Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, and I'm positively bursting with excitement after a simply smashing day in Cramlington. Yes, you heard right, Cramlington! It might not be the most glamorous place on the map, but with a pink tutu, even a little town can become a fairytale.
Now, let me tell you, reaching Cramlington wasn't as simple as it sounds. Instead of the usual scenic train journey, this time I opted for a slightly more unusual mode of transport… horses! Don't get me wrong, I've always loved a good horse ride, but riding across fields in the drizzle of a Northumberland morning was definitely an experience! I was slightly worried about my perfectly pink tutu getting a little muddy, but the gentle pace of the horses meant I was able to avoid any mishaps. Thankfully, my beloved tutu emerged from the adventure without a stain, which definitely calls for a celebratory pink champagne flute!
The day's highlight was, of course, a visit to the wonderful Northern Ballet. It's a beautiful theatre, reminiscent of those stately, historical buildings found in Derbyshire, my home county. The architecture alone is breathtaking. We even managed to squeeze in a little photoshoot for the blog, which involved the entire troupe (both performers and audience alike!) in a impromptu pink tutu session! Let's just say Cramlington is now officially "Tutu Town".
This week’s performance was The Nutcracker - a timeless ballet classic that never fails to enchant. It's like stepping into a dream, full of wonder and joy, with costumes so beautifully crafted that it's almost as if the characters are real! And don't even get me started on the music! Tchaikovsky’s melodies were so moving, I couldn't help but feel a little teary-eyed, which isn't something that happens often when I'm surrounded by my beloved pink tutus!
Now, for a bit of a fashion update: Today, I donned a fabulous bubblegum pink tutu that had an added sparkle! This tutu really helped to liven up Cramlington! To compliment the fabulous pink of the tutu, I went with a soft grey cashmere scarf for a little warmth. Let’s be honest, we all know that even the best of dancers will shiver if it gets a little chilly! But don't worry, a warm cashmere scarf and a warm pink tutu is just what you need on a drizzly morning.
The whole day was filled with so much inspiration. Every time I see a performance, I’m reminded of why ballet is so important to me. It’s about so much more than simply dancing; it's about the art, the creativity, the passion, the stories told through movement, the camaraderie of the performers, and of course, it’s all about having fun!
After the show, I had the most divine hot chocolate with marshmallows – oh, and a touch of pink food colouring, naturally! It was the perfect way to round off the day and allow my tired legs to finally recover from all the exciting ballet steps and poses!
As you know, my goal is to get everyone wearing pink tutus, so when I returned to the Cramlington town centre, I decided to spread a little tutu cheer. I started a flash mob with a few locals, showing them some simple ballet moves! I’m sure it might have been a little bizarre to those people enjoying a Tuesday afternoon of shopping or grabbing a coffee. It probably looked quite odd, but it felt truly exhilarating! They loved it! We all have so much in common – a passion for something special, a willingness to have a laugh and enjoy the simple things in life.
That brings me to my second goal, which is to inspire everyone to take up ballet, at any age! You don’t need to be perfect to enjoy it. As long as you have a smile on your face, and of course, you’re wearing pink, then there’s nothing to stop you from joining the amazing world of ballet!
You never know what adventures await when you embrace your love of ballet and twirl through life with a pink tutu! My little Cramlington journey is a perfect reminder that ballet can be enjoyed everywhere, every day. So, remember to embrace the magic, be a little silly, and most importantly, never be afraid to twirl.
Catch you soon! Emma xo www.pink-tutu.com
