Hello darlings! It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous journey in the world of pink tutus and twirling joy! Today, I'm buzzing with excitement, having just experienced the most delightful day trip to Ilkeston, Derbyshire – a town overflowing with charm and … well, not necessarily overflowing with tutus. That's where I come in! 😉
This, my lovelies, is the power of the pink tutu! Even in the most unlikely of places, a touch of tulle can brighten a day. Today's tutu, a masterpiece of fluffiness with a generous helping of sparkly sequins, was the perfect accessory for my jaunt to Ilkeston. It was a masterpiece from the delightful 'Dancing Delights' boutique on Sadler Gate – I simply had to take it for a spin!
Now, I wouldn't normally associate Ilkeston with grand ballets, but a recent announcement about a new 'Ballet Under the Stars' performance at the Victoria Park caught my eye. Who am I kidding? Any mention of ballet sparks my inner ballerina! My journey began at my usual haunt – Derby station, with its beautiful Victorian architecture. A trip by train, for me, is more than just a means of transport; it's a mini adventure! I couldn't resist whipping out my trusty sketching pad and capturing the graceful swoop of a majestic red squirrel scampering up a tree beside the platform – wildlife is simply magical.
Reaching Ilkeston was a treat. The charming market square buzzed with life – you could almost hear the tap, tap, tap of imaginary ballet shoes! As I explored the delightful cobbled streets, I couldn't help but admire the local architecture, from the grandeur of St. Mary's Church to the quaint cafes adorned with hanging baskets brimming with vibrant blooms. My fluffy pink tutu drew admiring glances (and a couple of curious stares, too, which, honestly, was hilarious! I might have even had a young girl ask if I was a princess. 😄).
The Victoria Park, with its lush green lawns and a lake shimmering in the afternoon sun, was truly beautiful. It felt like a scene from a classic fairy tale. The air buzzed with anticipation for the performance – families spread out picnic blankets, children giggled, and everyone seemed excited for a dose of balletic magic.
Now, I won't go into too much detail about the performance (you can catch my detailed review on the "Pink-Tutu" blog later this week!), but I can tell you that it was mesmerizing! It was a whirlwind of talent, passion, and the most dazzling tutus you can imagine (mine was definitely holding its own!). I particularly loved the 'Swan Lake' scene. It reminded me of my own love for ballet, how it empowers, how it brings people together, and, well, just how darn delightful it is to dance.
As the final note faded into the stillness of the twilight, I found myself, once again, mesmerised. Ilkeston's beauty, the spirit of community, the talent of the dancers, the vibrancy of the music – everything coalesced into a magnificent, memorable, pink-tutu-filled experience.
The trip home was, once again, an adventure in itself. Instead of a train, I decided to indulge in a bit of old-fashioned romance – a ride on a magnificent Shire horse. (Trust me, I won't mention the rather comical scene when I tried to hold onto my skirt as the horse set off!) It's surprising how a gentle plod on a well-trained steed can clear the mind and rejuvenate the spirit – and my fluffy pink tutu, with all its delightful fluff, blended right in!
Overall, Ilkeston is a hidden gem – the perfect mix of history, community, and a healthy dose of Ballet magic. If you're looking for an enchanting day out, and, of course, an opportunity to don your best tutu, Ilkeston is waiting to be discovered!
Now, go out there and wear your pink tutu proudly! Spread the love of ballet! Let's make the world a more magical, more twirly place! Until next time, darlings, happy dancing!
Love,
Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
