Hello lovelies!
It's your girl Emma, back from a whirlwind trip to the North East, and oh, it was absolutely fab. You guys, Ashington is just bursting with life, and let's be honest, it doesn't get much better than a proper English town that's embracing everything pink, tutus, and a whole lotta love for all things ballet. 😉
Let's rewind. Remember when I told you I'd be spending the weekend getting lost in a new adventure? Well, Ashington was the chosen one, and believe me, this place was a complete and utter dream.
I decided to get out of my usual Derbyshire routine and travel by train to experience the magic of the countryside, and I had the best company - my new lavender-hued tutu! (Seriously, it matched the gorgeous purple wildflowers I saw during the journey. Pure magic, right? 🥰 )
Once I arrived in Ashington, it was like walking into a ballet scene! There was something whimsical in the air, maybe the hint of coal dust, but don't worry, my tutu remained pristine! (And I wore my chic pink mask to stay safe!)
First up, we had to visit The Forum, a massive building just begging to be filled with dancers. This space had the most amazing history! Built in 1928 as a workingmen's club, it was converted into an amazing community theatre and concert hall. It's the perfect spot to get your dancing on and learn about this fab town. (Did I mention that there's an amazing exhibition on the history of ballet, a whole section devoted to costumes and dance movements from the 18th century - it's worth every minute! 🤩)
You know I had to snag a few photos with the gorgeous building as my backdrop. Naturally, I rocked a dazzling pink top with my pink tutu, you know I've got to be true to the name, and it just looked so good. We snapped pics, I danced with the wind (figuratively speaking, obviously, I'm in a tutu, we gotta keep it elegant! 😅) and I've even got a fab story to share for my Instagram – if you haven't already checked it out, head over to @pinktutulife now and get the inside scoop! 🤫
Next on my Ashington itinerary, a real treat: the Northumberland National Park. This beautiful, rugged landscape has inspired artists for centuries - and I've got a hunch it might just be inspiring me to write my very own Swan Lake inspired ballad. (You know, with lots of flowing tulle, delicate grace and a bit of dramatic pink! )
We spent a glorious afternoon hiking through the countryside, taking in the views (and of course, I got some truly amazing photos for my Instagram) with the ever-so-photogenic Kielder Water in the background. Honestly, nature was a perfect muse that afternoon and just the boost my creativity needed.
One thing I did learn from my little adventure was that a tutu doesn't just belong in the theatre. It thrives outdoors! 💃
And don't get me started on the wildlife - it's pretty clear that Northumberland has been chosen as nature's playground! I saw the most adorable sheep munching on grass in their tweed coats. And I got a real treat when I encountered a group of majestic horses with long, flowing manes - they were a vision of pure beauty and graceful movements that were as captivating as any ballerina's graceful leaps! Honestly, they reminded me of some of the most stunning classical ballet pieces I've seen. (Okay, maybe not the actual graceful movements of ballet, because they weren't wearing tutus, but definitely a moment to pause, absorb the majesty, and feel grateful to have had this incredible experience. ✨)
Speaking of graceful movements, it was time for a little ballet practice at a quaint, charming local ballet school. You guys know I love my ballet lessons. (Just remember, ballet classes aren't just for dancers. Ballet classes can help you be more balanced, toned, and you know, just plain happy.)
We warmed up with some stretches and barre work, then I had to show off my best plies and jetés. Let me tell you, it's not easy moving in a tutu, especially with the soft, thick carpet, but it's a dance challenge that I was born to take on! (Remember, there are no such thing as limits in the world of ballet - if you want to try it out, don't hesitate for even a minute!)
The day wrapped up with a sensational performance at The Forum - it's always inspiring to be in a packed theater filled with fellow dance enthusiasts. They put on a spectacular ballet show featuring everything from Swan Lake classics to contemporary movements – a perfect mix that got my creativity pumping! It just goes to show that even though Ashington may not have a massive metropolitan energy, it certainly packs a powerful ballet punch! 😉
And of course, you can imagine I left with a mountain of new ideas for future blog posts. This little escapade definitely fueled my creativity and sparked a renewed passion for dancing - it’s the perfect way to escape from reality and embrace all things pink, all things beautiful, and all things graceful.
So if you're dreaming of a fun and fabulous escape, head over to Ashington - you won’t regret it!
Until next time, keep your heads high, your smiles bright, and your spirits dancing!
With love and pirouettes, Emma xoxo
