Hey lovelies!
It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and ballet fanatic. It's been a whirlwind of pirouettes and pink lately, but I'm so excited to tell you about my latest adventure! This time, it's Birmingham calling. A big thank you to the folks at www.pink-tutu.com for being my wonderful host as I journey on, documenting the delights of this vibrant world of ours - in my most favourite shade, naturally, pink!
You know, I have this strange affinity for trains. They whisk you away to magical new places and the view out of the window just beckons you to daydream and dream big. Plus, a train journey gives me the perfect opportunity to sketch out my ideas for upcoming posts in my travel journal - it's a real treat for my creative side.
Anyway, the train journey to Birmingham was as enchanting as ever. As we sped through the green countryside, I was already plotting which fabulous tea room I was going to indulge in on my visit. I spotted a charming little cafe nestled next to the station. Oh, how I love those quaint little independent gems! The staff was so warm and friendly, and their afternoon tea spread was divine - cucumber sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream, and dainty pastries, all washed down with a perfectly brewed pot of tea. You can tell I'm living my best life, right? 😉
The real highlight of the trip was the chance to catch the Royal Ballet’s production of Giselle at Birmingham Hippodrome. I simply adore Giselle. This classic tale of a heartbroken young peasant girl who dies from a broken heart and becomes a wispy, vengeful spirit (the Wilis!) is just so powerful, and it makes me want to twirl for days. The ballet's tragic ending never fails to tug at my heartstrings, and I always find myself weeping buckets when the curtain falls. Oh, those passionate dancers, the haunting music, and the ethereal costumes - breathtaking!
Oh, the tutu was, of course, pink. I had it especially crafted for the occasion. This pink confection, all tulle, feathers and glitter, took months to make but was definitely worth every penny. It shimmered and danced with every twirl and captured the essence of Giselle's tragic beauty perfectly. (You know I'll post the pics soon. Stay tuned, loves!)
One of my favourite parts of going to ballet performances is spotting all the interesting folks who share a love for this beautiful art form. From the flamboyant ballerinas with their sparkling accessories to the elderly gentlemen in their sharp suits, there is an aura of shared passion that just radiates out. You really feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself - a tribe of souls united by a love for ballet!
After the performance, I went on a walkabout through the vibrant heart of Birmingham, and stumbled upon an absolute gem! The Jewellery Quarter is brimming with charming little studios, art galleries, and cafes – an eclectic blend of artistry and craftsmanship. I especially loved browsing the vintage shops and admiring all the stunning antique jewels on display.
Now, you know I love my animals. It was only fitting that my time in Birmingham included a trip to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. They have a magnificent aviary with all kinds of vibrant birds - from macaws with their iridescent feathers to dainty little finches. They flitted about gracefully, chirping and chattering like happy little sprites. It was just such a tranquil and inspiring spot! I felt completely transported to a different world, surrounded by nature's vibrant hues and melodious sounds. It was like being inside a scene from a Jane Austen novel, full of peaceful walks in picturesque gardens. Of course, I was still wearing my tutu for this too! It definitely created some giggles as I strolled by and had a quick impromptu dance session.
Now, for those of you who don't know, I have a little soft spot for Derbyshire wildlife. I just can't resist the charming critters and adorable antics of the wildlife on my doorstep. As much as I love to explore new cities, there is something utterly magical about spending time surrounded by nature's finest. Whether I'm admiring a playful family of badgers under a moonlit sky or spotting a sleek otter basking in the sun by a riverbank, nature is something I cherish and appreciate. The birds are always singing sweet songs in the air. What could be better? And my neighbours all love the colour pink! My ballet classes in the park often turn into spontaneous dance parties for us all - it's so good to spread a little bit of joy, especially when it’s a pink-tutu-filled explosion of fun!
Don't forget, I want everyone to wear pink tutus. It is so powerful for feeling good! And every time you twirl in one you can feel empowered! And you know what I've said, right? The magic of dance doesn't stop at the barre. So join me on this incredible journey, darling, and embrace the world of pink tutus and ballet with open arms.
Until next time, keep on twirling! 💖
P.S. Be sure to check out my social media pages! I’m sharing pics of the pink tutu throughout the day and lots of videos on all my travel adventures on Insta and TikTok, and you can get some fabulous exclusive content from my website www.pink-tutu.com too!
