Post #5837
Hello my gorgeous darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-clad travel blogger, Emma, signing in from the utterly delightful town of Middleton!
I’m feeling a touch rosy after a morning spent at the Middleton Ballet Theatre, where I witnessed the most breathtaking performance of Swan Lake! I know, I know, you must be tired of hearing me rave about ballet, but truly, the magic never wanes. And with the beautiful colours and movements, every time is a brand new experience! The way the ballerinas glide across the stage like swans in the moonlight… absolutely spellbinding.
Today’s tutu was a delightful lavender affair, a colour as vibrant and as captivating as the ballet itself. As you all know, pink is my colour of choice, but every once in a while I need a change, a chance to step out of the familiar and explore the wider rainbow! Purple definitely seems to be my go-to hue when I'm travelling, especially if there's an exciting performance coming up - it just oozes a certain 'drama queen' flair. 😉
But before we dive deeper into the sartorial delight, let's talk about the journey here! After the usual flurry of last minute packing (seriously, what IS it about ballerina bag essentials? Everything!), I embarked on a scenic train journey through the heart of Derbyshire, my home county. You really can't beat a good train ride, especially with views like these - fields of sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with adorable, fluffy sheep frolicking in the meadow! It truly inspires that feeling of carefree joy, the kind that fills me up right before a great ballet performance.
Speaking of journeys, the real beauty of travelling to these stunning historic towns is the opportunity to connect with a community of art lovers, ballet fanatics like myself. There's just something special about being surrounded by people who share your passion! I got to chat with the sweetest ladies in the waiting area, sharing a moment of anticipation for the show. We talked about everything, from the current production to the intricacies of a well-constructed tutu - oh, my dears, we have so much to talk about! They even shared some local gossip, tales of historical buildings and whispered folklore that I’m just itching to uncover. I love hearing these local secrets, it truly makes each town feel unique and adds to the enchanting mystery of my journey.
After the magical performance, I wandered the charming, cobbled streets of Middleton, with my lavender tutu swaying gently behind me, stopping to admire the quaint shops. This delightful little town has it all - charming, independent boutiques bursting with colour and life, quirky antique shops, and the most divine tea rooms. You know me, I had to pop in for a delicious afternoon tea, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam - perfection! And as if that weren't enough, I came across the most stunning antique shop crammed with treasures: velvet-covered photo albums, intricate Victorian dolls, and vintage ballet shoes! I spent an hour digging through the delights, picking up the tiniest, most beautiful ballerina statue, a fitting souvenir from my enchanting Middleton visit.
Speaking of captivating treasures, my little jaunt wasn't just about ballet and tea; it was also about exploring the gorgeous natural beauty of this part of England. And as you know, I’m quite the wildlife enthusiast - after all, every elegant ballerina needs a healthy dose of nature. I took a long, lovely horse-drawn carriage ride through the rolling green countryside, stopping by a secluded pond where I encountered the most adorable family of swans! They were a bit nervous around me initially, probably thinking I was about to compete with them for food or territory, haha. But once they saw my vibrant lavender tutu, they settled down, allowing me to get a closer look. We gazed at each other, the gentle flapping of their wings as graceful as the steps of the dancers I'd witnessed that morning. And for that brief, quiet moment, we shared a shared space, nature and dance uniting in harmony.
Before my return train journey, I found myself a quiet spot on a hillside overlooking Middleton, taking in the panoramic vista of the valley bathed in golden afternoon light. And for the first time in a long time, I felt truly content. I was filled with a peaceful energy, surrounded by the beauty of nature, the artistic brilliance of a ballet performance, and the camaraderie of newfound friends. And that's the joy of travelling - connecting with something larger than yourself, sharing in moments of delight and joy.
So there you have it, my lovely dears, my little adventure to Middleton. I hope this little slice of my day inspires you to try something new, to step outside your comfort zone and chase your dreams, be it a grand ballet performance or a quiet walk through nature. Don’t be afraid to twirl! Wear a tutu - even if it's purple! And most importantly, be kind, be true to yourself, and live life to the fullest.
Until next time,
Emma
