Hello my darling dance-lovers! It's Emma here, and today I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour of Denton, a charming town in the North of England (that's in England, not America, you lot!). I know, you're thinking 'Denton? What on earth is there to do there?'. But, believe me, it's brimming with hidden gems and tutu-worthy moments.
This little adventure started with a cheeky trip by train. Oh, how I love the romance of the rail tracks! And I'm not just talking about those sleek, silver high-speed lines – although, I wouldn't mind a spin on those sometime! I love the little country trains, chugging their way through fields of green and wildflowers. I feel like I'm on a film set when I'm travelling by train. So much so, I often think I should get a costume wardrobe for the different journeys I make! This week, it was a pink polka dot midi dress with a huge satin bow, topped off, naturally, with my crimson tutu, and my ever-present pearl-handled walking stick.
I was off to Denton, ready for a full day of exploration. First up was the town centre. I know, you might be thinking, "Denton town centre?! What a dull choice," but actually, it's brimming with quirky character! And it had everything a girl with a passion for all things pretty could want. I practically swooned when I found this gorgeous little vintage shop brimming with fabulous hats and antique jewels. They'd make a fabulous stage prop in a performance! Imagine, all these treasures used in a set…
Denton Park was next on my list. The air was warm and sweet, perfect for enjoying the sunshine on a bench overlooking the perfectly manicured gardens. Honestly, you wouldn't know it was a North England park! And did you know they had the most incredible peacocks strutting their stuff in a gorgeous pen? The males had feathers in the most breathtaking shades of blues, greens and reds - the kind of shades I try to find in every tutu I make! They’d be fab models for one of my pieces. I tried to feed them some bread I had packed in my rucksack, but they were pretty much ignoring me! Still, a good, gentle attempt is the key to all things in life, wouldn’t you say?
Just behind the park, nestled away behind a brick wall, is an old-school bakery. Honestly, the aroma hit my nostrils the moment I crossed the park threshold. There were pies, pastries, cakes… oh, and even fresh bread that would have made a very fancy tutu for a little French ballet mouse! Of course, I had to indulge. How can you go to a bakery and not get a pastry? It’s almost unthinkable!
The afternoon was spent at Denton's most charming independent tea rooms. With the cutest pink floral teapot (the tea room must have been reading my blog!), I sampled the most delicate homemade scones with lashings of jam and clotted cream, of course. It felt so posh! I felt like a Duchess! Well, perhaps more like a Duchess with a bit of a rebellious streak – as she still chooses to wear a tutu.
In the evening, I decided to try out the local community theatre's production of "The Nutcracker." And it was simply delightful! You know, I've been a tutu enthusiast ever since I was a little girl. I used to pretend I was a ballerina, twirling around in the garden. I always wished I could be part of the performance, so when I found this community theatre putting on The Nutcracker, I couldn’t resist the chance to watch, admire, and maybe even steal a few moves! It was simply magical. The performers, both adults and children, all radiated pure joy. The little girls were wearing the cutest tutus, and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s costumes were simply divine. She would definitely approve of my tutus!
As the day wound down, I took a long walk through the charming Denton lanes, soaking in the town's unique character. I spotted a quirky little craft shop filled with everything you could ever imagine, from pottery to jewellery to knitted dolls. The craftsperson made her own unique hats and even knitted miniature ballet outfits for little figurines! We shared a good chat and a little laugh, I told her about my adventures and the wonderful town, and she said I had to check out the community centre's summer craft market this weekend! My ears definitely perked up at that! Imagine all those creative, hand-crafted treasures. I could have a good rummage, and, in all my creative glory, find the most stunning hand-knitted tutu I'd ever seen!
Leaving Denton, I felt so invigorated. A town brimming with colour, kindness, and, of course, a whole lot of tutu-loving opportunities! Denton may not be the first town that comes to mind when you think of "glamour", but it truly surprised me with its charm and creativity. It was the perfect reminder that you don't need to travel far to find magic, just like my pink tutus! I’m leaving Denton with my heart full, and my mind swirling with inspiration. I just hope the ladies of Denton won't find the sudden urge to get on their bikes, a bunch of their favourite flowers, and go looking for me and my red tutu… They'll just have to wait and see if I find my way back!
So, my loves, I'm off to explore more of this beautiful world in a fabulous pink tutu, sharing my adventures, and spreading the joy of dance. Let me know in the comments below what your favourite town or city in the UK is. Do tell me all about it. I promise you all, that I’ll have that on my itinerary sometime soon, I’ll make it to all of your amazing spots! But for now, happy dancing, happy traveling and of course, happy tutuing!
Stay fabulous,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
