Hello my gorgeous darlings! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a whirlwind of pink tutu joy – straight from the heart of the Pennines, and straight to your screens!
Today's adventure took me to Ashton, a quaint little town in Greater Manchester, nestled among the rolling hills. This is a place of industrial heritage and cosy cafes, with the charm of the old combined with the buzz of a bustling market. I just love exploring hidden corners of the UK, and Ashton was a true gem.
Now, you know me, always sporting my trusty tutu. But this trip demanded something special - and I just couldn't resist snagging a vibrant, vintage-style pink tutu from a little stall at the Ashton market. It was bargain-tastic, perfect for a day of exploring, and totally reflected the spirit of this town!
The Joy of a Railway Adventure
I arrived in Ashton via a vintage train – just picture a beautiful old carriage chugging along with windows thrown open to let in the fresh air! It was just like a scene from one of my favourite ballet stories. The ride was so picturesque, with fields bursting with wildflowers and the gentle slopes of the Pennines all around. Even the bustling station in Manchester Piccadilly had a charming old-fashioned feel, with grand architecture that wouldn’t look out of place in a vintage musical. I practically waltzed through the halls, with the echoes of my pink tutu rustling in my wake!
A Pink Tutu in a Ballet Boutique
Ashton, much to my delight, was brimming with quirky shops! There was a cute little haberdashery crammed with buttons, beads, and lace - perfect for adorning my pink tutu with. But my real discovery was the quaint little dance boutique hidden away in a side street. I had a proper fangirl moment! They had everything a dancer's heart could desire: shoes, tights, leotards, and a veritable rainbow of tutus! The owner, a lovely woman with a twinkle in her eye, showed me some vintage pointe shoes from the 1950s. Apparently, they were from a theatre troupe that had performed in Ashton! I’m sure they were full of magical memories!
Ashton Market – a Fairytale Fantasy
Of course, no trip to Ashton is complete without a wander through its lively market. I adore these vibrant gatherings – it's a real explosion of local produce, handmade crafts, and a glimpse into the local life of the town. Imagine, all that, topped with my trusty pink tutu swirling and dancing around me! My daydreams turned to reality when I stumbled upon the most beautiful stall – filled with fresh fruit and vegetables that were practically begging me to add a little dance-tastic touch to their display! Who can resist a bunch of fragrant lavender, a dazzling pink beetroot, or a glistening bunch of green grapes, all looking positively perfect in their colourful abundance? I was literally in awe!
Pink and Flour Power – a Whirlwind Tea Break
As the sun started to dip low and paint the sky with golden hues, I popped into a charming cafe nestled right in the heart of the market. It was filled with locals enjoying afternoon tea – a quintessential British tradition. Of course, I couldn't resist ordering a pink teacake – perfectly complementing my pink tutu – it felt almost as if I was taking tea with a fairytale princess!
Taking Centre Stage with Ballet Under the Stars
No matter where I travel, the ballet is always part of the itinerary. And Ashton didn't disappoint! They have a beautiful community theatre – the Ashton Civic Theatre - with its vintage grandeur and charm. They even had a beautiful ballet production playing that night – ‘Giselle’ with an added touch of modern storytelling. I even managed to chat with some local ballet dancers – I absolutely love their passion for the art and sharing it with their community! They encouraged me to try their ballet classes and share some tips for making tutus at home! They even offered me the chance to audition for a show! Who knew, my pink tutu adventures could lead to this?!
Echoes of Pink and Ballet in My Heart
As I caught the late evening train back to Derbyshire, I felt a gentle wave of contentment washing over me. This trip to Ashton had been magical, from the moment I set foot in that historic railway station to the ballets in Ashton Civic Theatre and the bustling Ashton Market – and of course, with my gorgeous pink tutu trailing behind me!
Ashton is a town that’s brimming with personality and warmth – just like my favourite pink tutu. I left with a spring in my step and a heart full of happy memories, ready to inspire others with a bit of pink and ballet magic.
That’s me for today my darling dancers, until next time, stay fabulous and remember – the world is your stage! And who knows, your next adventure might just start with a cheap tutu!
