Hello my darlings!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, writing to you live from the beautiful, bustling city of Gateshead. As you know, my love for ballet knows no bounds, and I'm always on the hunt for new experiences, be they on stage, in a dance studio, or exploring a new town. This trip was a true whirlwind of dance and discovery, all wrapped up in a perfectly pink package!
My journey began with a journey on the train. There’s something truly magical about being swept away by a steam train, the clatter of wheels and the rhythm of the journey mimicking the steps of a pas de deux. Arriving in Gateshead, I was met by the vibrancy of the city - its charming streets, art galleries, and a thriving cultural scene all fuelled by a certain 'can-do' attitude that I absolutely adore. And of course, I couldn’t resist wearing my go-to outfit – a flowing white tutu, its crispness shimmering in the sunshine.
Tutus and the Tyne
My first stop was the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a feat of engineering that resembles a giant, sleek eyelid. Standing on that bridge, with the River Tyne stretching before me, I couldn't help but feel inspired. The architecture was simply breathtaking. And of course, no view is complete without a good old-fashioned twirl in a tutu! I might be the only person in the world who ever tried to make a white tutu look at home amongst the urban sprawl of a modern city, but I was channeling the spirit of ballet – beauty in unexpected places!
From the Stage to the Street
Now, no trip to Gateshead would be complete without a visit to the famous Sage Gateshead, home to some of the most amazing musical performances. This time, I caught a glimpse of a fantastic performance of "The Nutcracker." Watching those talented dancers in their beautifully crafted tutus, so full of grace and energy, is pure magic! I even managed to nab a little chat with the lead ballerina afterwards - turns out we both have a secret love for a spot of afternoon tea!
Wildlife Encounters
The highlight of my Gateshead escapade was a visit to the wonderful Beamish Museum, an open-air museum filled with historical charm. From the friendly faces at the Victorian streets to the adorable farm animals roaming around freely, the museum brought history to life! I found myself in awe of the dedication of the people working there – the authenticity and the passion they poured into their craft. It’s always lovely to be reminded that some things truly stay true across generations. Of course, no visit would be complete without a good dose of tutu glamour!
The Beauty of Everyday Movement
While ballet and the arts are my true passion, I'm also a huge believer in finding beauty in the everyday. I found myself taking inspiration from the simple acts of movement, the gentle rhythm of a walk through the park, the flow of the river as it swept by the bridge, even the way pigeons waddled on the cobbled streets. It's a gentle reminder that graceful movements exist everywhere if you pay attention.
Sharing the Love of Pink Tutus
You know I believe in sharing the pink tutu love, so of course, I tried to encourage everyone I met to embrace their inner ballerina! Some folks were a bit hesitant, but I soon charmed them all. There's just something about a pink tutu that puts a smile on everyone's face.
And what about the dancing?
Well, it wouldn't be a true Emma blog post without a little ballet action! After the Sage performance, I slipped into my ballet shoes and went for a little whirl around the dance studio – a cosy, welcoming haven that buzzed with a mix of dedicated students and professionals. The gentle rhythm of the ballet bar, the rhythmic movements, the focused dedication on finding grace and control – all of this was a much needed reminder of why I love dancing. The atmosphere was incredible! We might be on opposite ends of the country, but the shared love of dance unites us all!
Heading Home… and onto New Adventures!
My journey in Gateshead came to a wonderful end, filled with the warmth of a cup of tea at a charming tea room, a final twirl in my white tutu as the sun set over the city, and a good old fashioned journey on a train back to Derbyshire.
Remember, darlings, let your inner ballerina shine! Life's a stage, and it's up to us to add a touch of pink tutu magic to every step!
Stay fabulous, my lovelies!
XOXO
Emma
