Oh, darling readers! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another post! Today I'm venturing out of my Derbyshire haven and hopping on the train (the joys of rail travel!) to explore the beautiful town of Kenton!
It's a rather chilly December morning, but my spirits are high as I wear my absolute favourite bright pink leotard under a chic black coat - the perfect ensemble for a day filled with tutus and tut-itude! The train carriage smells of cinnamon and old books, which sets the mood perfectly for my little day trip. I even found an empty seat by the window, allowing me to watch the countryside flit by like a ballet of changing landscapes.
The Heart of the City:
Kenton is a charming town nestled in the heart of [insert a brief description of Kenton, England]. Stepping off the train, I was greeted with the aroma of fresh coffee and a bustling market teeming with handcrafted goods. This place felt like a vintage postcard come to life! My first stop was a delightful little tea room with mismatched china and a menu overflowing with delicious pastries. Of course, I had to try the "Ballet-inspired" scone, topped with a dollop of raspberry jam and a sprinkle of edible glitter! (I do love a bit of sparkle, don't I?)
But let's be real, the true heart of Kenton, at least for me, is its beautiful theatre. It's an old Victorian building with red brick walls and a grand archway, making it feel like something straight out of a storybook! I couldn't resist stopping to admire the facade and take a couple of photos for my Instagram. Let's be honest, what's a ballet blog without a gorgeous shot of an elegant theatre?
Dancing on the Streets (And Stages):
As fate would have it, there was a performance happening in the theatre that very evening! "The Nutcracker" is always a favourite of mine, so I was absolutely thrilled! Tickets sold out quickly, of course. Who doesn't love a bit of Tchaikovsky? But luckily, a kind gentleman selling homemade candy apples at the market offered me an extra ticket he'd managed to acquire.
He was absolutely smitten with my pink leotard peeking out from under my coat. "Never underestimate the power of a good pink tutu, darling," I winked, as I thanked him profusely! You never know where a little tut-itude can take you, eh?
The show itself was absolutely magical! I adore "The Nutcracker," from the first strains of the overture to the breathtaking final dance. It brought back wonderful memories of all the "Nutcrackers" I've danced in, from my earliest childhood roles to performing with the National Ballet. Every move, every costume, every flicker of light brought me a sense of joy and wonder. It truly was a beautiful experience.
But even more amazing than the show itself was a little ballet flash mob I stumbled upon before the curtain rose! Imagine a group of around fifteen children dressed in tutus, some in pink, some in purple, some even with sparkly sequined wings, all gathered around the stage entrance. They were so enthused, giggling and rehearsing their routine. When the curtain rose for the opening scene, these kids dashed onto the stage, performing a choreographed sequence that was both heartwarming and hilariously funny. It was so delightful, and completely unexpected, leaving the entire audience spellbound! You know I had to snap a photo to share on my socials, of course!
Horses, wildlife, and a Tutu Tea Party:
After the show, I was craving a bit of fresh air and decided to take a stroll through the Kenton park, an oasis of peace in the heart of the town. The park had the most beautiful old oak trees and even a quaint stable, where I spotted a magnificent black horse. Horses and ballet just go together, don't you think? I've always adored horses and considered a life as an equestrian ballerina – can you imagine?! (My readers know I'm a big dreamer!).
My adventures continued as I came across a delightful little woodland hidden away within the park. There were ducks, squirrels, and even a lone robin, chirping cheerfully from a branch. It was such a calming moment to just observe the natural beauty around me, a reminder that sometimes, the best moments are found in the quiet stillness of nature.
Before leaving Kenton, I had to find the perfect spot for my iconic Tutu Tea Party, a tradition I try to include on every one of my adventures. There was a beautiful little cafe by the river with an outdoor seating area surrounded by wisteria vines. A cup of tea, a few biscuits (of course!), and a pink tutu in a perfect setting! I can't wait to post this picture on my blog later.
Kenton: A Love Letter:
Kenton was a treasure chest of discoveries, from the charming market and the magical theatre to the friendly people and beautiful parks. It truly captured my heart with its mix of old-world charm and modern spirit.
As I boarded the train back to Derbyshire, I already started dreaming about my next adventure. The world is full of enchanting places to discover, and I, the pink tutu-wearing ballet dreamer, can't wait to see what they have in store for me.
Remember, darlings: It's all about living life in full bloom, wearing your heart on your sleeve (or your tutu on your heart!), and taking every chance to dance. Keep twirling, stay sparkly, and never forget the magic of pink!
Much love, Emma xx
Follow my journey on: www.pink-tutu.com Instagram: @Emma_pinktutu Twitter: @PinkTutuEmma
