Hey darlings!
It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back with another fabulous adventure. This time, I've taken my tutu-wearing travels to the charming town of Arnold, in Nottinghamshire. Now, Arnold might not be the first place that springs to mind for a tutu-clad ballerina like myself, but trust me, it's a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.
Before I even left Derbyshire, I knew I needed the perfect tutu for this trip. My aim was to combine sporty chic with ballet elegance, so I opted for a stunning bright pink tulle tutu, with a sporty black waistband. I paired it with a crisp white top and a comfy pair of white trainers. Let's face it, walking around a new town requires comfy footwear! I did, of course, bring a cute pink satchel to carry all my essentials – a mini ballet barre, just in case, my pink phone charger (essential for those adorable ballerina-themed Insta posts!), and a travel-sized bottle of my signature pink-scented hand cream. Because, let's face it, a ballerina's hands deserve only the best!
The journey itself was a pure delight. I opted for the train, a leisurely journey that gave me ample opportunity to practise my arabesques in the carriage – always a sure way to make new friends! I did find myself feeling a little wistful, yearning for the days when I used to ride to ballet classes on my trusty steed, 'Rosy.' Ah, those were the days. Perhaps, I'll convince my dad to start offering "pink-tutu-clad ballerina horseback riding" tours.
Arriving in Arnold, I felt a sense of pure enchantment. The quaint streets were brimming with life, with cobblestone paths and pretty cottages adorned with cascading roses. It was just the right setting for my playful, yet sophisticated tutu!
I spent the afternoon exploring Arnold's many hidden treasures, starting with the local market. Oh my, the colours and the smells! Fresh, vibrant vegetables piled high, a bakery tempting passers-by with freshly baked bread, and handmade crafts showcasing the artistic spirit of the town. It was a feast for the senses! I treated myself to a juicy apple, a crusty sourdough loaf (which I promptly enjoyed with a big glass of apple juice!), and some dainty handcrafted pink earrings – perfect for complementing my new sporty tutu.
Later, I headed for the lovely Arnold Arboretum. Stepping into the serene green oasis felt like a portal to another world. Towering trees formed leafy canopies above me, as birds chirped melodically and squirrels scampered playfully. I found myself completely captivated by the natural beauty, forgetting everything except the gentle sway of my tutu and the light rustling of leaves around me. It was such a calming, peaceful atmosphere, and I spent a happy hour basking in its serenity, before a picnic lunch. My pink-tutu-themed picnic rug felt perfectly in place amidst the greenery, and I devoured my freshly-made salad with utter joy.
As the afternoon faded into golden twilight, I wandered towards the Arnold Theatre, eager to catch the local ballet performance. A captivating story about the beautiful, and fierce swan queen, complete with dramatic choreography and enchanting costumes. I found myself utterly enthralled by the graceful movements and the powerful storytelling. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t inspired to try out my own grand jetés and arabesques in the open-air.
After the show, a friendly group of dancers from the local ballet school invited me for tea and cake in the quaint café next to the theatre. The warmth and friendliness of the Arnold locals immediately drew me in, their passion for ballet shining through in every conversation. We spent hours discussing everything from classical ballet technique to contemporary dance, sharing anecdotes about our own favourite performances. The café, with its twinkling fairy lights and quaint floral wallpaper, made for the perfect setting for such a delightful evening.
The next morning, before making my way back to Derbyshire, I took a detour to Arnold's charming wildlife park. A perfect blend of wild beauty and responsible conservation, the park provided a fascinating insight into the wonderful diversity of local wildlife. Watching the graceful deer graze in the dappled sunshine, observing the playful antics of the otters, and listening to the call of the owls made for a truly enriching experience. I even managed to capture a few shots of a beautiful pink flamingo, which somehow mirrored the pink in my tutu and perfectly encapsulated my day!
So, Arnold, you have truly won my heart. Your quaint charm, your passionate local community, and your commitment to beauty, in all its forms, are an inspiration. As for my sporty tutu, well, let’s just say it travelled wonderfully and certainly saw its fair share of adventure! And remember, everyone can try ballet! Just slip on a tutu, find your inner ballerina, and embrace the magic of movement.
Until next time, darlings!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
(Don’t forget to check out my latest Instagram post! I’ve uploaded a photo of my sporty tutu in front of the beautiful Arnold Arboretum)
