Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another pink-tutu-fied adventure. This time, I've traded the rolling hills of my beloved Derbyshire for the quaint charm of Dunstable, a little gem tucked away in Bedfordshire. Now, you might be thinking, "Dunstable? Isn't that just… well, Dunstable?" But hold your horses (and your tutus!) because this place is surprisingly full of delightful surprises, especially for a ballerina like myself.
My journey began with the most romantic of modes of transport: the train! Honestly, I just love watching the English countryside flit past the window as I snuggle into my seat, a good book in one hand and my trusty travel-tutu draped elegantly over the other. (Don't worry, it was the little black one – very chic and inconspicuous for travelling.)
Upon arriving in Dunstable, I was immediately struck by the quaint, almost fairytale-like feel of the place. It was like stepping into one of those charming Christmas card illustrations – cobbled streets, red-brick buildings, and a jolly atmosphere that could melt even the most Scrooge-like of hearts.
The main attraction, of course, was the iconic Dunstable Downs, offering sweeping views of the Chiltern Hills. You can bet I was there in a flash, pirouetting on the windswept summit, feeling utterly free and gloriously pink! (Okay, maybe I toned down the pirouettes in case any sheep were watching.)
Now, Dunstable isn't just about dramatic landscapes, it’s about hidden treasures, too. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the delightful Dunstable Museum, a charming treasure trove of local history, housed in a former Victorian market hall. It was like stepping back in time, a delightful sensory feast with stories woven from the threads of ancient times. They even had an amazing collection of antique costumes, including – you guessed it – a few tutu-esque numbers from the Victorian era.
Speaking of sensory feasts, I absolutely had to try the local delicacy – the Dunstable tart. It's basically a pie filled with fruit, but with a touch of magic in its creamy, sweet filling. They say it dates back to the 1600s, a testament to the culinary history of this delightful town. (And a definite upgrade on the "plain" cakes from the Victorian era – just saying!)
Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to a local ballet school! The Dunstable Dance Academy is nestled in a little brick building, with an old-fashioned, yet charmingly warm feel. It wasn’t just the dance itself that I found alluring - there was something wonderful about stepping into a place where passion and artistry bloom.
The studio, filled with the light tinkling of a grand piano and the soft thud of tiny ballet shoes, was alive with energy and dreams. As I watched the lithe, graceful forms of the students move through their steps, I felt my own inner ballerina stir. There was such raw, uninhibited beauty in their movement, and it reminded me that every time we step into that studio, we leave all our worries behind and enter a world where beauty, movement, and music weave a magical tapestry. It’s magic that we should all try, and honestly, there’s no better place than Dunstable!
After a day brimming with ballet, culture, and country air, I felt revitalised and ready to face whatever my pink-tutu-clad adventures held. As the sun dipped behind the Chiltern Hills, casting a warm glow across the quaint town, I knew this trip to Dunstable would be one for the memories.
But here's the best part: Dunstable isn't just a fleeting memory, it's a story I can share with all of you. My darling readers, I’m convinced: this is one English town that has to be on your travel list. And don't forget, to really get into the spirit, a touch of pink and a twirl or two is absolutely essential.
Keep dancing, darlings, Emma xxx
*P.S. * As I was leaving Dunstable, I caught sight of a little girl dressed in a pink tutu skipping happily down the street. It warmed my heart to see a new generation embracing the power and joy of ballet. It’s exactly why I created Pink Tutu in the first place. Because who needs a special occasion to wear pink and twirl? I say, let’s fill the world with pink tutus, one joyful leap at a time!
