#TutuBlog 2012-01-23 in Bristol with a pancake tutu.

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, ready to whisk you away to Bristol! Yes, I packed my most flamboyant pink tutu, hopped on the train from Derbyshire, and headed straight for the City of Culture. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the pancake tutu! You'll see what I mean… 😉

Bristol has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a city bursting with creativity, quirky charm, and yes, even a little bit of magic! It's like the quintessential British city, you know? Think cobblestone streets, bustling markets, and historical grandeur. It’s the kind of place that makes me want to twirl down the cobbled streets, pirouette around the harbour, and… well, maybe that's a bit much for the average Bristolian. 😜

This trip, however, wasn’t just about exploring the city. No, no, it was a true ballet pilgrimage. I was lucky enough to catch a magnificent performance by the Bristol Ballet Company! They were showcasing a contemporary piece based on the story of Snow White, but with a whimsical twist that really got me feeling those ballerinal vibes! You can bet your bottom dollar, my pink tutu was a fabulous addition to the auditorium, a sparkling reminder of the sheer joy of dance!

Of course, no trip to Bristol would be complete without visiting the Bristol Zoo Gardens. What can I say, I've always got a soft spot for the animal kingdom! Seeing all those magnificent creatures up close really sparked my imagination. The colours and shapes of the butterflies, the grace of the gibbons, the intelligence in the monkeys' eyes… it was like a real-life dance performance! I even tried teaching a few penguins some basic ballet steps - it’s safe to say that graceful twirls aren't their forte!

Speaking of things that don’t go quite as planned, you remember the pancake tutu I mentioned? Let's just say it's a testament to the joys and challenges of being a true ballerina on the go. Now, imagine this: I was so excited to wear a fluffy tutu with little pink pancake-shaped fabric squares! I imagined it looking like a sugar-coated cloud! It was, in theory, a dazzling masterpiece of culinary-ballet inspiration! But oh my, the practicality of it all! It was as sticky as a honey badger! (Okay, that’s maybe an exaggeration. Maybe… just maybe a bit like a honey badger.)

It wasn't all tutus and pancakes though! After the ballet, I strolled around the colourful streets of Bristol, picking up local goodies from independent shops, and stopping for tea at a quaint cafe (which thankfully wasn't quite as messy as my tutu experience!).

The Bristol nightlife also didn't disappoint! A lively blend of traditional pubs, quirky bars, and vibrant music venues - perfect for winding down after a day of twirling.

And for those who love horses as much as I do, Bristol offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a horseback ride along the Avon Gorge! The views are absolutely breathtaking, and you can feel the history of the city under your horse’s hooves. I felt like I was a true adventurer, galloping into the sunset, my pink tutu flowing behind me! (That bit, alas, was just in my imagination. I opted for practicality over a tutu-filled gallop!)

Bristol is the perfect blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life. It's a place that never fails to ignite my imagination, inspires me to twirl a little higher, and reminds me why I love to share my passion for ballet with the world. So, until next time, darlings, stay twirling! And remember, you don't need a perfect tutu to embrace the magic of ballet. You just need to find that inner sparkle! 💖

With love, Emma xx

P.S. You can follow me on www.pink-tutu.com to join me on my adventures! You never know what kind of pink tutu shenanigans are coming up next!