Hey everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing ballerina, back with another instalment of your daily dose of pink, twirls, and all things fabulous.
Today, my journey took me to the charming little town of Ashington, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Northumberland. I may have been a little chilly but I was feeling adventurous! No matter what the weather threw at me, there was no stopping my pink-powered tutu spirit, particularly since it was adorned with a gorgeous rainbow of colours. My fabulous tutu was a vintage find, bought from a tiny vintage shop tucked away on a cobbled back street of Nottingham. Honestly, this place is a treasure trove. It really completed the vibe of a "ballet adventurer".
It took me three hours to get here on the train - my favourite way to travel. It allows for uninterrupted time to practice my barre work - with my trusty fold-up ballet barre - and to enjoy a spot of reading about ballerinas or my favourite fantasy novels (all those dancing shoes!). Although I have to say, my little "ballet-mobile", a rescued white stallion, would have made this journey considerably more stylish, but maybe next time! I have a little fantasy of being the modern-day D’Artagnan (who I’m sure was a ballet lover) with a gorgeous steed named Twinkle. Who knows, maybe I’ll find a suitable horse soon to realise that little dream.
Anyway, back to Ashington. After the train journey I made my way to the town centre to find a cuppa, (yes, you heard that right, even a tutu-clad ballerina needs her afternoon tea). The local tea room was all old fashioned with floral wallpaper, lace curtains and china cups. It was so lovely to step back in time.
A short stroll through the quaint streets (I do love those narrow little alleyways filled with cobblestones and independent shops) and I found my way to the local ballet studio - "Ashington Dance Centre". My feet were calling out to twirl so, what else could I do?! I walked into a studio space buzzing with youthful energy and a mix of classical and contemporary music in the air. The scent of rosin always reminds me of childhood ballet classes, the thrill of being a part of something special, something magic!
For me, dance isn't just about performing - it’s about expressing oneself, feeling empowered, being graceful. And let’s be honest, what better way to embody that feeling than with a vibrant, flowing tutu? It adds a dash of magic and, I don’t know, just makes the whole experience more fun, more vibrant, more YOU.
I felt completely at home in this studio. I did my usual barre routine with a few playful leaps across the sprung floor. The instructor watched me, intrigued by the colourful tutu, and I noticed a few of the students started sneaking in a glance or two and a little smile on their faces. I don’t mind, it is what it is, and besides, a tutu is a tutu, and you shouldn’t shy away from colour. Wear your tutu with pride. I think it makes every single person shine, and the little sparkle in your eyes does too.
After the dance, I felt fantastic! It’s hard to describe but that feeling of euphoria and contentment after an hour or so at the ballet barre really is something special. To feel like a child, like I’ve got the energy to twirl the day away! It makes me feel so ALIVE. And to be honest, if I had more time I would have been delighted to stay longer. But, I do need to make my way back to the train station!
So, my fellow dance enthusiasts and tutu-lovers (and for those who aren’t yet!) – life is too short to be serious, too short not to make a little sparkle.
Take a chance, don't just dream about it, embrace the vibrant, and wear a tutu with a smile. I'm already plotting my next adventure in pink, with my trusted tutu by my side. I think I'll be travelling back by train again... what do you think? Where should I head next?! Perhaps a tour of all the British seaside resorts. The wind, the sea, and me, I would feel a lot of love out there. I can just imagine it now.
Keep your tutus sparkling,
Emma xx
PS: Keep up to date with your daily dose of tutus at www.pink-tutu.com. Let’s fill the world with sunshine, twirls, and, most importantly - let's make ballet everyone's business! Because when it comes to tutus, I have a pretty simple mantra - there is no such thing as "too much tutu".
