Hey gorgeous ballet bunnies! 🩰💖 Emma here, reporting live from Cramlington, Northumberland. I can’t believe it's been over a year since I last popped down this way. I know you guys probably thought I'd forgotten all about you, but a girl's got to travel, right? Well, travel I have, but believe me, you lovely lot have never been far from my mind.
So, you're wondering, why Cramlington? Why not?! It's one of those towns with a definite vibe, right? It’s got a charming blend of urban sprawl and leafy green spaces. Honestly, I feel like I'm in some kind of artistic fairytale, where the pavements are paved with pink glittery dust and every pigeon is wearing a feather boa. 😉 (OK, maybe that's a bit far fetched, but a girl can dream, right?). Anyway, the point is, Cramlington just calls out to me. It whispers 'come dance with us Emma, we have pink tutus and enough glittery fairy dust to keep you happy for a week'.
And believe me, that's a call I just couldn't resist. I arrived yesterday on a train journey straight out of my dreams. The carriage was plush velvet, and the views were incredible! There were sheep in the fields and those incredible, ancient castle ruins that you only ever see in your dreams! Honestly, I felt like a princess escaping to a land where everyone is guaranteed a happily ever after... in a pink tutu. 🥰
Now, I'm all set up in the cutest little Air BnB you ever did see. I’m surrounded by the colour pink, (of course, the owner is the most lovely, pink-loving lady, a retired ballet teacher, believe it or not!), and there's a whole basket full of pink teacups. I just had to take a few photos for Instagram, obviously! 📸 I think this little place will be my perfect hideaway for the week! I plan on taking my daily dose of ballet at the local dance studio, and maybe even squeeze in a visit to the theatre for a little "professional inspiration".
Speaking of professional inspiration... have you seen the beautiful ballerinas from the National Ballet dancing down here? I spotted them backstage after their show and, oh my, let me tell you... I couldn't believe the grace, the poise, and the strength of their performances. They had the stage bathed in pink lighting, with sparkling tulle tutus that were basically art. If you haven't been to the National Ballet, please put it on your bucket list. You won't be disappointed! (They’re going to London next week - so go see them - if you can grab a ticket! 😉)
And now, for the main event! You know my mission, to make pink tutus the official uniform of the world... Well, my lovely little cramlington peeps have been giving me some pretty impressive encouragement. Today, I headed into town and let's just say my walk to the local bakery turned into an impromptu pink-tutu parade! (There were quite a few shocked and awestruck faces but, let's be honest, it just adds to the fun.) Then, the sweetest bakery owner offered me the most decadent cupcakes I’ve ever seen – they were covered in pink icing! Talk about being inspired! I felt like Cinderella getting ready for a ball (without the Prince, of course, but with a pink tutu, I don't really need one!). 😉
So far, Cramlington has just about stolen a bit of my heart. This little place, and all the kind, welcoming faces have definitely made me feel like it's all right to embrace that inner ballet queen, pink tutu and all.
And honestly, that's exactly how I plan to spend my time here. More walking around in my tutu, getting the most delicious cupcakes, going to fabulous dance classes and getting a healthy dose of theatre performances - maybe even trying my hand at a ballet performance of my own! Who knows, maybe there will even be a pink tutu workshop by the time I leave. Watch this space!
Of course, you'll hear all about it here first. Stay tuned, lovelies. 💖
Emma xx
