Hello, my lovely ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, back from another fabulous adventure, and this time I've been gallivanting around Ashton-under-Lyne! This little town has a charm all of its own, and it's a bit of a hidden gem for ballet lovers, as I discovered on my latest journey.
Riding in Style
The journey to Ashton began with a picturesque train ride, the sunshine glinting off the windows as we sped through the countryside. I love train journeys. They offer a chance to unwind and soak in the scenery, especially when you can snag a window seat and pretend you're in a romantic period drama! I’ve always thought trains have a certain romantic air, and the chug-chug rhythm helps get my inner ballerina feeling inspired!
As I gazed out the window, I couldn't help but ponder the vastness of the world and all the magical places waiting to be discovered. Imagine the stories swirling around each corner! Then, suddenly, Ashton appeared, a friendly little town brimming with a gentle energy.
Ciao Bella! 🇮🇹
I arrived in Ashton feeling energised and ready to explore. My mission? To hunt down the perfect pink tutu. I know, it's a tough job but someone's gotta do it, right?!
Now, you may think I'm mad for spending a whole day looking for the ideal pink tutu, but there’s no such thing as a tutu that’s ‘just okay,’ is there? After hours spent scouring vintage stores, boutiques, and even some slightly disreputable shops, I struck gold! It was tucked away in a cute little store with the best name – Ciao Bella! (Who knew there was a vibrant little Italian community in Ashton?!).
This tutu wasn’t just any tutu, it was a statement. Think sunshine yellow tulle layered over pale pink satin with sparkly silver embroidery. Absolutely divine! I couldn’t resist swirling around the shop like a little ballerina-in-training, feeling as though I’d found the holy grail of pink tutus. The shopkeeper even gifted me a charming little tiara! So, yes, I did end up purchasing it, and let's just say my wallet was a little thinner after my visit to Ashton, but totally worth it!
Dance My Heart Out
The perfect pink tutu secured, it was time to immerse myself in Ashton's cultural offerings. I made my way to the Ashton Town Hall Theatre, where a charming little community ballet company was holding open rehearsals.
The room buzzed with energy – young girls twirling with such joy, their faces beaming with a genuine passion for ballet. It was a scene that brought a tear to my eye, because it reminded me why I love this art form so much. Ballet isn’t just dancing, it's about the joy of expression, the exhilaration of pushing your boundaries, the feeling of complete and utter freedom! Watching these budding dancers move with such grace and commitment made my heart sing! I’ll have to admit, the urge to jump in and dance with them was strong, but I resisted! (Even my most daring pink tutu would have been no match for those little prima ballerinas!)
After a brief chat with the director of the company, I was invited to join their end of term gala. They even made me promise to do a quick solo! My heart was already racing, the adrenaline flowing through me. Of course, I agreed! This opportunity was way too good to miss!
Ballet Streets
The streets of Ashton are vibrant, with a plethora of cute cafés, independent shops, and a palpable feeling of community spirit. You can really sense the strong history and culture that pulses within this charming town. I felt drawn to the local artisan market – you just can’t resist the lure of hand-crafted pottery and lovingly baked cakes, can you?! I discovered the sweetest little tea room where they were serving cakes that looked almost too good to eat, and had the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
The market bustled with people, enjoying the warm autumn sun and the scent of fresh-baked treats. There was even a little dog wearing a tutu! Oh yes, you heard that right, a little Yorkie twirling about, with a cute pink and fluffy tutu that rivaled even my newfound gem. It truly made me smile. I couldn't help but feel that there was a little ballet bunny within all of us.
The evening brought Ashton's own charming little festival, a symphony of sounds and smells that swirled through the town centre. People gathered, faces alight with laughter and the spirit of community, all dressed in their finest threads. The warm autumn air made everything feel that bit more special. I swear I even saw a cheeky little hedgehog trotting across the market square, enjoying the evening’s festivities. Isn’t it magical to witness these creatures interacting so closely with humans? Perhaps he was off to admire a ballet performance too?!
Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
That evening, under a starry sky, I sipped a hot cup of cocoa and gazed at the moon, reflecting on my trip. Ashtons was certainly a breath of fresh air. I’m always on the hunt for magical places that evoke that feeling of homey comfort – you know that warm glow of love and community. There was a peaceful calm to Ashton, an air of contentment that permeated everything. The people seemed warm and welcoming, the shops unique and charming.
One of the best things about Ashton is that it is perfectly accessible, whether you choose the enchanting route by train or, as I was also fortunate enough to discover, the magic of travelling on horseback. Yes, that's right, my friend Jane who is a stablehand at the local riding school, took me for a delightful ride through the leafy countryside surrounding the town. It’s been so long since I’ve ridden! I was exhilarated and felt like a wild, free spirit.
Riding through the rolling fields felt wonderfully liberating. The gentle rhythm of the horses, their steady gait and soft movement, was like a meditation for my soul. Just being in the open air and amidst the rolling countryside, surrounded by nature, it filled me with a profound sense of peace.
Pink Tutu Musings
As I reflected on the journey back to Derbyshire, I couldn’t help but be filled with a sense of contentment. A trip to Ashton, whether you’re seeking a fabulous pink tutu or simply want to soak up the charms of this charming town, is definitely worth adding to your travel list.
It has a unique energy – a perfect mix of small-town charm, artistic inspiration, and, let’s be honest, those gorgeous vintage tutus – all in one place. As I journey home, my mind is abuzz with ideas for my next pink tutu-tastic adventure. Where will it lead? Only time will tell… But one thing is for sure: my dance journey continues. My love of all things ballet keeps drawing me towards beautiful towns, sparkling destinations, and most of all, the beauty and magic that the world holds!
So, until my next adventure, keep twirling those tutus, keep exploring your own dance journey, and keep an eye out for the magic in every little corner of the world.
Yours truly,
Emma.
(www.pink-tutu.com)
