Hello lovelies! Emma here, writing to you from a gloriously sunny Liverpool!
It feels like ages since I've had a proper adventure, what with rehearsals for "Swan Lake" taking up all my time, so I decided a change of scenery was just the thing. After all, what's a ballerina without a little travel now and then?
Now, some people might say a trip to Liverpool is a bit of a chore, but I beg to differ! There's just something about that big, bold Liver Bird perched atop the city that makes my heart flutter with excitement.
And the journey? Well, it was all about the glam factor for this gal! I boarded the train from Derbyshire, feeling fabulous in my new "European Style" tutu. You know, the kind with all the flounces and layers, like a giant pink meringue! It made the train journey a total joy - a parade of smiles from fellow passengers! Itās definitely an experience that people don't forget. It really made me wish we had an open top carriage, then they could all have had the full effect. But thatās for another adventure.
After a pretty picture-perfect ride, we finally arrived at Lime Street Station - what a grand old dame! The moment I stepped out of the station and took in that magnificent, historic facade, I knew I was in for something special. The station itself is a bit of a monument and I felt very Victorian in my new, slightly decadent, tutu, just a few shades off pale pink!
Now, I wouldn't be a true "Pink Tutu" blogger if I didn't include some serious sightseeing, right? So I put my fancy foot forward and strolled straight into the heart of the city - a vibrant tapestry of historic architecture, bustling markets, and charming cobblestone streets. Everywhere I looked, something magical caught my eye, from the ornate buildings on Bold Street to the trendy independent shops around Sefton Park. And, of course, there was that impressive Liver Bird ā like a gigantic pink flamingo, ready to spread its wings over the city. They were quite obviously a source of inspiration to the designers of the new Royal Ballet pink tutus in "Swan Lake"!
And Liverpool's got such a fabulous street-art scene. I particularly loved a large mural on the side of an old building, depicting a young dancer all decked out in a dazzling pink tutu ā the colour, the detail, it just brought tears to my eyes. A fellow traveler mentioned that the local arts scene had exploded in recent years and was attracting many young artists. Just what Liverpool needed, fresh young energy.
Of course, no trip to Liverpool is complete without a trip to the world-famous Beatles Story exhibition, right? So naturally, I was there, paying homage to those incredible musicians. I mean, who wouldnāt? They are literally global legends! The exhibition really is an immersive journey into the Fab Fourās history ā it's filled with incredible memorabilia, including handwritten lyrics and old instruments. And I had to buy a replica of their vintage āFab Fourā hats, just to complete the experience! I wonder how they'd have reacted to a little ballerina wearing a pink tutu waltzing round the āBeatles Storyā?
Next, I had to satisfy my love for the theatre! So I caught a performance at the historic Royal Court Theatre. You might think thatās a bit theatrical for me, seeing as I'm a ballerina. However, the sheer majesty of that space - with all the rich dark colours, velvet and deep red carpet made the performance even more special.
Before long, it was time to hit up the famous Cavern Club - the birthplace of the Beatles! Of course, my new tutu caused quite a stir. There were quite a few shocked faces - some men weren't expecting to see so much tutu-fabulousness in a rock and roll club! However, all they needed to do was listen to my infectious giggle and feel the good vibes in my pink tutu and they just couldnāt resist dancing along. We all had a ball ā you know, like a real fairytale come to life! And who knows? Perhaps it was the āpink tutuā that helped the night be truly magical.
Now, hereās the thing. When you have a "pink tutu" to travel in, the world opens up like a storybook. After exploring Liverpool for a few days, it was time for something a bit more "pink tutuā appropriate, a gentle gallop around the countryside, a gentle canter in the English countryside ā just what the doctor ordered! I love the serenity of horses - the way they move with such elegance and grace, just like dancers. I rented a beautiful chestnut mare from a friendly stable owner outside of the city and we went on an incredible, breathtaking ride through rolling hills and peaceful meadows. The feeling of the wind on my face and the soft sound of hooves beating on the grass made me feel utterly free and at one with nature. I love that horses are naturally graceful and are also so full of character. My pink tutu may have looked a bit odd when I was mounted on horseback, but when you are surrounded by nature and surrounded by all the elements of the English countryside, it felt so free! I could feel my tutu swirling with each step my new best friend took - just as the skirts of the dance twirls in the final movement.
While I was enjoying a little canter, a fellow traveler who I met in a little tea room had suggested visiting Knowsley Safari Park. She said that the animals are kept in a naturally landscaped environment that reflects their natural habitat. And this park has some really awesome animal inhabitants! As soon as I walked into Knowsley and caught sight of those majestic elephants in their open grassy spaces, it was like a dream. There was even a rhino that kept his massive size discreetly hidden in his large private grassy paddocks, enjoying the sun.
It was quite a contrast, that was for sure, from the energetic beat of the Cavern Club, and as it was now getting late, it was time to pack up my tutu and bid farewell to Liverpool, a city full of surprises. Iāll tell you this though, the experience just wasn't complete without a hearty dose of local food. It would be quite wrong to leave without trying a famous Liverpool "scouse." It is said to be a bit of a love it or hate it dish - like marmite! I personally find it's full of rich history and flavour, especially in a city full of such character. What's not to love, really? After the traditional "Scouse" , I rounded up my trip with an amazing homemade fruit cake, one of the most delectable I'd ever tasted, in the beautiful gardens of a local restaurant overlooking the river Mersey. It was the perfect end to a perfect day and a pink tutu dream in Liverpool. The restaurant also had a really interesting sculpture of a dancer made entirely out of spoons! How cool is that! And as it was time to head back to my London apartment, I had a lot of stories to tell from this glorious pink tutu escapade!
Now I'm back in my little studio flat in London, reflecting on my trip. Itās just such an inspiration to see that vibrant energy everywhere I go. And, yes, a lot of the time, it is all about that perfect tutu, whether youāre on stage at the Bolshoi or in a cobblestone street. As for me, Iāll keep you all updated on the adventures of my āPink Tutuā! See you all on "www.pink-tutu.com" tomorrow for a whole new adventure. Bye for now, x
