Hey loves! It's Emma here, your Derbyshire ballerina, back from a whirlwind trip to Salford! The city, not the sweet treat. 😉
Now, Salford is usually just a fleeting name on the map to me. A stop on the train journey to somewhere else. But this time, a little whisper in the ballet world sent me on a pink-tutu pilgrimage.
My darling, darling friend Lily, a fellow tutu-enthusiast and I decided to take the train. It's so much more fun to watch the countryside whisk past and plot a million imaginary outfits with each new vista. We discussed every shade of pink tutu - from the delicate ballet pink, to the daring magenta of a flamingo (if flamingos wore tutus - imagine the chic!) By the time we hit the suburbs of Manchester, I was already in the mood for some cultural exploration.
Salford itself is...surprisingly delightful! It's one of those places that bursts with hidden pockets of beauty, tucked away amongst the busy city life. And don't even get me started on the vibrant art scene - I discovered this incredible gallery hidden inside a converted church, showcasing modern art with a theatrical flair - pure tutu-tastic vibes!
As we meandered through the streets, our trusty pink tutus bouncing alongside us, we stumbled upon a charming cafe, filled with sunshine and delicious smells. The aroma was enough to turn even the most stubborn ballerina's head. But it wasn't just any cafe - it was a pancake house! And not just any pancake house, it had an entire menu devoted to pink pancakes!
It was destiny, my loves. It had to happen. I'm not just a tutu girl - I'm also a pancake princess, you know!
So, we ordered two mountainous stacks - mine, naturally, adorned with fluffy clouds of whipped cream and drizzled with raspberry sauce, because pink and fluffy is ALWAYS right! We were a spectacle, perched on our tiny cafe chairs, a burst of pastel perfection amongst the lunchtime rush. And trust me, there were smiles exchanged with our fellow diners. Pink just has that effect - it melts hearts, even when it's piled onto fluffy pancakes.
Post-pancake-and-pink-cloud joy, we headed for the ballet!
And it was… glorious! I can't describe the feeling of that first step on the stage - the familiar feeling of pointe shoes crunching on the wooden floor - the silence broken by the first graceful movement - the perfect balance between strength and artistry. And the dance? Well, it was pure enchantment. The dancers glided effortlessly across the stage, their movements fluid and elegant. There was a story in every step, every glance, every expression - a whirlwind of emotions played out on their bodies.
I won't spoil it for you, but it was like watching an explosion of pure joy in motion.
The applause that followed was ear-splitting and the dancers faces shone with pride and delight.
And, of course, a night out just wasn’t complete without a delicious meal and a cocktail - both things, in the grand tradition of tutu-dom, had to be pink! So we chose a restaurant with pink cocktails - and yes, it was exactly what it sounds like - pink drinks served in pink glasses! (And they were delicious, which always helps, don't you think?)
I know what you’re thinking - how was Salford so different from the Derbyshire countryside, the home of my pink tutu heart?
And you know what? It felt amazingly similar, even though it’s at the other end of the country. The same spirit of kindness, the warmth of the people, the joy in little things - it’s what I love about our little island, wherever we find ourselves! And I truly believe that you can find this kind of charm in any city, in any place you dare to go! I'll share more on our journey later - but trust me, it wasn’t all pink and sunshine…
The final stop of the day? The Salford Museum & Art Gallery. This treasure chest holds stories of the city's history, displayed beautifully. They even have a replica of a dinosaur bone (seriously! Who knew?).
You’d think I’d be exhausted, right? I’ve had a whole day in my tutu exploring Salford. But not me - because I finished off my night with an impromptu ballot class! It wasn't as fancy as the performance, but I just had to stretch out those muscles, to feel that satisfying, slightly achey joy after an hour of ballet.
So, Salford, you’ve captured a new pink-tutu enthusiast! I might just be starting a trend for your locals. Now I’m ready to take on the rest of the world - one city, one pink pancake, one ballot class at a time!
Don’t forget to tell me what you think about Salford, my beautiful ballot babes! And, if you have any pink-tutu related tales to share, do let me know! Until tomorrow! Love and Tutu!
*Emma *
P.S - If you ever feel like traveling with me, leave a comment on www.pink-tutu.com - I’ll be back with another travel adventure soon!
