Post #4547
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-loving ballerina, Emma, here, fresh from a whirlwind trip to Middleton, where the only thing more dazzling than the scenery was, of course, my very own feather-fringed tutu!
For this particular adventure, I opted for a more avant garde approach to my wardrobe, which basically translates to "throwing as much pink as possible into my suitcase"! 👛 I paired my signature pink tulle tutu, which I have christened "Flutter," with a beautiful hand-stitched top made from the most delicate silk I've ever seen. The perfect touch of elegance, don't you think?
Oh, and let's not forget the feathers! Flutter is adorned with the most magnificent white feathers that swish and twirl with every graceful pirouette, making me feel like a bona fide fairytale princess! 👑 I know it might sound extravagant, but in the words of my darling Grandmother, "It's always worth the extra twirl!"
Now, you've heard about my outfit, so let me tell you about Middleton itself. This little town has a real charm, and the historic market square just calls for a leisurely stroll. It reminded me of the lovely cobbled streets of Bakewell, back home in Derbyshire, except, of course, the delightful, albeit slightly off-kilter, aroma of fresh-baked bread mingled with the crisp air of the North. 🥰 I swear, the scent of warm bread makes everything feel so much more delightful, even if I did have a tiny mishap involving a cheeky pigeon who made off with a half-eaten croissant! 😂
And speaking of delightful, it simply would not do to mention Middleton without singing its praises for the theatre scene! 🎭 Oh, darling, they truly have a gem here - The Middleton Playhouse - an adorable little place with a vibrant atmosphere that rivals the finest West End theatres. I had the pleasure of catching "The Nutcracker," and let me tell you, the dancers were exquisite! Every leap and turn had such grace and artistry. I swear I almost cried when the Sugar Plum Fairy came on stage! I just wish my Gran could have been here with me - she has been longing to see the Nutcracker since, well, since she was a wee lass herself! I must send her a video of the show later.
Of course, no ballet trip is complete without some delightful ballet class! The local dance studio, "Dance Divas," was absolutely lovely. It had these adorable little twinkling lights strung up around the mirrored walls that really created a magical ambiance. The class itself was amazing. It was a lovely mix of classical ballet and contemporary, really testing my flexibility in all the best ways! My favourite part, though, was the post-class warm-down where the entire class did a fun little choreographed routine set to that brilliant song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” It truly brought the entire class together! And now, a tiny secret, I might have borrowed some of their choreography for my own online classes! (Don't tell anyone!)🤫
To make my trip complete, I, of course, had to embark on a charming horseback ride through the countryside! I mean, what could be more romantic and fitting for a ballerina? 🐎 There's something absolutely enchanting about the rhythm of a horse's trot and the swaying motion of the meadow flowers. It makes you feel free and alive, just like the movements in a ballet.
Honestly, I think there’s no place in the world more breathtaking than a vibrant countryside right after the morning mist clears, making the dewdrops on the flowers sparkle like little jewels! I know this sounds awfully poetic, but it really was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, even the little accident involving a rather grumpy cow who didn’t seem to appreciate my floral fascinator quite as much as I did didn’t dull my enthusiasm one bit! 😄
I swear, I really am a little bit obsessed with the countryside! You wouldn't believe the magnificent flock of greylag geese we stumbled upon, their honking echoing across the still morning air. I could spend hours just watching them in their natural habitat, such perfect examples of natural grace and beauty. And let’s not forget the cheeky rabbits who kept hopping in and out of sight – absolutely adorable! They really are such enchanting creatures, like miniature bunnies right out of a fairy tale!
Well, my dears, it's time to end this little travelogue. Middleton has left me absolutely enchanted, filled with a million and one new ideas and inspiration! It truly is a wonderful place for those who appreciate a slower pace of life, stunning landscapes, and delightful performances. And who knows, maybe you'll find yourself heading there someday soon! If you do, be sure to wear pink! After all, life is just too short to be anything but stylish! And don't forget, ballet is for everyone, every size, every shape! 😉 So, pop on your pink tutus and twirl your hearts out!
Until next time,
Emma xx
