Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-obsessed ballet bunny, Emma, back with another adventure. Today, I'm waltzing into Huyton, a little town in Merseyside, where I'm hoping to sprinkle some tutu-tastic magic and hopefully even convert a few locals to the wonderful world of ballet!
Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, Huyton? Why Huyton?" Well, darlings, my adventure this weekend has been all about getting back to my roots. Huyton is just a hop, skip, and a jump from my dear Derbyshire home, so I'm taking a mini trip to remind myself of my ballet beginnings, that tiny Derbyshire girl who dreamt of twirling in a pink tutu.
But before we talk about my pirouette pilgrimage to the North West, I have to tell you about my fabulous journey. This girl is all about sustainable travel, and so I traded in my car for a beautiful old steam train. Picture me: riding in a carriage with vintage seats, the scent of old books and wood in the air, and the gentle rocking motion that's just the perfect warm-up for a day of dance. The train windows, adorned with beautiful countryside views, made my heart flutter – nature always gets my creative juices flowing.
The journey, while enchanting, wasn't my only adventure. This week, I've also been perfecting my skills at the stables. Riding a horse with a pink tutu? Yes, please! It might be a bit impractical, but oh, so elegant. Plus, there's something about being up close with these graceful creatures that makes me feel completely free – just like when I'm dancing. They're such natural performers, and I find their elegance truly inspiring.
So, as I stepped off the train at Huyton Station, my tutu a flurry of pink delight, I was buzzing with energy, ready to bring the spirit of ballet to this wonderful town. The first stop? A charming little tea shop called "The Sugar Plum". It's not hard to guess why I chose that one! They're even offering a "pink-tutu latte" in my honor this week, how fabulous! The café itself was like stepping into a scene from a ballet, all quaint with beautiful antique furniture and, of course, a whole wall covered in gorgeous vintage ballet posters.
My mission, however, was far bigger than tea and latte art. I was on a quest to share my love for ballet with everyone I met. After grabbing a delicious slice of their amazing pink-icing cake (totally worth the calories!), I decided to take my tutu into the local park for some impromptu open-air dancing. Let's just say I surprised quite a few locals with my "public" ballet session. I can see the amusement and bewilderment on their faces, but mostly, it was laughter and smiles, and that's all that mattered. It's a reminder that everyone enjoys a bit of whimsy.
Who knew ballet would attract such a crowd?! A local school even joined in the fun, bringing their young dance class to learn a few basic steps from yours truly. Seeing the enthusiasm and pure joy in those little faces, their tiny pink ballet shoes twinkling with every step, was absolutely magical. It truly reminded me why I love this dance form so much, the pure magic and joy that it brings.
As the day drew to a close, I found myself sitting on a bench in the park, a warm cup of pink latte in my hands, the twilight turning the sky a soft shade of lilac. I reflected on the day and felt overwhelmed with happiness. I may have just sprinkled a touch of ballet magic in Huyton, but I know that it was the beginning of something bigger. Just imagine a world where everyone dances in pink tutus! It's not a dream, it's a movement.
My time in Huyton was magical. The local spirit was incredible, and everyone was so open to the idea of having fun, a little laughter and twirling. It truly proved that ballet isn't about being a "prima ballerina"; it's about self-expression, embracing the magic within us, and enjoying the beauty of movement.
Now, dear readers, I want to hear from you! Where are your favourite places to discover a bit of ballet magic? What would you say to a group of strangers if you had a pink tutu in hand and a longing for them to join in your dance? Share your stories in the comments below and let's make this world a bit more tutu-filled, a little bit brighter, and oh, so much more magical.
See you tomorrow for more ballet adventures!
Emma
xx
