Hey darlings!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, reporting live from the enchanting city of Lancaster! It feels like I've been dreaming, and who knows, maybe I have! Because honestly, this place is just pure magic.
The sun was shining (as always when I'm travelling, a true blessing!), the sky was that glorious blue-meets-pastel-pink that makes my heart skip a beat, and as soon as I stepped off the train I knew I was in for a treat.
I've been wanting to visit Lancaster for ages, and finally, after what feels like years of planning, it's happened! You see, my love for all things pretty goes way beyond just tutus and ballet shoes, it extends to charming old towns, beautiful landscapes, and wait for it wildlife! And let me tell you, Lancaster is truly a paradise for all three.
The cobblestone streets, quaint shops bursting with hand-crafted goodies, and gorgeous old buildings (so full of history, it almost tickles!) – it’s the perfect place to stroll around in my pink tutu, feeling like I’ve stepped right out of a vintage ballet postcard!
I can’t tell you how much I love wearing a pink tutu when I travel. It makes everything more fun! And you know what? I always get the best reactions from everyone. A few children stopped to tell me I looked like a fairy princess (a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with!), and even a couple of posh old ladies couldn’t resist smiling and saying “Lovely tutu, dear!" They didn't know just how lovely it actually was - I bought it from a hidden boutique in London's Portobello Road market. So rare, a vintage handmade piece with sparkling details, just like a twinkling starry night!
A Day In Lancaster: Where Ballet Meets Wildlife
Now, my day began with a delightful surprise – a wildlife sanctuary just outside Lancaster! They have everything: owls, falcons, wolves, even adorable pygmy goats! I'm completely smitten with goats. There's something so silly and playful about them, like they're constantly trying to make you laugh. They remind me of all the cute little "ballerinas" I've met in my dance classes. They both love to dance, they both jump and frolic with joy, and their personalities shine!
I'm not ashamed to admit I had a little tea party with them. Yes, they actually love oat cakes! Who knew?! My tutus just sparkle with glitter!
My second adventure, you guys, involved something even more magical than cute pygmy goats - ballet! I discovered this gorgeous dance studio tucked away in a backstreet near the main square, surrounded by roses and climbing ivy - a total fairytale!
Of course, I couldn't resist joining in! (It was impossible not to, I swear! It's like a reflex when you see a barre!). I put on my ballet slippers (pink, of course), did a few plies (always gotta keep my muscles happy!), and then got to work.
Let me tell you, the feeling of stepping into that studio after spending the morning with all those cuddly animals, it was exhilarating. You feel the energy, you feel the passion. Honestly, ballet just sets your soul alight, it fills your spirit with happiness!
I didn't just join a regular ballet class, you know. They had an amazing modern ballet performance going on that evening, and after the class, I even stayed to chat with the director - a beautiful soul with eyes as bright as the dancing flames of her passion for the art. We talked about the challenges and triumphs of teaching ballet in a small town. And then… (and you’ll never believe this!) she asked if I’d like to take the stage! Oh, how I jumped at that chance.
To perform in Lancaster! A town that radiates history and grace, beauty and energy - It felt almost otherworldly. Standing in the spotlight, I saw a few familiar faces – the little girl from the animal sanctuary (her mum must have read my blog! She'd even borrowed my tutus! (pink ones, of course!)! I danced for them all, for the people of Lancaster, for the beautiful scenery, for my pink tutu, for the magic, and the feeling of liberation!
Oh, and it's no surprise I got a standing ovation. They practically wanted to carry me on their shoulders! (Let’s just say I politely declined… I might have fallen into their enthusiastic arms a little bit, but a little drama never hurt anyone!)
But more importantly, it gave me the feeling of sharing the love for ballet, the joy it brings, with others! I'd shared it with my pygmy goats and they’d shown me how they embraced joy!
Lancaster, You've Stolen My Heart (and my Pink Tutu)!
My day in Lancaster went beyond my wildest dreams! A perfect combination of nature, culture, and art - everything I adore! I even met a friendly horse and carriage driver on my way out (horses are my weakness, you know! They're just so graceful! Like ballerinas on four legs).
So, you guys, if you ever get a chance to visit Lancaster, do it. Don’t even hesitate. Trust me, it’s a must! And, of course, make sure you wear a pink tutu. Why? Because there’s no better way to experience the magic!
Now I'm back in Derbyshire, feeling full of energy and inspiration, thinking about the next stop on my adventure, the next town, the next town full of wildlife and beauty and endless possibilities for me to spread my tutu wings and share the love!
Till next time, my dearest readers! Stay beautiful!
Love, Emma xx
