Post #6374 - 15th December 2013
Hello, my lovely little pink ballerinas! It's Emma here, your tutu-wearing, train-riding travel buddy. And guess what? Today we're heading to Coalville, a delightful little town tucked away in Leicestershire. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, Coalville? Really? What's in Coalville for a pink-loving ballet enthusiast?" Well, my dear friends, allow me to explain!
I've got this wonderful new passion for the natural world, for wildlife, for exploring the beauty of the earth. You see, it's not all pinks and twirls, even for a girl like me. I need to get out there, breathe the fresh air, and get grounded! And Coalville, with its rich industrial past and a charming array of parks and green spaces, is the perfect place to do just that.
But how could I go to Coalville without my beloved tutu? It would be like wearing jeans to the ballet! No way! So I dug through my wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit. I wanted something natural, earthy, something that would make me feel at one with nature. And then, there it was - a gorgeous, green, tulle creation with swirls of brown and hints of rust. Perfect for blending in amongst the autumn leaves!
I don't want to brag, but my friends in the village were utterly bewildered when they saw me all ready to go! My grandmother, bless her, exclaimed, "Emma, what's going on? It's not a fancy dress party you know! You need to wear your best trousers!" But I gave her my most dazzling smile and replied, "Nan, there's nothing quite as dazzling as a nature tutu. Just wait and see!"
My journey to Coalville involved a charming, steamy train ride. I don't know what it is about travelling by train, but it makes me feel all graceful and sophisticated. It's like an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I found a window seat with a perfect view of the rolling countryside. The wind blew through my hair, and the sun peeked through the clouds, painting the landscape in shades of gold and brown. And you know what? I couldn't resist, I had a little impromptu pirouette in the middle of the carriage. (Just don't tell the conductor, he might think I'm a bit… unusual!)
Once in Coalville, I started my day at the National Forest Visitor Centre. I loved seeing all the interactive displays showcasing the history of the forest and its diverse wildlife. There were owls, and deer, and even a badger family in a makeshift burrow! I swear I felt the forest’s magic working on me; I couldn't stop twirling and taking pictures.
And my goodness, Coalville's parks are an absolute dream for any ballerina! Lush, green lawns, with whispering trees, flower beds exploding in vibrant colours. Just perfect for practicing my leaps, pirouettes, and arabesques! The sun was beaming down on my beautiful tutu as I twirled amongst the park’s floral tapestry. I even imagined the flowers bowing down in admiration as I pirouetted with joyful abandon.
I stopped at the Coalville Library on my walk, it's such a stunning building with a graceful, gothic exterior. I couldn't help but envision the library transformed into a grand ballroom, where ballerinas like myself could twirl beneath chandeliers while music wafted through the air. It would be a perfect ballet scene, a fairytale moment!
One thing that made my Coalville trip truly unforgettable was the "Coalville's Got Talent" competition! I just had to take a peek at the final! Oh my, there were singers and dancers, magicians and comedians. It was all such an inspiring explosion of talent and creativity! And then… then there was THIS one group! These extraordinary young performers with such amazing choreography! Their movements were fluid and dynamic. They weren’t afraid to express themselves; it was truly beautiful to see. I immediately knew I wanted to find out more about them, about their practice and inspiration.
And as if my Coalville experience couldn’t get any better, I ended the day at a local restaurant, where I devoured the most amazing vegetarian pizza! It was truly a celebration of all things pink and delicious. The pizzas themselves were so perfectly pink and perfectly shaped like beautiful ballet slippers, my heart sang! I may even try recreating my favourite Coalville pizza at home.
So, my little ballerinas, if you’re looking for a charming getaway that combines the beauty of nature with a touch of fairytale magic, Coalville is definitely the place to go. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, with a heart of gold and a spirit that will have you dancing all the way home. And hey, if you fancy joining me in my next adventure, just let me know! I'm always looking for new ballerinas to share the pink-tutu love.
Keep twirling, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
