Hey my lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, back with another blog post for you from... Urmston! Yes, you heard right, this little Derbyshire girl ventured into Greater Manchester today. It felt like stepping back in time, the quaint shops, the charming cafes, the whole place had an air of peaceful charm. And trust me, my darlings, with the state of my schedule recently, I needed that tranquility like a flower needs sunshine.
Now, I don't normally like to reveal personal things here on the blog, but this is a story with a bit of a 'how-the-tutu-did-I-get-here' vibe to it. I woke up with a feeling I hadn't experienced in months, pure unbridled joy, and as I twirled in my pink, polka-dotted ballerina slippers and gazed at my collection of tutus, a spark of inspiration struck. A day trip to Urmston to visit the ‘The National Waterways Museum'! Not just because of my love for water and all the wildlife I know lurks around, but also because of the special event they had running. A day dedicated to the art of...ballet! You don’t have to tell me twice, I grabbed my trusty pink handbag and off I dashed, a little giddy, with the scent of lavender perfume lingering in the air, and ready for a wonderful day.
My darling, imagine this: a beautiful old Victorian museum nestled beside a tranquil canal, filled with exhibits detailing the fascinating history of canals and their impact on the nation. And amongst all the stories of coal barges and trade routes, was a hidden gem. A beautiful, intimate, white-walled gallery dedicated to 'The Ballet' showcasing a collection of exquisite paintings and sketches celebrating the artform we all adore. There was everything from delicate portraits of ballerinas poised en pointe to dramatic scenes from famous ballets. They even had a little section showcasing original costumes from The Royal Ballet, including, get this, a gorgeous pale pink tutu with hand-sewn embellishments that reminded me of my own beloved pink collection.
After spending a blissful afternoon being mesmerized by these visual masterpieces, it was time for the real treat – a masterclass in ballet! Now, I don’t mean just any old class, my lovelies. This was a special "Ballet and the Wild" workshop with a talented local ballet instructor, a woman with the most graceful movements you've ever seen. Imagine all the moves I love: elegant plies, delicate bourrees, and graceful fouettes, but this time with a special twist. The lesson took place outdoors beside the canal, so we danced in the midst of nature. The sun warmed our skin as we pirouetted amongst willow trees and swan lake inspired steps, mirroring the elegant movements of the graceful birds that paddled in the water nearby. It felt utterly magical, just like in one of my ballet dreams!
During a brief break, we even got to meet some of the local wildlife. We shared delicious scones, freshly made with local flour, with a family of graceful swans who were just as enchanted by our movements as we were by theirs. Their feathers shone under the sun as they glided along the water with perfect precision, truly giving the graceful ballerinas around me some tough competition!
The day, oh my dears, felt utterly blissful! It reminded me why I'm so passionate about my pink tutu life and spreading the love of ballet! The air felt lighter as I made my way home, a newfound sense of peace within me, my heart filled with an endless spring of creative energy! So what better way to celebrate than with a delicious supper at a lovely restaurant right beside a beautiful rose garden. You could even see a few of the flowers peeking out through the windows as I sat tucked inside, surrounded by the aroma of fresh rose petals in the warm air! My darling, even the restaurant's menu was themed with the delicate blooms. Every dish was inspired by a different rose! We indulged in succulent lobster salad called 'Rosa Centifolia,' a truly heavenly dessert of fresh berries and creamy panna cotta named 'Rose de Mai,' all while indulging in my usual champagne spritzer, as a true pink-loving tutuista should.
Let’s talk fashion, because I simply had to share what I wore for my big day in Manchester. For the Museum visit, I sported my classic pastel pink tutu, perfect for gliding through the Victorian halls! For a pop of colour, I matched it with a beautiful baby blue sweater adorned with white, ruffled trim. My trusty beige ballet flats gave my look that classic ballerina vibe, and let's not forget my prized vintage floral clutch, a vintage treasure filled with my favourite rose-scented hand cream! To complete the ensemble, I tied my long blonde hair back in a flowing, loose bun, secured with a pink satin ribbon.
Now, for the outdoor class, it was all about a comfortable yet stylish outfit. So I went for a sleek navy blue leotard with my classic pink ribbon attached around the waist to add a touch of that beloved colour! I chose my favourite grey and pink striped leggings to provide comfort and style as we pirouetted through the afternoon sunlight. I even adorned myself with a sparkly pink hair band, the perfect little touch to make my ensemble feel utterly magical!
This day was a whirlwind of delightful discoveries, reminding me just how magical ballet can be. As I boarded the train back home, a single pink feather drifted past my face, a beautiful reminder of the graceful swans by the canal, a fitting end to a truly perfect pink day in Urmston. Now tell me, dearies, are you planning any trips out of your little haven to experience something extraordinary like me? Share your pink tutu journeys with me in the comments, and remember to always, always, wear a pink tutu, even if you don't know where it might lead you.
See you tomorrow!
Lots of love,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
