Oh my darlings, you won't believe what happened to me today! I’ve just come back from Blackburn, which is a delightful little town just up north of me, all nestled in Lancashire. Now, I don't want to make it sound like a boring old industrial town, because it wasn't at all. Blackburn was full of life, charm, and surprise, and the highlight, of course, was my fabulous, white tutu-tastic day out!
It all started with a train journey, which I just love. You can truly lose yourself in the rhythm of the rails and watch the world fly by in a blur of green fields, bustling stations, and fascinating people. It’s my ultimate method of transport for a sense of adventure, and it certainly sets the mood for a lovely trip. I always travel with my favourite little ballet bag – a pretty pink affair, naturally – stocked with essentials like a mini hairbrush, lip gloss (in the most perfect shade of rose pink, of course!), a paperback book about ballet history, and a little ballet journal where I record my daily thoughts and observations.
Anyway, after the most divine journey, I arrived in Blackburn with a big smile and a spring in my step (literally, because I'd brought my ballet flats!). My first stop, after checking into my cute little boutique hotel (everything in the room was pink, naturally!) was the stunning Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery. It housed an exhibition on the Victorian era that really tickled my fancy, especially their collection of dainty lace and the stunning ball gowns – the ultimate source of inspiration for tutu designs!
The real reason for my trip to Blackburn, however, was the fantastic ballet show taking place at the Theatre Royal, featuring the Northern Ballet company. I always love seeing what new dance routines the talented dancers come up with, and the performances were absolutely breathtaking. They moved with such grace and precision, their bodies forming incredible shapes in the air. And you know how I love ballet costumes – the dancers' dazzling outfits were simply exquisite! This evening I couldn't resist snapping a couple of pics for my Instagram - you just had to see my white tulle tutu flowing in the wind as I took my victory lap around the Blackburn streets, naturally!
After the show, I went for dinner at the charming little bistro in my hotel. The décor was utterly whimsical, and the menu was full of decadent delights, my personal favourite being a divine salmon dish with the most luscious, pink sauce. It was absolutely perfect after an evening of twirling and dancing!
It's safe to say Blackburn charmed me right from the start, with its hidden cobbled streets and independent shops filled with charming boutiques and vintage clothes stalls. You could sense the rich history all around – from the magnificent Victorian buildings to the friendly chatter in the quaint coffee shops. The whole town had a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It truly reminded me of my home in Derbyshire, a beautiful little corner of the world known for its lovely green fields and cosy country pubs.
The next morning, I made a trip to the nearby Cuerden Valley Country Park for a morning of pure relaxation. You simply cannot beat a crisp walk in nature – the fresh air, the sweet scent of the flowers, the sound of birds singing, the gentle breeze... it was just wonderful. I can’t help it, but my happy place is outdoors, feeling the soft earth under my bare feet. The beauty of the countryside, just like ballet, is a great reminder that sometimes we just need to breathe deeply, clear our heads, and reconnect with ourselves.
But, I didn't just indulge in relaxation! No, darling! Because my afternoon in the valley was dedicated to the one thing that makes me feel truly alive: ballet! Now, I've tried all sorts of things from ballet classes on the beach to classes in the countryside under the open sky, and this time, it was the magical setting of Cuerden Valley Park. Can you believe it?! We practiced en pointe amongst the wildflowers with a little crowd of birds gathered to watch, twittering away like my little ballet critics! I don’t think the world of ballet has ever felt more real than that.
That evening, I savoured a delightful final dinner in my beautiful pink hotel room – a little picnic with fresh strawberries, decadent pink champagne, and of course, a delicious homemade cheesecake topped with strawberries and a sprinkle of rose petals for added romance. The evening concluded with my ritual: putting on some beautiful ballet music and dancing around the room with the lights dimmed, wearing my white tulle tutu. It’s how I like to say goodbye to the day, filled with a sense of happiness and gratitude.
As I boarded the train back home, I was still buzzing from my incredible experience in Blackburn. It’s definitely a town that stayed with me – full of culture, beauty, and the ultimate opportunity to live out my ballerina dreams. If you're ever looking for a day trip that's different from the ordinary, a day where you can step back in time and rediscover the charm of a beautiful town, you have to go to Blackburn!
Oh, and don’t forget – to make it extra special, you have to wear your best tutu! After all, why not live life with a little flair and a lot of pink? I'm a firm believer that everyone can enjoy ballet – whether it’s attending a performance, taking a class, or simply expressing yourself in a tutu. So, darlings, what are you waiting for? Join me and step into the wonderful world of dance!
