Post #2004 - December 28th, 2001
Darling darlings! How are you all today? My inner ballerina is buzzing like a hummingbird in a sunflower patch, as I'm about to whisk you all away to a beautiful seaside town for a little dance-tastic escapade. Hold onto your tutus, loves, it's Bridlington time!
As you know, my darlings, my true loves are travel and the glorious art of ballet. Now, whilst some may travel in luxury cars, private jets, or even the occasional speedboat (wouldn't that be a whirl!), my favoured modes of transport are a tad more... grounded, shall we say? It's a firm belief of mine that the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination. That's why a train journey to Bridlington was absolutely top of the agenda for this adventure. I popped on my trusty emerald green leotard - which, let's be honest, is practically an extension of my skin at this point, and was off into the gorgeous Derbyshire countryside in a heartbeat.
I've always had a penchant for travelling by rail, you know? The rhythmic sway of the carriages, the view of rolling countryside whizzing by, the chatter of fellow passengers - it all contributes to the enchanting air of an adventure, wouldn't you say? Especially with a good book in hand and the latest ballet music on my trusty Discman (sorry, darlings, some of you know my old soul likes its music on an actual disc!).
Arriving in Bridlington, a seaside town in the beautiful county of Yorkshire, was like stepping into a charming postcard. It felt so crisp and fresh, like a giant sigh of fresh air, with the sweet tang of sea salt tickling my nose. The sky was that glorious, robinās-egg blue, you know, with the occasional cheeky cloud flitting across like a cotton wool sheep. My heart, it skipped a beat!
First things first, of course, was to head to the seaside for a stroll. You wouldn't catch me in anything other than my favoured ballet outfit, you see, which, for this occasion, included a wonderfully whimsical pastel-pink tutu, my trusty ballet shoes, and a beautiful pink knitted cardigan that grandma knitted just for me (because grandma knows a good pink tutu canāt survive the blustery English wind). I just adore the way it all swirls around as I twirl in the salty sea air. Donāt be surprised to spot me, darling! I always have to let my pink tutu be the centrepiece of every outing.
Oh, did I mention that the little ones were playing on the beach, with those brilliant, sunny yellow buckets and spades, and digging like their lives depended on it? I just adore the infectious enthusiasm of children, it brings such joy. They reminded me of little ballerinas and ballerinos, their joyful energy is almost like their own little pirouette of glee.
Speaking of pirouettes, Bridlington isnāt just about its lovely sea air, oh no, darling. They have a little gem of a ballet studio there, too, a place that promises a little sanctuary from the world for a couple of hours. I, of course, jumped at the chance to step into the studio. As a true ballerina at heart, Iām always on the hunt for that elusive and intoxicating feel of dancing, feeling the music course through my limbs and becoming one with the elegant grace of movement. And let me tell you, the studio had the most gorgeous, almost magical, feeling. They say it's "hard to be down in the dumps with all the smiles in a dance studio". Iād agree, it truly is a wonderful place to recharge and find some balance in life. I do recommend every single one of you to get out your pink tutu and get yourself to your nearest dance studio, you won't regret it, darling. Itās an absolute tonic for the soul.
Bridlington also has this beautiful, historical harbour with a scattering of little cafes that are a perfect haven for tea, a scone, and a lovely view. Oh, the scones! Just imagine: flaky, golden crust with the softest inside, served with dollops of creamy clotted cream and thick, fragrant jam. Just the fuel for a proper day of girly adventures. I couldnāt resist grabbing a little slice of cherry cake, too. Cherry cake and a good tutu, a winning combination for any dance day!
Did I tell you about the local bird sanctuary I stumbled upon while out and about in the gorgeous English countryside? I was absolutely captivated by a whole family of fluffy ducks who just paddled around and basked in the sunlight. Those little, yellow, fluffy ducklings just waddled along like the cutest little dancers, following their mama duck with such grace and devotion. Just too adorable!
A true treat to find these gorgeous little creatures in the wilds. I always make a point of spotting the animals in my travels; the wildlife in this world just astounds me. I always find it such a beautiful, unfiltered form of "nature's ballet", you know? Each creature dancing their own dance to the rhythm of their instinct and natural habitat.
Of course, no trip to Bridlington would be complete without taking in a performance, right, my dear darlings? I canāt ever get enough of those grand, ornate theatres. Thereās such history and a truly captivating atmosphere within their walls. A true testament to the beautiful and delicate nature of live performance and artistic expression. They truly do hold a special place in my heart. I have to confess, the evening culminated with a sensational performance of āSwan Lakeā at the theatre. Oh, darling! The costumes, the sets, the music, the sheer drama and skill of those talented dancers just blew me away!
As I sit here writing my blog, with the warm scent of a freshly brewed cuppa swirling around me, I am utterly and completely captivated by my whirlwind day of seaside magic and ballet bliss. Bridlington has a little bit of everything for everyone: charming scenery, seaside delights, beautiful, talented people, a delightful cafe culture, the joy of a little ballet lesson, and the pure joy of nature in its most beautiful form. Just a true little gem tucked away in the gorgeous British countryside!
So, as we come to the end of this little dance-filled journal, I have a question for you: are you planning a dance-tastic adventure in the near future?
As always, darlings, be sure to take that twirling dress or ballet outfit out for a little spin. Get yourself a delightful slice of cherry cake or a scone with a cup of tea. Most importantly, let your inner ballerina out and express your beauty with grace, flair and passion! Until we dance again, my dears.
