Hello my darling Tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back from a fabulous trip to Nottingham, and oh my, what a delight it was! This was actually my second time visiting the city, and this time, I truly fell in love with its quirky charm. You see, Nottinghamshire holds a special place in my heart. My granny's family were all from this area, so visiting feels a bit like visiting home.
A Ride to Remember
This time around, I decided to ditch the car and embrace the charm of a train journey. Now, I know what you're thinking - trains can be a bit of a nightmare sometimes, right? But not this time! I was lucky enough to nab a first-class carriage, complete with plush seats, comfy footrests, and even a little desk perfect for working on my TutuBlog. Plus, the journey itself was stunning! We zoomed past fields full of sheep (I love how fluffy their little faces look), rolling green hills, and quaint little villages. It felt like something out of a Jane Austen novel!
A Touch of Glamour at the Theatre Royal
One of the main reasons I went to Nottingham this time was to catch a show at the beautiful Theatre Royal. It’s absolutely magnificent – the whole place feels so grand and old-school. The seats were luxurious and the acoustics were perfect. It was a complete dream to be transported back in time, enjoying a fab performance of the Nutcracker! (Now, who else thinks the Nutcracker is the most magical Christmas ballet?)
Ballet in the Heart of the City
Of course, no trip to Nottingham would be complete without a ballet class! Luckily, I found a fabulous little studio tucked away in the heart of the city, just a stone's throw from the shops. It's called 'Steps in Time', and let me tell you, the atmosphere was pure magic. The instructors were warm, welcoming, and incredibly passionate, and everyone, from beginners to experienced dancers, seemed to be having a blast. The studio itself was airy and filled with sunlight, with lovely large mirrors, making it the perfect space to practice your pirouettes and arabesques!
A Pinch of Pink Everywhere
I mean, it goes without saying, right? Pink is just so wonderfully vibrant and feminine! This time, I decided to pair my favourite tutu – a lovely shimmering tulle one in the softest shade of baby pink – with a bright pink cardigan. You wouldn’t believe the looks I got – all positive, of course. I just adore making people smile, and seeing the joy on people's faces when they see my tutu fills my heart with joy! It's like spreading a bit of happiness with every pirouette!
More Than Just a Tutu
I always aim to make TutuBlog more than just about my love for tutus and pink! It’s about embracing life with a touch of sparkle, a splash of colour, and a whole lot of joy. So, in the spirit of my mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, I’m delighted to share a little surprise with you all.
Give it a Whirl!
I’m partnering up with Steps in Time to offer you, my dear Tutu-lovers, a free trial ballet class! Yes, you read that right - completely FREE! I know how daunting it can seem to try something new, especially ballet. But I truly believe that everyone has the potential to dance, and I'm passionate about making it accessible for everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give ballet a go and discover the joy of movement, regardless of your age or experience. And trust me, it’s a great way to boost your confidence and learn a whole new skill.
So, what are you waiting for? Pop on over to the Steps in Time website for more information and grab a spot in their free trial class. You can thank me later!
Keeping it Wild and Wonderful
Besides my love for ballet, another big passion of mine is wildlife! So, I decided to explore Wollaton Hall and its Deer Park. I was absolutely blown away by the sheer size of this incredible historic building, with its deer roaming around the grounds – so peaceful and serene. They all looked so elegant with their velvety brown coats! It reminded me a bit of being a princess, and let's be honest, we all love a bit of that fairytale magic, right?
Nottingham’s Not-So-Grim Side
There was another reason why I was so eager to visit Nottingham: to dispel the myth that it's a “grim” place. Of course, we all know about the Robin Hood legend and those iconic caves! But what I loved about Nottingham is that it has a unique blend of ancient history, modern urban flair, and vibrant culture. There are gorgeous art galleries, cosy cafes, bustling markets, and stunning architecture at every corner. It's a city that really surprised me!
To Wrap Things Up...
Overall, my Nottingham adventure was a total success! From the train ride to the ballet class to the stunning natural beauty, the city had so much to offer. It definitely cemented its place in my heart as one of the most charming and enchanting cities in the UK. Don’t believe the old tales – this city is anything but grim! It’s full of hidden gems, friendly faces, and a sense of wonder waiting to be discovered. And if you haven’t visited before, it’s high time you pop by for a little adventure – and who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new love for pink tutus, ballet, and a little dose of fairytale magic.
That’s all for this TutuBlog, my dear lovelies! Until next time, keep spreading joy and remember, every day is a chance to put on your favourite pink tutu and dance like nobody’s watching!
See you all soon, Emma xx
