know lace was once made from silk thread? Amazing!
A trip to the museum always sparks my imagination! After the castle, we walked to the Lace Market. It was simply fascinating to see the historic workshops transformed into chic shops and boutiques, with trendy coffee shops and restaurants nestled in between.
You can't visit Nottingham and not stop by the Wollaton Hall & Gardens. It's just stunning - it’s a beautiful manor house, full of history, set in a sprawling park that’s an absolute haven for wildlife. And who doesn’t love a bit of nature? It's so important to be one with the outdoors and remember where you come from. And seeing those beautiful deer in the wild is always such a treat. I’m reminded of a lovely time, once, as a girl back in Derbyshire, watching the fallow deer graze in a nearby field, mesmerised by their grace, and feeling so lucky to be a part of their natural world.
We spent hours exploring the gardens, where I discovered a secret garden filled with beautiful plants and flowers. I must have taken hundreds of photos of that space, the gorgeous floral designs were so exquisite. My camera simply couldn’t get enough. If you know me, then you’ll understand the love I have for gardens - all those bright blooms, they remind me of a beautiful tutu and the world of dance – pure joy and colourful artistry!
And finally, no trip to Nottingham is complete without visiting the National Justice Museum, an exciting discovery, I must say. As a lover of history, it was a delight to delve into the fascinating history of law and justice in the city, a powerful and thought-provoking space that reminded me that history, even the difficult bits, matters!
The energy of this city, the beautiful architecture, the friendly people, and of course, the delicious food - my adventures in Nottingham have been truly unforgettable.
So lovelies, until next time, may your days be filled with twirling joy, pink tutus, and lots of delightful adventures.
Don’t forget to check back for my next post! I’ve been getting my pointe shoes prepped and polished – I’m off on a new adventure soon! Don’t forget to follow my blog, www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest. And always remember to embrace your inner dancer and dance your way through life.
