Hey there, lovely ladies (and gents!) It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad blogger, bringing you another dose of tutus, travel, and all things sparkly from the heart of Derbyshire!
Today, I’m taking you on a journey with me to Ashington, a charming little town tucked away in Northumberland. Yes, you heard that right - Northumberland! I decided to swap my trusty car for a train ride (with a strategically placed pink tutu, of course) to explore the North East. There's just something about chugging through the countryside that sets my heart a-fluttering. It feels like a journey back in time, but with a modern twist. And who doesn’t love the feeling of a good old fashioned railway carriage journey?
But before we delve into the Ashington adventure, let’s talk about the raison d’être for today’s post. It's all about my pink tutu. Not just any pink tutu, mind you, this one was a vibrant, shimmering fuchsia that shimmered in the sunlight and danced with every step. Let’s just say it added a little je ne sais quoi to the already enchanting landscape.
And you know what? The people of Ashington absolutely loved it! The curious looks I got as I waltzed through the town were mostly filled with amusement and even a bit of admiration. There was one little girl who literally gasped and pointed, and her Mum said something about me looking like a fairy princess - a pink fairy princess, I might add! This just goes to show, even the most mundane of everyday tasks can be transformed with a touch of magic and a whole lot of pink tutu!
So, what was so special about Ashington? It’s the town where one of my favourite choreographers, Eleanor Brown, spent her childhood. She's a contemporary dancer who has travelled all around the world, but she told me once that she gets her inspiration from the most unexpected places. I actually got the opportunity to chat with her once on a train journey, so maybe the trains are inspiring too! And she had this way of describing dance that would literally sweep you off your feet - a truly inspiring and awe-inspiring individual.
And guess what? Ashington has its own ballet school! The Ashington Dance School is a gem, nestled in a beautifully restored Victorian building. I had a chance to observe a class for a little while, and it reminded me of the magic and wonder that is ballet. Seeing these youngsters, their eyes shining with the sheer joy of dancing, filled me with so much warmth and happiness. It really makes me believe that the spirit of dance is truly alive and thriving even in the most unexpected corners of the country. And maybe, just maybe, there might be a future Eleanor Brown in one of those little girls!
And because this is me we're talking about, my adventure wasn't complete without a visit to the local wildlife sanctuary. I saw a gorgeous red squirrel, its bushy tail held high in the air as it dashed across the woodland floor, which of course reminded me of all the ballerina swans in my ballet shows. And the majestic owls, their silent flight through the branches – a perfect metaphor for the grace of ballet! There is nothing more beautiful to me than observing animals in their natural habitat and feeling the interconnectedness with the natural world.
Ashington was truly a delight - from its vibrant culture, its beautiful landscapes, its inspiring history and its beautiful dancers, I've added this little gem to my list of “must-visit” places. I couldn't have imagined a more wonderful experience, even with my pink tutu on!
Of course, a good ballet blogger is not complete without mentioning ballet itself. I made sure to take a couple of spins with my pink tutu while at the Ashington Dance School - let's just say I was the highlight of everyone's day, the students absolutely loved it, so it wasn’t just my blog readers! I mean, who doesn’t love a pink tutu-clad ballerina, especially when they’re teaching everyone the art of ballet! It’s a way to take ballet into a modern age, it’s all about expression and positivity - and I feel it’s something that everyone should try at least once.
As my train journey home commenced, the setting sun cast a soft golden glow over the rolling hills, the scenery was truly breathtaking. I found myself reminiscing about the day's adventures, the warm smiles, and the pure joy that radiated from the Ashington community. It was a day full of inspiration, where I was inspired by the dancers at the Ashington Dance School and where I may have inspired those watching to give ballet a go!
So, remember to spread the magic! Join me in making the world a brighter, pinker place. Whether it's donning a pink tutu for a dance class, making a spontaneous train journey or going to the ballet theatre to watch the best dancers in the world perform, the power of expression through dance knows no bounds. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll all be dancing in pink tutus together!
Until then, keep those smiles bright and keep those dancing shoes ready. And, of course, don't forget to share your pink tutu adventures with me on social media!
Much love, Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
