Hey gorgeous dancers!
Emma here, signing in from the delightful seaside town of Bangor, Wales! I know, I know, another week, another new location - that's just how this pink-loving ballerina rolls! But this time, there's a special twist… you won't believe the fantastically fluffy, fabulously pink tutu I snagged in Germany before I headed here! Think shimmering silk, swirling ruffles, and enough layers to make even the most seasoned tutu enthusiast drool. It's seriously divine, and it practically begged to be shown off against the stunning backdrop of Snowdonia National Park, which Bangor nestles beside.
So, imagine my excitement when I arrived by train (of course! There's something so romantic and effortlessly chic about travelling by train) and hopped out to be greeted by this incredible, picturesque scene. The mountains were just this amazing shade of deep blue, kissed by a cloudless sky, and the sea was shimmering with a touch of silver. Honestly, it felt like stepping into a fairytale - the kind where everyone wears pink tutus and pirouettes by the seaside.
First stop, after I'd dropped my bags at the darling little B&B - seriously, it's pink-tastic with the most delicious floral wallpaper you can imagine, it was straight out of my Pinterest dream board! - was a quick jaunt to the Snowdonia National Park. My goal? To take the most amazing tutu-wearing, pink-tastic photo shoot ever! And let me tell you, the mountains delivered! We climbed up this little path (me, clutching my trusty pair of pink ballet shoes just in case!) until we got to the most incredible vista - it was the kind of breathtaking view you'd see on a postcard. And of course, that's when I pulled out the tutu.
Picture it: me, perched on a mossy rock, my pink tutu billowing in the wind, with the majestic mountains of Snowdonia in the background and a symphony of sheep baaing in the distance. Pure magic! I mean, even if you're not a huge tutu fan (how could you not be?!), you have to admit that's a pretty stellar photo opp. I spent a good hour snapping away, making sure to capture every twirl and every sparkle, just because. Let's just say, Instagram was bursting with pinkness after that day!
Speaking of bursting with pinkness, that evening I discovered this tiny little bakery right around the corner from my B&B called “The Pink Cake”, a haven of delectable, pink delights! My tummy (and soul, frankly) did a little pirouette of pure joy. My taste buds were so very happy that they actually had this scrumptious strawberry and cream cake, which they assured me, was freshly baked, (I think my nose was convinced anyway!) . The owner, a bubbly lady with hair as red as the ruby slippers (it felt like we were in a ballet ourselves!) was as lovely as her cakes and she filled me in on all the things I just HAVE to see while I'm in Bangor, from hidden seaside coves (my next mission! I've already packed my bathing suit!), to art galleries, that according to her (and honestly, who wouldn't believe her with her pink velvet waistcoat!) were simply brimming with creative inspiration. I can't wait!
I woke the next morning feeling refreshed and raring to go! After a quick breakfast at the B&B, where I enjoyed some homemade, pink-frosted granola, (I just can’t help myself!), I decided to make a trip to the local ballet studio. It seemed like a natural fit, don't you think?
It was a small place, tucked away down a quaint, cobblestone street, but don't be fooled! It felt like a wonderland for every ballerina! The walls were adorned with ballet posters from famous companies around the world and there was even a little gallery showcasing stunning paintings by the dancers. The owner, whose name, get this, is Clara, and guess what her last name is, it’s Ballet! A sign, perhaps?
I had a truly wonderful class with the most delightful bunch of students, all of whom were super welcoming. It felt like the ballet family I'd been longing for. I'd been practicing some new leaps I'd been learning from an amazing Russian ballet teacher (yes, that’s right! He’s the one who got me obsessed with the Russian style! So, yes, my pointe shoes will definitely be making an appearance tonight! 😜) and the ladies in class seemed equally excited to practice some new steps with me. It felt like a dream! Everyone just radiated that infectious, passionate energy. Clara, bless her, has even asked me to stay on for another week, and she's planning to show me the secrets to a perfect “fouetté” – and you guys know how much I love a good fouetté! I really can't wait!
Speaking of ballet magic, the most wonderful surprise awaited me at the local theatre that night. They were holding a production of ‘Giselle’ – a truly spectacular performance, filled with incredible dance and, even a few graceful twists that you can thank yours truly for, as I taught them the ballerina of the night before! You guys have to believe me when I say, the theatre in Bangor really is a true treasure. The stage is small, but the energy is positively infectious. And the costumes? My word! The most delightful mix of flowing tutus and shimmery sequins! You wouldn’t believe the amount of pink on display, although I may have been slightly responsible, thanks to my very stylish, German, tutu- wearing, pink- obsessed self! 😜
All in all, it was an absolutely magical experience. I left the theatre feeling completely exhilarated and brimming with inspiration. And the icing on the cake? The director personally stopped by after the performance to thank me for teaching their star ballerina how to give her "fouettés" more "pink flair!" (He really said it, I did a little happy, giggly twirl! 🙈).
There's just something magical about Bangor, isn't there? I've truly fallen in love with this enchanting seaside town, with its incredible scenery, beautiful ballet community, and the welcoming spirit of its people! It really is the kind of place you just want to wear a pink tutu in, laugh, pirouette and revel in the pure joy of movement and beautiful things.
So, if you ever find yourself in Wales, I highly recommend a little visit to Bangor. You never know, you might just end up meeting a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina like me who’s busy inspiring everyone around her to live their best, pinkest life!
And for you gorgeous dancers out there, don't forget to wear your pink tutus and go get some "pink flair" in your moves. Who knows, maybe you'll discover a new side to ballet that you've never experienced before! 🩰💖
Catch you next time, dancers, from another fabulous pink-tastic corner of the world!
Always, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
