Ooh la la! Fancy meeting you here, lovely readers! Emma here, fresh off the train from a whirlwind trip to Derbyshire and ready to share a totally delightful day in Blyth with you! This week has been a blur of pink and pirouettes, so I’m buzzing to fill you in on the highlights.
First things first – travel. Now, some might think that catching a train for a day trip isn’t particularly adventurous. But when you're wearing a splendid white tutu and the scenery is flying past your window like a perfectly executed grand jeté, it's an absolute dream! (Side note, the carriage was utterly empty too. Fancy that!)
I arrived in Blyth just as the sun was peeking over the horizon. The morning air was crisp and refreshing – perfect for a pre-ballet stretch! Blyth’s station is surprisingly charming, with its cobbled square and quaint little cafe. I grabbed a croissant (because, you know, all good things must start with pastry) and watched the local wildlife go about their day. The cheeky seagulls, always a sight to behold! I'm seriously considering making 'seagull spotting' a new ballet performance element. Can you imagine the potential? Seagull leaps and dives – it's practically begging for choreography.
Next up on the agenda, Blyth’s famous Theatre Royal! This place oozes history. There’s something incredibly magical about entering an old theatre and picturing all the incredible performances that have happened within its walls. I felt a sense of theatrical legacy that’s simply unbeatable!
My adventure today wasn’t all about grand ballets and professional performances, though. This trip was all about embracing ballet at its heart – community and expression. I swung by the local dance school – a real little gem – and joined a community class for the afternoon. There was a vibrant group of kids, ranging from teens with endless energy to sweet little tots just starting their ballet journey. Seeing them lose themselves in the art of dance was just... pure joy!
And let me tell you, even a mature (cough cough – let's call it experienced) ballerina like myself can pick up some valuable lessons from these talented little beans. We had a fab time perfecting our fouettés and exploring the magic of expressive movement. It was honestly so heart-warming. It's those moments of connection and sharing passion that truly make dance special!
The day flew by, and before I knew it, I was boarding the train back to Derbyshire, filled with memories of twirls and tutus!
Blyth was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively! This town embraced dance with open arms – from the beautiful historic theatre to the thriving dance schools, ballet was truly thriving in every nook and cranny! Blyth reminded me of one of the most important things: ballet is a language everyone can speak, regardless of their level or background. So, what are you waiting for, my lovelies? Embrace your inner ballerina and join the fun! Pick up a pair of pointe shoes, grab your most flamboyant pink tutu and let's dance!
Now, excuse me while I put on a pink tutu, twirl in my Derbyshire studio, and write the next post!
See you all tomorrow, and happy dancing!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
