Oh darling, hold onto your tiaras, because this weekend has been an absolute dream! It's the first of March, and my pink heart is bursting with happiness as I write to you all from my hotel room overlooking Paignton, Devon. A beautiful coastal town, full of quaint charm and – whisper it – a touch of theatrical magic!
This adventure began on a gloriously sunny Friday afternoon. As usual, I packed my little pink suitcase with an array of carefully selected tutus, naturally, but this time I added some particularly special additions. A pair of fluffy pink bunny ears, because what better accessory to bring to the seaside? And of course, my signature oversized sun hat – a delicate lace creation that wouldn't look out of place in a Victorian painting. The dress code for this trip? Perfectly pink, of course.
Off I trundled to the station, humming along to the radio, my heart full of excitement for the journey ahead. Train journeys have a certain romance, don't you think? Especially when you can lose yourself in the pages of a classic ballet book and soak up the rolling English countryside as it whizzes past. Oh, how I wish we had more of these majestic journeys on the Derbyshire train lines! Perhaps they could inspire a new form of ballet - “Railway Ballet”, complete with pointe shoes made of polished steel!
The journey to Paignton was a whirlwind of giggles, gossiping with fellow passengers, and admiring the intricate tapestry of rural life unfolding before me. I couldn't resist a quick pitstop for a hot chocolate at the quaint little station cafe - and naturally, my bunny ears provided a fantastic talking point for fellow passengers.
Reaching Paignton was like stepping into a watercolour painting. It's the perfect seaside town: quaint houses bursting with colourful blooms, an ocean breeze whispering secrets to the sand, and seagulls squawking a melody that perfectly complements the gentle clanging of the nearby amusement park. I felt like a princess in a fairytale. And of course, I had to pick up a bag of rock – "pink” flavoured naturally! You all know my motto - if it’s pink, I’ll buy it!
The rest of the evening was spent exploring this magical little seaside town. A delightful local dance company – “The Pink Seagulls” – performed at a tiny, atmospheric theatre, complete with stained glass windows and a creaky stage that creaked along with every delicate move. I felt like I was witnessing a secret, magical world unfold, a true celebration of art and elegance. Even the little fox cubs dancing around in the forest nearby at twilight seemed mesmerized. It truly felt like the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.
But this trip was all about the real reason I ventured south, the Paignton Ballet Festival. Oh darling, you haven't seen elegance and beauty until you’ve witnessed the Festival. It’s an enchanting gathering of talented dancers and admirers alike – all dedicated to celebrating the art of ballet in its purest, most inspiring form. There were ballerinas whirling and pirouetteing in a whirlwind of silks, sparkling sequins and – you guessed it – lots and lots of pink.
Of course, I was particularly enchanted by the Ballet Street performances - the urban fusion, with contemporary ballet moves paired with the modern heartbeat of street dance, created such a powerful and unexpected ballet symphony. Even my fellow train travellers – a family of hip-hop dancing teens – were captivated by the vibrant energy. We were all giggling and snapping photos by the end of the show.
Saturday evening found me seated in a little harbourside restaurant, my pink tulle skirt swirling with the sea breeze, the gentle scent of salty air mingling with the intoxicating fragrance of the delicate sea lavender flowers that graced my table. It's in these moments that my spirit feels truly alive – surrounded by the beauty of nature and art. Oh darling, I encourage you all to find moments like these – your little oasis, a world you can retreat to and just... be.
After a breakfast of fresh scones and pink jam - of course, I must make sure even the food was pink - I embarked on a beach walk with my bunny ears in tow! The seaside was bustling with life: a flurry of vibrant colours in beach umbrellas, children laughing and splashing in the cool water, a family of playful grey seals lazing in the shallows… Oh darling, it truly felt as if the sea itself was filled with laughter and joy.
Later that day, I joined a master class with some of the Festival’s celebrated dancers, and let me tell you, I'm aching now, but oh so very proud of myself. It felt magical, an invigorating journey to stretch, grow and rediscover the raw energy and spirit that lie within each of us.
In the evenings, I couldn't resist the beach-front pubs. My feet ached a little, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying a couple of pints of cider (which reminded me of Derbyshire's very own orchards) whilst basking in the laughter and lighthearted energy of the town.
This weekend has been everything I dreamed of and more, darling. The seaside air is invigorating, the spirit of the ballet community heartwarming, and the overall atmosphere of this sweet, whimsical town absolutely captivating. As I board the train home, my heart filled with the echoing strains of “Pink Tutu”, the ballet score I fell in love with during the festival, I am filled with an almost impossible desire to share this magic.
I have to tell you, as I watch the countryside breeze past my window – a kaleidoscope of green fields, ancient trees and quaint villages - I can’t help but think of this place and feel an intense desire for a brand new Tutu Tour! Just picture it darling, imagine visiting all of these seaside towns with pink tutus in tow! It’d be such a spectacle. It’s a plan I need to ponder over. I know we all need more joy and dancing in our lives - and I'm committed to bringing pink-tutu fun to all.
So, to all my readers, keep following your dreams. Wear a pink tutu if it makes you smile, and if a seaside dance escape sounds as amazing as it does to me, I highly recommend venturing to Paignton – it's an enchanting town bursting with charm, beauty and ballet!
Stay sparkly, darling!
Emma x
