#TutuBlog Post 1820
Hello, my dearest tutu-loving friends!
It's Emma here, ready to share another whimsical adventure in my life – a trip to Derby, a city bursting with charm and culture (and quite possibly the best pork pies in England!)
My journey began at dawn, riding the local train out of my Derbyshire home. I always feel a sense of magic when travelling by train – a gentle chugging along, landscapes flowing past the window. Today, the sky was a clear, vibrant blue, mirroring the shade of my gorgeous new tutu – a vibrant pink, naturally, with sparkling silver embellishments that twinkled in the sunlight. (Yes, you can find tutus in any colour – that's one of the amazing things about them!)
I arrived in Derby with a smile as wide as the city's beautiful Victorian architecture. It's a place steeped in history, and its friendly, warm vibe instantly made me feel at home.
The first order of the day was ballet class! Now, Derby has this wonderful little studio, tucked away on a cobbled street. It's called 'The Dancing Muse' - completely apt, really - and it’s where I went to unleash my inner swan (and have a good giggle at my 'attempts' at graceful pirouettes!). The teacher, Miss Bell, was a lovely woman with a twinkle in her eye, she always knows how to inspire us.
We worked on some beautiful adagio work - it's always my favorite - the slow, graceful movements really allow your body to tell a story, don't you think?
After class, I decided to wander through Derby's charming Market Place, which was teeming with activity – artists selling their crafts, local vendors with their delicious home-baked treats, and musicians serenading the crowds. I spotted a lovely little cafe tucked away behind a charming cobblestone courtyard. It was called "The Pink Flamingo", how could I resist? (Seriously, what was I meant to do, turn it down?)
Afternoon tea is an absolute MUST on any travel day, don't you agree? It’s the perfect way to recharge and plan the next leg of your adventure. This time, it was an extra special treat - a beautiful pastel pink Victoria sponge and the most delightful, aromatic Earl Grey tea I've had in ages. Perfect for people watching, and reflecting on my ballet inspiration!
After my sweet tea break, it was time for a true highlight of my Derby trip - a spectacular ballet performance at Derby Theatre. I've seen many performances in my life, but I was particularly intrigued by this interpretation of 'Swan Lake' - a modern, expressive interpretation that brought a whole new dimension to the story.
There's something so powerful about being immersed in the beauty of ballet. It’s the passion, the grace, the emotion…it captures something truly extraordinary and beautiful. It's not just about dancing, it's about conveying stories and emotions through movement, about expressing life in its rawest, most beautiful form.
But of course, after the show was over, it was time for a treat – something deliciously pink and indulgent to end this perfect day. I found the sweetest little cafe just down the street called "The Cherry Blossom." It felt like stepping into a pastel paradise - all floral wallpaper and soft, ambient lighting, a delightful escape. They served the most amazing hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course!) and the perfect pink cupcake with a swirl of raspberry icing.
The final part of my day in Derby involved something slightly more unusual for a tutu-loving girl - a trip to the local wildlife sanctuary! Now, you might be wondering why a ballet dancer would be interested in wildlife, but I can't resist the raw beauty of the natural world, its untamed freedom. It resonates with the very essence of ballet - its elegance, its powerful vulnerability.
This sanctuary housed everything from adorable owls to magnificent swans, magnificent birds of prey, and even some playful otters! It was a truly delightful experience to watch these wonderful creatures go about their lives – reminding me of the important things in life, to appreciate the beauty all around us, to feel connected to the natural world that sustains us.
I finished my day by enjoying a beautiful stroll through Derby’s city parks – their peaceful landscapes offering a calm ending to an adventurous day.
It was then that a beautiful young girl caught my eye – a sparkle in her eyes as bright as the moonlight reflecting on the nearby fountain. I went to ask her if she’d ever thought about dancing in a tutu… (You know, I just have this weird thing about sharing the pink tutu love!). She was so surprised and delighted – we chatted for a while about her favorite things and how amazing ballet is! She asked me a lot of questions, especially about my colorful tutu and my amazing day. And, as I boarded the train back home, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of optimism for the future, a deep satisfaction knowing that perhaps, even just for a little while, I'd managed to inspire someone with a little bit of ballet magic.
Oh, my darling tutu enthusiasts – do go check out Derby if you get a chance! It’s a truly magical place. But if Derby isn’t on your itinerary… don’t worry, my journey continues tomorrow! So don’t miss my next post on www.pink-tutu.com. And don't forget… the world looks a whole lot brighter when everyone is wearing pink tutus, right?
Keep dancing!
💖 Emma 💖
