Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another TutuBlog post, this time from the beautiful seaside town of Hartlepool. I'm so excited to share this adventure with you, as it combines two of my very favourite things: ballet and the great outdoors.
Let's be honest, a little bit of pink tulle is perfect for absolutely any occasion, but when it comes to nature, it's just a dream. Imagine this: you're standing on a windswept cliff, the salty air whipping through your hair, your tutu swirling around you like a beautiful, ethereal pink cloud. Just thinking about it makes my heart sing!
This trip to Hartlepool was all about exploring the beautiful North East coast and discovering the hidden gems this fascinating town has to offer. And you know me, I always travel in style. This time, I packed a vibrant, coral-pink tutu, perfect for dancing on the beach (or, you know, just taking a perfectly posed Instagram snap).
A Dancer’s Dream - Taking Class by the Sea
One of my favourite things about travelling is discovering new ballet schools and classes. Thankfully, Hartlepool did not disappoint. The Hartlepool School of Ballet welcomed me with open arms (and plenty of pink, of course). I felt like a little girl again, gliding through the barre, feeling the rhythmic flow of movement. I swear, even the ocean waves seemed to be applauding my pirouettes.
Meeting the Creatures of the Coast
What trip to the seaside is complete without a visit to the local aquarium? Well, for me, it wouldn’t be complete without a pink tutu!
The Hartlepool Aquarium was a complete delight. I was mesmerized by the majestic creatures that graced their tanks, especially the playful seals who seemed to be enjoying a performance of their own. I couldn’t help but imagine what they would think of a pink tutu, especially when I gracefully swung (yes, swung, it’s definitely a move!) a fish treat through the air. The playful seal, let’s call him ‘Spot’, seemed to quite like my graceful movements, though I think he may have been more interested in the treat!
I even met a cheeky little seabird, a ‘Black-headed Gull’, who was most fascinated by my sparkling ballet shoes. The way he puffed up his chest and hopped around like a miniature dancer made me giggle. He truly looked like he wanted to join the ballet class. And you know what, if that little gull could rock a tutu, he would be on the front row at the Royal Opera House!
A Touch of Nostalgia
To get a true feel for Hartlepool's history and heritage, we took a guided walk along the picturesque harbour. Our guide, Mr. Thomas, told us a tale that sounded so wonderfully dramatic it must have come from the set of a ballet! It seemed the residents of Hartlepool took offense to the Norse, or ‘Vikings’, invading their town and tossed one of them to his death over the headland into the sea.
Thankfully, it all had a happily ever after! In the form of ‘Hilda’, the town’s beloved mermaid who graces the headland! It was so wonderful, just magical, like a story straight from my own ballet performance!
Adventures in a Horse-Drawn Carriage
After a delicious picnic lunch by the beach, (naturally featuring a delectable strawberry and vanilla cake - pink, of course) we decided to explore a little further. And what better way to travel than in a horse-drawn carriage! Yes, I did say horse-drawn!
As the horse clopped down the cobblestone streets, its gentle rhythm perfectly matched the pace of my swirling tutu. It was almost as if the carriage and I were dancing together! I just imagined myself in a dazzling white tulle and diamante-encrusted bodice, gracefully whirling with a grand gentleman as the horse drew us to the moonlit shore! *Oh, la la! A moment of pure fantasy! *
A Tutu for Everyone!
It’s moments like this, that truly make my life as a tutu-loving ballet blogger the perfect adventure. From graceful movements to magnificent nature, each journey, no matter where it takes me, is an inspiration. And you know what? I want to inspire you too!
Everyone deserves a chance to dance and a reason to wear pink. So put on your best tutu, whether it’s for a spin on the beach or a dance in your own living room, and let’s celebrate the joy of movement, creativity, and, of course, the wonder of a pink tutu.
Let’s get our tutu on, darlings! See you next time for a TutuBlog adventure!
