Post 3029 | www.pink-tutu.com
Hello my darling dancers,
Today’s journey takes us all the way up north, to the beautiful seaside town of Whitley Bay! Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Emma, it’s October! What on earth is a ballet dancer doing at the seaside in this weather?!” Well, darlings, this trip was about more than just catching a few rays (which, let’s be honest, were few and far between in this glorious autumn weather!). This was an adventure fuelled by pink tutus, vintage fairgrounds, and a hefty dose of nostalgia.
First, let me confess something: I’m utterly obsessed with trains. Don’t judge me, but the romance of gliding through the English countryside on a steam train, the gentle rocking, the satisfying clatter of the wheels... pure magic! So, naturally, when I decided to take my beloved red tutu to Whitley Bay, there was only one way to go. The East Coast Main Line was calling!
I hopped on at Chesterfield – bless the little station, it’s so quaint. As the train sped along, I sat perched on my seat, a vision in pink, enjoying the scenery unfolding around me. There was something utterly satisfying about watching the fields, trees, and houses flitting past the window. My journey wasn’t just about reaching Whitley Bay, it was a beautiful mini-adventure in itself!
Whitley Bay itself was a true treat. Imagine charming, colourful beach huts lining the promenade, an air of seaside cheer clinging to the breeze, and the soft, melodic music of the amusement park weaving its way into your soul. And, naturally, a delicious ice cream with pink sprinkles had to be devoured, simply because the colours were a beautiful compliment to my fabulous tutu. It was like stepping into a picture postcard, only a thousand times better!
Now, let’s get to the ballet part. This town has got it going on. We all know about ballet performances in prestigious London theatres and grand concert halls, right? But the true beauty of ballet shines even in smaller venues, on little stages filled with local talent and passion.
My Whitley Bay ballet journey started at a little theatre just off the main street, with an enchanting production of “Cinderella” that had me mesmerized. I swear, they made the shoes sparkle like magic, and Cinderella's tutu, while a classic, held a modern flair! The passion of the dancers on the small stage was so much more intimate than watching it on a giant screen.
Later that evening, I took a ballet class. This one, instead of being at the quaint community centre like you might expect, was actually held on a ship. Yep, a ship! They called it a “Ballet on the Bay” experience. The gentle rocking of the water underneath made for a truly unusual, albeit slightly wobbly, class. A true challenge for balance and control!
Now, because my adventure wouldn’t be complete without embracing all aspects of a day in Whitley Bay, I made sure to make a visit to the seaside fair. My goodness! The laughter of families enjoying a classic rollercoaster ride, the aroma of fried fish and chips from a nearby stall, the bright flashing lights illuminating the games, the nostalgic carnival tunes...it was like a happy dose of pure childhood joy.
What is a day out without a delightful pub dinner with the locals? I discovered this fantastic spot overlooking the harbour, where they served me a gorgeous roast dinner with a huge dollop of pink mashed potatoes (a real personal win there, darling!). A perfect end to a perfect day!
I returned home exhausted, filled with happy memories and new discoveries, and more importantly, a renewed sense of the magic ballet and all its forms can offer! My day trip to Whitley Bay reminded me that, even though I am Derbyshire girl at heart, adventure can be found just about anywhere, even in the most unlikely of locations. It truly has everything to offer, and I am already planning my next visit with my new favorite travel companion – my pink tutu.
Stay beautiful and dance your hearts out,
Emma 💖🩰
