Hey my darling tutus! Emma here, fresh off the train and already planning my next pink-tutu-powered adventure. This time, I took a little jaunt to Barrow in Furness. It's a bit of a trek from Derbyshire, even for someone who loves the scenic beauty of a train journey. But this little town tucked away in Cumbria was bursting with surprises and just the right amount of ballet inspiration.
First Impressions: Where are all the swans?
Now, my dear tutus, Barrow in Furness is not known for its high-society balls, let me tell you! I think this town may be just a tad under-estimated for its beauty. Imagine the charm of old fishing villages sprinkled with industrial history, then imagine those details juxtaposed against breathtaking mountain ranges that are positively begging for a photo-op with a perfectly pink tutu. Just picture it!
The first thing that caught my eye was the sheer amount of water. Canals weaving through the town, shimmering like the scales of a ballerina's shoe! Honestly, I couldn't help but imagine a scene where graceful swans, sporting adorable little tutu neck-bows, gracefully glide on these tranquil waters. Okay, that might be a touch dramatic. But seriously, imagine!
Ballet Inspiration on the Shores of Furness
No matter where I travel, it seems I'm always drawn to finding a little bit of ballet magic. Thankfully, Barrow in Furness did not disappoint. While not a bustling hub of performing arts like London, there is a quaint little ballet school tucked away in the town, nestled between a quirky tea room and a vintage record store - my dream location! I could just picture myself slipping in a graceful plie, just behind the window of the tea shop, making all those little cupcakes tremble in delight.
They also have the impressive Furness Abbey, an ancient ruin of breathtaking proportions, which feels like a set straight from a fairytale ballet! Imagine a pas de deux under the arches, lit only by the moonlight. Maybe even a grand pas de trois for the more dramatic scenes - *shudder, tremble, *I just get shivers just thinking about it! It is definitely worthy of its very own performance. Who knows, maybe a local dance company will read this blog post and stage their next performance right here in Barrow? Now that would be truly divine!
Beyond the Ballet:
As much as I love dancing my way through new places, it wouldn't be a true Emma experience without a few fun detours.
Exploring the Dock Museum: Did you know Barrow in Furness is famous for its shipyards? It's true, the dock museum provided an enthralling look into Barrow's nautical history and I learned all about how ship-building influenced the growth of the town. Honestly, I have to admit, my favourite bit of the dock museum was the adorable sea-life exhibit, complete with friendly little starfish! Those tiny creatures would make fabulous, miniature dancers, just like a little tutu on an ant!
Climbing the Lakeland Fells: You can't come to Cumbria without immersing yourself in its breathtaking countryside. I strapped on my trusty boots (yes, I even found some adorable ballet-inspired boots - you know I love my little touch of pink, even in the most unexpected places), and I hiked to the top of a couple of Lakeland Fells. I can honestly say I have never felt so alive, the crisp mountain air just a pure shot of adrenaline!
Eating my way through Barrow: I might be a dancer, but no ballerina worth her salt can resist a little indulgence. From mouth-watering fudge in quaint little shops to hearty pub grub enjoyed in historic taverns - I simply indulged myself in all things culinary and enjoyed my own little "Sugar Plum" journey!
Ending Thoughts:
My tutu adventure in Barrow in Furness might have been brief, but it was oh-so-sweet. It just goes to show you that magic can be found even in the smallest of places. You know, the only thing that would have made this adventure even better? If everyone in this town was wearing pink tutus, maybe even dancing a little jig while they were at it. That's my dream, after all - to make the world a more twirling and twirlingly beautiful place.
So, until next time, my dear tutus, keep those tutus twirling and don't forget, every day is an opportunity to be the ballerina you were born to be!
Love and pirouettes, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
