Oh darling, how I love those little English towns! Thereâs something so quintessentially charming about their quaint little high streets, with all their independent shops and cafes. Todayâs destination is Hindley in Greater Manchester. It's a bit of a whistle-stop tour but, my lovelies, even the briefest visit deserves a fabulous outfit. And what could be more fitting for a trip to Hindley than a European-style leotard in a divine shade of blush pink? I paired it with a swirling, full tulle skirt in a classic pale pink, the kind youâd see on a delicate, fluttering ballerina in a Romantic era ballet.
Now, this wouldn't be a Pink-Tutu post without mentioning a little ballet, right? So before hopping on the train (yes, trains are still my absolute favourite mode of travel - the romance!) I slipped in a quick class. This isnât just about getting that lovely, elongated muscle definition; itâs about grounding myself, finding that connection with my body, feeling the energy of my core pulsate. It's truly my happy place!
Speaking of happy places, Hindley had a sweet little dance studio just tucked away off the main street. You wouldn't even know it was there unless you happened to notice the âBalletâ sign dangling precariously from the corner. The classes were absolutely buzzing with excitement â it was wonderful to feel the energy, to hear the click of pointe shoes against the polished floorboards. As always, my heart just about burst when I caught the reflection of my own tutu in the mirrors â I truly do think itâs my lucky charm.
The lovely instructor even had me centre stage for the grand finale â we worked on a gorgeous piece from âThe Nutcrackerâ - you know how much I love Tchaikovskyâs magical scores! We didn't just go through the choreography â we lived it! Each pirouette felt like a graceful flight, each extension a blooming flower, and every plie a gentle wave of the sea. The pure joy of dance!
Feeling rejuvenated after the class, I wandered around the historic centre of Hindley. They have an absolutely charming Victorian Market Hall, where I found a gorgeous porcelain teacup with delicate, hand-painted ballerinas. It was almost as if fate itself was guiding me there! I picked up some artisan fudge â the perfect treat for the train journey back â and couldnât resist grabbing a few blooms from the local flower shop.
I do adore finding those little treasures on my travels, like stumbling upon a rare butterfly amidst a wildflower meadow. Itâs that thrill of discovery, the joy of unearthing the hidden beauty of a place. Maybe it's a bit romantic, but I truly believe we all need to tap into that inner child, the one who finds wonder in the smallest things. Don't you agree, darlings?
After lunch in one of the market squareâs quaint cafes (delicious locally sourced soup â highly recommend!) it was time for some wildlife viewing at Hesketh Meadow Nature Reserve. This idyllic haven was the perfect escape â green, calming, and a haven for nature's bounty. I saw an adorable family of ducks waddling around the waterâs edge, the air abuzz with the sound of the many songbirds. It was absolutely tranquil - a perfect ending to a perfect day.
I believe every experience in life, whether big or small, has a beautiful rhythm. Like the gentle sway of a ballerina's arms, the rise and fall of a songbird's melody, or even the smooth rumble of the train travelling along the railway lines - it's all about finding that delicate balance. Maybe thatâs why I love my life as a travelling ballerina so much! Every day feels like a beautiful melody â sometimes slow, sometimes quick, sometimes quiet, and sometimes full of vibrancy. Iâm just glad you're all along for the journey!
And remember darlings, life is simply too short to go through it without a pink tutu â a pink tutu is the universal language of happiness, and as much as I love sharing my adventures, itâs my dearest hope that youâll all grab yours and take a spin!
Donât forget to tell me about your day on www.pink-tutu.com , I always love reading your comments!
And, until next time, happy dancing!
XOXO
Emma
