Hello my lovely tutu-loving lot! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind adventure, this time with a detour through the charming streets of Ilkeston! I’ve been longing to escape the bustling city life for a while, so what better way to re-energise than with a picturesque train journey to my home county? Derbyshire, you know, is just brimming with hidden gems and quaint towns, perfect for a tutu-tastic day out.
Now, let me confess, there's a bit of a theme going on today – purple! Yes, I've traded my signature pink tutu for a stunning amethyst creation. It's got this gorgeous shimmering texture and a beautiful drape, just perfect for twirling among the historic buildings and cobblestone streets of Ilkeston. Don’t worry though, the pink tulle isn't completely abandoned. It's been cleverly woven into the design, making for a colour combo that feels like a whimsical dream.
The morning was all about indulging my ballet-loving soul at the local dance studio. A little barre work, some beautiful leaps, and of course, the mandatory graceful pliés – it was utter bliss. The teacher, a lovely lady with a radiant smile, had such passion for ballet, it was contagious! And her vibrant, turquoise leotard was definitely a sight to behold!
Fuelled by a pink cupcake and a large glass of iced tea (it was ridiculously hot!), I was ready to explore the town. You know me, a true tutu-wearing explorer! And boy, did I discover some treasures! We wandered past ancient churches, marvelled at the grandeur of Ilkeston Town Hall, and even had a brief encounter with some incredibly cheeky pigeons vying for crumbs.
Speaking of animals, our next stop was the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's Heanor & District Local Nature Reserve. My dear friend Lily, who joined me on this escapade, is a true wildlife enthusiast. We watched with delight as a group of ducks paddled around, a family of hedgehogs scoured for tasty snacks, and a sleek grey squirrel pranced through the trees. You can’t beat that natural charm!
As the afternoon wore on, and the sun started its golden descent, we settled down for a picnic under a willow tree by the river Erewash. My signature picnic basket was, of course, packed with delicious goodies - mini quiche, fresh fruit, and even some dainty finger sandwiches for an extra touch of elegance. Don't forget the Prosecco!
And because I'm all about spreading the tutu love, we decided to treat ourselves to some real-life dancing! A little town centre square provided the perfect stage. My purple tutu twirled with glee as I whipped out my favourite ballet moves, inspired by the elegance of my fellow tutu-wearers, who, surprisingly, popped up everywhere we went. Maybe it's a Derbyshire thing?
As the twilight painted the sky in breathtaking hues of orange and purple, my journey in Ilkeston drew to a close. But not without a sense of fulfilment and an array of lovely photos to cherish. My camera caught all the gorgeous scenery, my breathtaking purple tutu, and, most importantly, all the delightful smiles of the locals, embracing their hometown’s beauty with pride.
If you're seeking an escape from the daily grind, a taste of small-town charm, and a healthy dose of tutu-induced joy, then head over to Ilkeston. You won't be disappointed! And remember, ladies (and gents), life is a dance, so grab your tutus, put on your best smiles, and let's twirl our way to a brighter, pinker future.
Till next time, darling, remember, it’s never too late to become a tutu queen!
Stay tutu-ful! Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
