Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, bringing you another dose of pink and twirls from the magical world of ballet. Today, I'm whisking you away to the beautiful town of Newtownards in Northern Ireland, and it's going to be a whirlwind tour filled with pretty pastel pinks, graceful pirouettes, and some of the most fascinating wildlife I've seen yet.
Let me set the scene: sunshine, fluffy clouds, and the scent of freshly-baked pastries in the air (there's nothing quite like a good pastry to fuel a dance session, eh?). Today's outfit is, of course, my go-to pink tutu, matched with a pristine white leotard. The outfit felt absolutely divine as I stepped onto the platform in Derby, and I couldn't resist a twirl or two. I mean, when a train ride is practically your catwalk, you have to seize the opportunity for some elegant movement, don't you?
The train journey itself was pure joy. The views outside were breathtaking. Rolling green fields dotted with charming villages, little sheep nibbling on grass, and sparkling rivers meandering through the countryside. I had a delightful chat with a lovely gentleman opposite me, who was amazed to discover my passion for ballet. He even admitted to having a sneaking desire to learn himself! It's moments like these that remind me that everyone has a little ballerina inside them waiting to be unleashed.
The journey to Newtownards was filled with excitement, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in the town's charm. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the friendly staff of a little tea shop named "The Pink Flamingo". The very name was a testament to my love for all things pink, and I was practically bouncing with joy.
Of course, no visit to Newtownards is complete without exploring its beautiful surroundings. The picturesque Strangford Lough was my next stop, and it's a sight I'll never forget. The sun glistening on the water, sea birds soaring overhead, and a gentle breeze whispering through the reeds - a truly magical landscape. It was here that I discovered my new favourite hobby: watching seals. There's something so adorable about these clumsy yet graceful creatures. They were splashing, playing, and sunning themselves on the shore, it was utterly heartwarming to observe their antics. I know I may have sounded a bit eccentric, but I actually had a lovely chat with a young girl watching the seals with me, she was a budding ballet dancer, just like me! I even offered her a spin of my tutu, much to her delight. It's so wonderful to see the magic of ballet connecting with younger generations, isn't it?
In the afternoon, I discovered the town's little gem of a dance studio: The "Nutcracker Dance Academy." There, amidst a delightful burst of pink and blue, I joined a ballet class led by a truly remarkable instructor, whose grace and passion for dance was absolutely inspiring. The class itself was exhilarating, we danced to the music of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker,' and I was reminded just how much I adore this beautiful art form. The final bow with my fellow dancers, was just divine. I even attempted the grand jeté with an unexpected amount of success, and my classmates applauded, I almost floated away!
After my dancing adventure, I decided to treat myself to a relaxing dinner at a delightful little restaurant called "The Dancing Duck". This quaint little spot offered a vibrant and delicious menu, and I particularly enjoyed the sea bass dish with roasted vegetables. There's something so charming about local cuisine.
Of course, no evening in Newtownards is complete without a visit to the local theatre. Tonight's show was a beautifully staged production of Swan Lake, and I was mesmerised from the very first note. It's always magical to watch ballet come alive on stage. There is something quite simply stunning about seeing ballerinas gliding across the stage with such grace and artistry, and the beauty of the choreography left me feeling quite emotional, a little tear-jerkingly lovely in fact. And the sheer amount of work that goes into a ballet performance is truly mind-blowing!
Today's journey through Newtownards was nothing short of spectacular. From watching playful seals by the lake, to taking a joyful ballet class and witnessing a captivating theatrical performance, every minute was filled with laughter, twirls, and pure delight. I couldn't have asked for a better day to spread the pink tutu love.
But don't think for a moment that Newtownards has left its pink mark on me. No, my darlings, my love for this colour is as deep as ever! The pinkest of goodbyes until tomorrow, when I bring you another dose of ballet magic from this gorgeous planet we call Earth!
Remember to wear your pink tutus and twirl with confidence, and most importantly, spread the joy of ballet.
With love,
Emma xoxo.
