Hello my lovelies!
It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-loving, travel-obsessed blogger. And today, I'm waltzing my way into the historical beauty of York, with a dash of pink, naturally!
My dear readers, you know how much I adore travelling, especially when it involves a train journey. The rhythm of the rails, the clattering of wheels, and the changing scenery just fill me with a joy I can't quite explain! This time, my adventure took me through the heart of Derbyshire, the rolling hills and green fields whisking me away to the North of England, specifically to the beautiful city of York.
This weekend was all about embracing my love for ballet, which naturally, meant a visit to the York Theatre Royal. It's an absolute gem of a theatre, with beautiful architecture, warm atmosphere and, best of all, the most wonderful production of 'Giselle' I have ever seen. The ballet was set in a Victorian village with the added element of Victorian folk-songs adding to the captivating atmosphere. I gasped with joy as the dancers twirled and pirouetted, and as the story unfolded I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. There is truly no art form that touches the soul like ballet, isn't that right, lovelies?
Now, for those of you who haven't visited York before, let me tell you, it's a truly magical city. With its cobblestone streets, ancient walls and historic pubs, you feel like you've stepped back in time. We stayed in the York Hotel, an elegant, old world charmer situated in the heart of the city with fantastic food and wonderful staff. It couldn’t have been more perfect, with a charming breakfast room and lovely views overlooking the historic centre.
I love exploring the vibrant mix of ancient history and modern bustle that makes York so special. I particularly enjoyed wandering through the York Minster - its soaring Gothic arches and stained glass windows left me completely speechless! You know what they say, lovelies - there’s always a piece of history lurking around every corner, and that’s a huge part of the charm of exploring places like York!
But it wasn’t just history I fell in love with on this trip. My heart melted for the adorable little creatures that inhabit the local York Museum Gardens. A small colony of sweet grey squirrels hopped around the park with cheeky smiles, and a curious pair of foxes made their way towards me as I snapped photos - my, but aren't they captivating creatures?
For a ballerina, exploring York felt almost like I was in another world - with it’s elegant boutiques, stunning architecture and fascinating museum pieces. I even picked up the most delightful little ballet slippers in a local shop (naturally in a very fetching shade of pink!), as well as a sweet, lavender-scented bath bomb. I am in my element when it comes to cute shops with beautiful displays. Every little detail is pure magic, like you're stepping into your very own fairy tale!
Oh, and lovelies, the food! You simply can't visit York without indulging in some delicious local cuisine. My favorite discovery was The Shambles, a beautiful street with shops bursting with culinary delights. I’d definitely recommend sampling their renowned York cheeses - creamy and melt-in-your-mouth! It was almost as divine as their famous Yorkie (yes, that’s what they call Yorkshire people) chocolate bar – the ultimate indulgence for this little ballerina.
In the evenings, we relaxed at The Black Swan Pub and enjoyed delicious local ales while gazing at the quaint surroundings and hearing tales of this centuries-old city from the locals. This little pub is one of York's oldest, dating back to 1455 - imagine!
My trip to York wasn't just about the sightseeing, it was about finding inspiration, lovelies. As always, the graceful movement of the dancers filled me with so much passion for this beautiful art form. It also reaffirmed my commitment to making ballet accessible and fun for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned ballerina or someone who has never stepped foot in a dance studio. It’s about joy, it’s about expressing yourself, it’s about finding that perfect harmony of mind and body. And who knows, maybe you might just inspire someone else to slip on a tutu and find their own love for ballet.
York, you stole my heart with your charming blend of history, culture and grace. Now, lovelies, if you are looking for your next ballet escapade, do visit York - I’ll bet my tutu it will leave you inspired!
Love,
Emma xx
Remember lovelies, you can find my daily adventures on www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on instagram and twitter.
Until next time!
