#TutuBlog 1999-12-05 in Rutherglen with a food themed tutu.

Post #1250

Hello, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s Emma, your favourite Derbyshire damsel in distress – er, I mean, your favourite Derbyshire dancer! Today’s journey takes us north, away from the rolling hills and sleepy villages, to a place that sings with a certain Scottish spirit: Rutherglen. Now, before you imagine a dreary grey city, I need to correct your vision.

This is the town where tutus really come alive!

The minute I arrived by train (because who can resist the romantic clinking of carriages, eh?), I was enveloped by a delicious buzz. Imagine, if you will, a colourful, whimsical symphony – think fluffy sheepskin coats with playful kilts, tartan hats that stand proudly on heads, and then… picture this, darling… a pink tutu twirling in the middle of it all, bringing joy and a splash of magic! (Ahem, that was me, of course.)

The day’s mission was simple: soak up the Scottish vibes and find the perfect spot for my afternoon ballet session. Naturally, no journey is complete without a good, old-fashioned dose of "Emma and the Wildlife." As I disembarked the train, a small, furry creature crossed my path – a fluffy little lamb! He looked at me with those soulful brown eyes, and I couldn’t resist patting his woolly head. Apparently, his name was Bruce. Bruce the Lamb, what a fabulous name!

He reminded me that nature, in its purest form, can inspire such artistry. This, after all, is the spirit of ballet: beauty in motion, grace, and a deep connection to the soul of things.

My quest to find the most enchanting location for a dance class led me to Rutherglen's picturesque Green, a charming square in the heart of the town. Nestled between traditional buildings with vibrant facades, it was simply a magical haven! The sun shone, birds sang their melodious tunes, and the aroma of fresh flowers tickled my nose. As a matter of fact, there were so many stunning flowers around, it truly was an inspiring sight to behold!

Feeling absolutely giddy, I whipped out my trusty pink tutu (you’re all so jealous, aren’t you? 😉) and gave it a spin. To my surprise, two little girls in brightly patterned kilts approached me, wide-eyed and eager. They couldn’t stop admiring my pink tutu and asked me if they could try it on. Naturally, I allowed them to!

The giggle-filled giggles and sweet conversations between myself and these young ballet hopefuls melted my heart. You see, my darling Tutu Tribe, it’s moments like these that fill me with such joy. Inspiring others to embrace the magic of dance, to step out of their comfort zones and twirl like nobody's watching – it’s the fuel that keeps me dancing!

And the fun didn't stop there! We decided to make a day of it, a “tutu tour,” you could say! With Bruce the Lamb trotting along happily beside me (because, honestly, he couldn't get enough of that fabulous tutu), we waltzed down Rutherglen's historic High Street. Every turn brought us a new surprise: charming cafes with delicate pastries displayed in windows like little works of art, a shop brimming with handmade jewellery adorned with dazzling gemstones, and even a bookstore brimming with classic literature, promising to take me on countless imaginary adventures.

By nightfall, the chilly Scottish air filled me with a sense of peaceful longing, and the allure of a cozy pub became too irresistible. I ventured inside The Malt and Thistle, a charming establishment with warm, wood-panelled walls and flickering candlelight. The barmaid, with a heart as big as her smile, welcomed me with a traditional warm whiskey, warming me up from the inside out.

For supper, I couldn't resist the iconic Scottish comfort food, a haggis, neeps and tatties. Deliciously savoury and heartwarming, it was the perfect conclusion to a wonderful day. As I sipped my whiskey and nibbled on a warm scone with jam, I noticed a young violinist performing live on a nearby stage, captivating the whole pub with his sweet melodies. He played a beautiful, Scottish-inspired tune that sent chills down my spine and reminded me of the magical rhythm that pulsed within Rutherglen, a rhythm that echoed the joy, wonder, and unadulterated beauty I had witnessed throughout the day.

The experience of Rutherglen truly was magical!

And as I close my eyes, envisioning those tiny Scottish lambs, the vibrant flowers, the rhythmic clatter of a traditional folk tune, and a flash of pink tulle swirling in the breeze, I understand – it’s experiences like this that make my journey all the more beautiful. Each place holds its own unique spirit, a hidden world just waiting to be discovered, and in that spirit, dear Tutu Tribe, I leave you today with this message: embrace life's adventure! Be fearless in your pursuit of joy and laughter, and always… always remember to let your tutu fly!

With love,

Emma xx

P.S. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for my next exciting adventure. Will it be a graceful horseback ride across rolling fields? Or a grand, sweeping journey on the Eurostar? Stay tuned to find out, dear Tutu Tribe! And remember, if you love ballet as much as I do, feel free to share your favourite dance stories in the comments below. Let's celebrate the art of dance together, in all its magical forms!