Hello my darling tutu-loving friends! Emma here, ready to share another exciting adventure with you all. Today's journey takes me to the charming coastal town of Hartlepool, a place that holds a special place in my heart (especially after that amazing fish and chip lunch). But first, let's talk tutus!
I just couldn't resist the call of the sea for this trip. It's like the salty breeze whispering to my pink tulle, urging me to twirl along the beach. And I simply had to channel the graceful movement of seabirds for this special outfit, so I donned my newest creation - a sky-blue tulle tutu adorned with tiny, sparkling sequins that mimicked the scales of a fish. Don't worry, the shade of blue wasn't a shock to my pink-loving sensibilities - it's a very soft, almost pearlescent, shade of blue that reflects the gentle colours of the sea at dawn.
It's hard to believe it's been a whole 5 years since I started this little blog, www.pink-tutu.com. I remember when it was just a tiny dream tucked away in my heart, a vision of myself - a Derbyshire girl - sharing my love of ballet and pink tutus with the world. Well, 1871 blog posts later, I can safely say that dream has taken flight! I've met so many lovely, inspiring people from all over the world through this little online haven.
I truly believe that everyone should wear a pink tutu at least once in their lives. It's an experience like no other! It makes you feel light, free, and absolutely confident. I dare you to try it - even if it's just in your own living room, for a bit of fun, or even as part of a costume! You'll be amazed at the change in how you feel.
Anyway, back to Hartlepool! I decided to make a grand entrance - how else would you travel to the seaside? Well, by horse of course! And what's more elegant than a majestic Clydesdale, all adorned with ribbons in various shades of pink, drawing a beautifully-carved, vintage carriage? The whole thing felt like stepping straight into a Jane Austen novel! I swear, all I needed was a handsome gentleman in a velvet coat to make it complete!
Hartlepool itself was delightful. I started the day with a charming walk along the harbour. The salty air was crisp and clean, and the waves gently crashing against the pier were music to my ears. You just can't beat that seaside atmosphere. The sky was an amazing mix of blues, just like my tutu, and the fluffy white clouds floated by, drifting like cotton candy in a summer sky.
Then I indulged in that glorious fish and chip lunch I mentioned. Don't even get me started on the perfectly golden, crispy fish and those fluffy potato wedges. I had to eat it while standing on the beach to soak up the view of the sea. Pure bliss! You just have to take in all those lovely coastal sights with your eyes wide open when you're surrounded by such incredible views.
I found a lovely little pottery studio on the edge of town, too. Imagine, creating your own tutu with colorful glazes and textures, inspired by the local wildlife. Seagulls, seahorses, dolphins - so much potential for some really exciting ballet-inspired designs! I just need to learn pottery now!
In the afternoon, I stumbled across a wildlife sanctuary. Can you believe my luck? I was like a kid in a candy shop! These places hold a very special spot in my heart, ever since I spent a summer holiday helping out with seals in my local Derbyshire rescue centre. So of course, I just had to peek in at the curious owls, the fluffy, fluffy rabbits, and those beautiful graceful swans. Oh, and the monkeys! One even waved at me! I swear I think he saw my pink tutu and was simply mesmerised!
But the best bit was yet to come. The owner told me that they were setting up a special show that evening: "The Wildlife of the Ocean." It was a showcase of the sanctuary's residents, all in one spectacular performance! I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but the minute I stepped into the open-air amphitheatre, I was enchanted. I had no idea such things existed!
From the playful sea lions that balanced on their noses and chased after rings, to the cheeky seals performing acrobatic feats on floating platforms, I was completely mesmerised. Then there were the seabirds - a dazzling display of fluttering wings and swooping dives - each one showcasing its unique talents. It was so wonderful seeing those creatures in their element!
The whole experience made me want to go even deeper into my animal-themed tutu collection. I already have a beautiful, fluffy tutu adorned with tiny little foxes and hares. But maybe I need a seabird-inspired one too! Just imagine: feather-light tulle that flutters like a tern, catching the sea breeze, or a majestic tutu with a bold pattern like a kingfisher. Oh, the possibilities!
As the evening sun cast its golden rays over the shimmering water, I found myself reflecting on the day's adventures. It was one of those days where every moment, every feeling, was a little bit magical. Just like twirling on the beach with the salty air in my hair and my pink tutu catching the last rays of sunshine, It's experiences like this that make life so worth living.
Before leaving Hartlepool, I bought a beautiful seashell necklace - the perfect reminder of my time here. It even reminded me to make a note to visit Whitby next time, for the famous Whitby Abbey! I think it would be the ideal backdrop for some really epic photos in my latest tutu!
Until next time, my lovelies! Keep on twirling! Emma
