Hello my lovely lot! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a day of ballet, beautiful scenery and (of course!) pink tutus!
As you know, my mission is to sprinkle a little bit of magic on the world, and what better way to do that than with a whirlwind trip to Gateshead? It’s a bit of a change from my Derbyshire roots, but sometimes a girl needs to embrace the urban sprawl, the vibrant energy of a bustling city, the… the… oh, never mind! What I'm trying to say is, sometimes a girl needs to break free from the norm, and Gateshead offered the perfect escape for that.
But first, the outfit! Because every trip deserves a spectacular entrance. Let me tell you, red and pink are a match made in sartorial heaven. I know some people might scoff, but the contrast is bold and beautiful – like a sunset over a strawberry field! (Think about it!). So I sashayed out of my Derbyshire abode, my bright red tutu twirling in the autumn air, my trusty pink ballet bag in hand, and boarded the train with a smile wider than the North Tyne.
Trains are my absolute favourite way to travel, wouldn't you agree? You can gaze out the window at the scenery whizzing past, daydream about ballet steps, and steal cheeky peeks at the passengers. (Of course, all done in a delightfully refined and proper manner – never forgetting those good manners my Granny taught me!)
I arrived in Gateshead brimming with excitement, my mind already dreaming up scenes of balletic brilliance. My day began at the legendary Gateshead Ballet Centre. Oh, the energy in that place was palpable – like an explosion of pirouettes and leaps! I dove headfirst into a morning class, feeling those muscles burning and those graceful steps becoming second nature. (I can't stress this enough - everyone should try ballet at least once in their lives. You'll never feel as elegant, as strong, or as graceful as you will after a ballet session!)
After my class, the world called for some lunch. Now, you all know my weakness: cupcakes. The city was positively dripping with delectable options, but I couldn't resist a cute little cafe with pastel pink walls and an even more charmingly pastel pink menu! My decision was simple, my dears - strawberry cupcake it is! (Just picture it: the fluffiest pink sponge, frosted with clouds of pink buttercream, sprinkled with sparkling pink sugar… heaven, I tell you, heaven!)
Full of sugar and sunshine, it was time to explore Gateshead’s wonders. The city, in all its industrial glory, had an unexpectedly charming charm. We stumbled upon the Gateshead Millennium Bridge - a stunning sight, I tell you, shimmering silver like a giant, elegant spider weaving its web across the River Tyne! It was a feast for the eyes, and for a brief moment, I was tempted to just stand there and admire it forever.
Then, it was time for the highlight of my trip: the Gateshead Ballet Festival! The programme was jam-packed with phenomenal acts, both contemporary and classical, showcasing the breathtaking talents of dancers from around the globe. It was truly awe-inspiring, each dance story unfolding like a magical tapestry, pulling me deeper and deeper into a world of emotions and breathtaking beauty. I particularly adored the contemporary piece inspired by nature - a fusion of elegant movement, poignant music and powerful expressions that left me breathless. The final scene featured a magnificent ballerina, graceful as a swan and fierce as a lioness, moving to a stunning sunset backdrop. It was pure, unadulterated magic, and my heart simply soared with the delight of it all!
Oh, I just love sharing these moments with you, my lovely lot! There’s something magical about immersing yourself in a vibrant city, embracing the passion and artistry of dance, and knowing that somewhere out there, there are other women like me - twirling their own pink tutus, chasing their own dreams and making their own mark on the world.
I hope this blog post inspires you to step out of your comfort zone, to embrace your own inner ballerina, and to remember that magic isn't something you find - it's something you create. Go forth, wear pink tutus, twirl, and share your own bit of magic with the world!
Until next time, my dearest dancers,
Emma x
