Good morning lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu-wearing, pink-loving, ballet enthusiast, reporting live from the very chic and surprisingly lively town of Rochdale.
I'm off to see "The Nutcracker" tonight - one of my absolute favourite ballets. I just can't get enough of the magic of the Christmas story told through dance. Plus, with Tchaikovsky's stunning score, the vibrant costumes, and the amazing sets, it's a feast for the senses! I know what you're thinking: a ballet fan in a pink tutu, heading off to see a classic ballet... a predictable combo, right? Wrong! But hey, that's my vibe, and I'm embracing it wholeheartedly. Life's too short to hold back, don't you agree?
You see, for me, wearing a pink tutu isn't just about looking fabulous (which it absolutely is!). It's a statement. It's a symbol of joy, creativity, and pure unadulterated fun. It's about embracing my inner ballerina and spreading a little bit of pink magic wherever I go. And I have to say, people LOVE it.
So, this morning, after my usual morning routine (which definitely involves a good stretch, a generous serving of porridge, and a little bit of ballet practice, of course), I packed my bright pink tutu in a vintage suitcase - you know the type, a bit shabby chic, with leather straps and worn handles - perfect for travelling by train! I do love a good train journey; it's like a mini adventure in itself! You can just gaze out of the window, watch the countryside whiz by, and lose yourself in your thoughts or a good book.
Now, Rochdale - where to even begin? I'd been wanting to visit this town for a while, It's just so steeped in history, there's a vibrant arts scene and they’ve recently done a lot of great stuff in town. There are those beautiful Victorian-era mills – just gorgeous – and the streets were bustling with people heading off to their Christmas markets and shops.
I managed to catch a glimpse of a Christmas market just by the station, the scent of mulled wine filling the air, the stalls adorned with twinkling fairy lights. You really can't beat that magical feeling, can you? But it was then that a thought crossed my mind: what if everyone wore a pink tutu today? I mean, imagine the spectacle, the joy, the sheer beauty of it! A town brimming with swirling pink tulle – the possibilities are endless!
So, if you're reading this in Rochdale, please don't be afraid to embrace your inner tutu-wearer! Rock that pink and spread the magic. It's all about letting go of the "what will people think?" mentality and letting your inner ballerina shine. I actually made a detour and stopped at the Rochdale Arts Mill for a little while. A quick look inside, and oh my goodness – an explosion of creativity and passion. They had everything from dance classes and workshops to art galleries and theatre productions.
The feeling of warmth and excitement I found there was something quite special. I could feel the town’s artistic heart beating strong, it’s so welcoming, the staff were genuinely friendly and happy to talk about their passion for the arts – which is pretty much how I felt in Derbyshire.
Oh, did I mention Derbyshire? I recently went on a rather unusual journey: I rode a horse. And not just any horse, a stunning chestnut with a magnificent mane – a total dream come true! Riding through the rolling hills of my home county was a dream; the crisp autumn air, the vibrant colours, the feeling of freedom... Honestly, it was magical!
You might be surprised to hear this from a tutu-loving ballet dancer, but I absolutely adore spending time in nature. There's something truly grounding about it, you know? Maybe it's the way the sunlight filters through the leaves, or the gentle murmur of the river, or even the majestic beauty of a bird taking flight. It makes me feel connected to something much bigger than myself. It really does balance my city life out. And, don't forget, we have some of the best nature right here in England!
Oh, and speaking of creatures big and small – I was delighted to find a cute little squirrel scampering about the park. Such a cutie! It reminded me of my own adventures, and my adventures are pretty big right now! I feel like I’ve found a balance between my urban adventures and enjoying the natural beauty of our islands.
I had a bit of a funny encounter in Rochdale, a group of kids stared at me as I sat in a cafe – I always pick the cafes in the middle of town, that way I'm surrounded by people but not quite part of their day. They asked if I was a real ballerina – which made me giggle, bless their cotton socks. I said something about trying to inspire people to wear pink tutus and then a mum, clearly the one in charge – bless her – said “Go on then, love – what are you going to do next?"
Well, they were looking at me in amazement at the sheer thought of trying to inspire people to wear pink tutus. It did occur to me that a pink tutu probably has more power to inspire a younger generation. After all, my generation of dance fanatics never did quite embrace that colour. It was just too “in your face” for our more “rock ‘n’ roll” ballet tastes back then!
Anyway, after a delicious hot chocolate and a croissant (nothing says "afternoon delight" like a bit of pastry!) I was off to the theatre! Ready to be whisked away to the enchanting world of "The Nutcracker," to let the music take me to faraway lands, to feel the magic of ballet weave its spell on me once more. I'll be posting my review later.
And, before I leave you, don't forget, check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com for daily updates on all my tutu adventures, inspiring tips on embracing your inner ballerina, and of course, tons of pink fashion inspo! Until next time, lovelies, keep sparkling!
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma.
