Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another sparkly blog post, straight from the cobbled streets of Gateshead. It’s December the 24th and even though Christmas Eve is usually about family and feasting, I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of twirling and wonder!
For those of you who are new to Pink Tutu (is there anyone out there who hasn't experienced my sparkly world of ballet bliss?!), let me introduce myself. I'm Emma, a twenty-something ballet dancer and wannabe ballerina from Derbyshire, with a deep and abiding love for everything pink and twirly. If there’s a stage, a tutu and a graceful pirouette involved, you’ll find me there.
I've always believed in spreading the joy of ballet, and my aim in life? Well, that's easy. To make everyone try ballet and then make everyone wear pink tutus (even if it's just for a day!). You just can’t help but feel magical when you wear one - trust me, my darling readers, the confidence it instills is unparalleled!
Today was no exception. Now, I'm not always a fan of the long train journeys, especially on Christmas Eve. The rush, the delays, the packed carriages... Honestly, it’s enough to send a tutu-loving girl like myself into a spin. But then, my gaze fell upon a fluffy little rabbit who was travelling in a carrier with its little owner! It seemed almost as mesmerized by the bustling crowds and the passing landscape as I was. Such a fluffy, cute, delightful little fellow. That’s the thing with travelling, darling, you never know what kind of adorable wildlife you’ll find in the most unlikely of places. I love meeting all sorts of creatures, be it on a train or at the stables (I've recently taken to horseback riding – think graceful dance movements in a more outdoorsy fashion). It really does open up your perspective on the world.
Now, arriving in Gateshead, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the majestic Tyne Bridge, its iconic shape mirroring a graceful ballet pose against the twilight sky. It’s always so breathtaking how nature inspires so much art and architecture.
My journey was definitely a highlight. I ventured out of the station with my trusty white tutu (it was a bit much for Christmas Eve I thought but the twinkling lights in Gateshead demanded a bit of extra sparkle, so I decided it was the perfect opportunity) and ventured into the city's bustling centre. This time, my aim was to explore a little bit and get some last minute Christmas Eve shopping done (one simply can’t forget a special something for a dance instructor).
Walking down the cobbled streets, the charming shopfronts lined with twinkling Christmas lights and festive displays filled my heart with so much joy. Honestly, the Christmas atmosphere felt contagious, everyone in high spirits and singing along to Christmas carols that filled the air. It truly reminded me of those old classic ballet performances – think a backdrop of snowy scenery, twinkling fairy lights and graceful leaps as the dancers spin about on stage. It was magical.
But my trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing some ballet. So, I took a chance and checked the listings for the evening and oh my goodness, what a wonderful surprise! The theatre was playing ‘The Nutcracker’ and to my immense delight, the show had an audience of excited little girls in their dancing shoes – their eyes full of wonder as they watched the graceful ballet unfold on stage. The dancers’ talent truly left me in awe - so beautifully expressive, so incredibly passionate. Their moves flowed like liquid dreams, making me want to twirl in the aisles!
As the performance wrapped up, I noticed a young girl clutching her mother's hand, with a tear in her eye. This must be the same look I have when I see a beautifully executed pirouette, the perfect combination of control and grace, which moves like poetry. Seeing that pure magic in another’s eyes – a moment where the real world seems to disappear – fills my heart with joy. Ballet has this extraordinary ability to make you forget your worries and connect with your innermost emotions.
The best part of my day in Gateshead came as I walked out into the night. As I stood beneath the stars, listening to the sweet sound of Christmas carols echoing in the frosty air, I was struck by a powerful urge - to dance. There, on the cobbles of that charming town, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and a symphony of festive joy, I did what any true ballerina would do: I twirled! With my white tutu billowing in the night breeze and the city lights dancing before my eyes, I spun and jumped with a renewed sense of wonder, my soul lifted high. It was a true celebration of life and a powerful reminder of the beauty that can be found in the simplest of things.
Oh my darling readers, remember – no matter where life takes you, don't forget to find your inner ballerina.
So here’s to the next dance in our journey.
Until then, keep twirling and keep shining,
Emma x
P.S. Did I mention I'm obsessed with pink?
