Post Number 3156
Darling readers,
Oh, my goodness, what a whirlwind of a week it's been! From the rolling hills of Derbyshire, I've hopped on the train (yes, a train! Much more chic than a boring old plane) to the vibrant city of Darlington! Now, if you know me, you know I adore exploring new places. Each city brings a new flavour, a new story, a new chance to dance, a new photo op (you know I’m obsessed with capturing the perfect picture) and this week, Darlington definitely did not disappoint!
This city has such a unique, almost mysterious charm! There’s just something about its industrial history and cobbled streets that whispers of stories waiting to be unearthed. I spent a glorious afternoon wandering through the quaint shops and cafes, dreaming up new ballet routines and even spotting the most adorable pair of pink ballet shoes (can’t you see them twinkling on the stage with my new, soon to be purchased, red tutu? - see picture at end). Pink shoes for me are non-negotiable, so it’s a real coup that I managed to find a pair! And darling, they fit my tiny size six feet perfectly!
But Darlington, beyond its historical heart, offers something rather special for a budding ballet star like me – the chance to witness some truly remarkable dance performances. The Darlington Civic Theatre, what a truly grand building with so much history and culture, was hosting a show this week by the Royal Ballet – imagine my delight! I was so lucky to grab last minute tickets, (sometimes having my Derbyshire country girl charm comes in useful). Now, you all know that there is nothing I love more than getting swept away in a performance. The Royal Ballet brought the magic of classical ballet to life. I was practically transported to a different world; their elegant movements, graceful leaps, and exquisite costumes. Even my tiny heart, though used to the demands of ballet, skipped a beat during that pas de deux - I just had to squeal out in delight and share it on Insta. So don’t be surprised if you see some fabulous ballet related selfies in my Insta-stories from this trip!
I can't talk about Darlington without mentioning my other great passion… nature. You see, dear readers, my love for wildlife and the great outdoors is as fervent as my devotion to the ballet. Now, before I bore you, you’ll just have to take my word for it, but there’s a secret meadow tucked away outside Darlington that’s filled with wildflowers and all kinds of buzzing bees, butterflies, and birdsong! And did I mention that it was a stunning afternoon when I visited? (So, of course, a picture in my most stylish tutu and a new sun hat - again, pic at the end - was definitely in order!) I swear, the sun always seems to shine when I visit nature!
Talking about photos… my current mission in life, dear reader, is to persuade everyone to wear pink tutus! What's life without a touch of pink and twirling around?! Oh, I wish you could have seen me trying to coax some lovely strangers to embrace their inner tutu-wearer! Some are, as you know, more adventurous than others. But who can resist the charm of a ballerina in a pink tutu, dancing to the rhythm of life in the heart of Darlington?
You know what would have made this trip even more delightful? Riding through Darlington on a trusty horse – there's nothing more freeing and magical. It would have been perfect to picture myself in the scene of an old movie, cantering along cobbled streets past grand buildings and lively pubs – the ultimate ballet in action, right?
But don’t worry, dear readers! There's still time for this grand vision. I just need to find the perfect pony for this amazing adventure! So maybe next time I’m back in Darlington, the tutu will be combined with a gallop around the meadows…. Now, I’m thinking my perfect pony is a dappled grey! Imagine that… I just know I can pull off a pink tutu and a sleek grey steed - with the backdrop of a bustling market scene, just imagine!
Of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in local delicacies. This week’s star was a delicious steak and ale pie from a local bakery - yummy! Nothing beats local cuisine to truly experience the soul of a place.
And speaking of soul, the essence of Darlington is truly special. I love the way the past and present blend seamlessly - the history is woven into the modern life and its character shines through in every street corner and every heart.
Until next time darling,
Emma x
Photo 1 - Emma in a red tutu on the Darlington Town Hall Steps Photo 2 - Emma in a pink tutu, sunhat and meadow flowers behind her, and smiling at the camera
All images of the blog post belong to the author.
