Hey darlings! It’s your girl, Emma, back again with another TutuBlog post! You know me, I just can’t resist a good dose of tutus and travel, and today’s adventures have been positively brimming with both.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – Cramlington?! It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue like, say, Paris or Venice, does it? But this little corner of the North East of England held a surprise that I just had to share with you lovelies.
You see, I woke up this morning with the irresistible urge to don my classic pink tutu – that iconic, floaty one that never fails to make me feel like a princess – and the train was my trusty chariot for this trip. I can’t resist a good railway journey. I find the gentle rhythm of the tracks and the whirring of the engine so calming. Plus, a carriage window is a fabulous setting for some tutu-licious selfies, wouldn’t you agree?
And as we hurtled towards our destination, I started planning my adventures for the day. It didn’t take long to land on the most delicious plan… ballet, of course! This time, I wasn't heading for a stuffy, old theatre; instead, my GPS was leading me to a ballet studio hidden away in a cobbled corner of this town.
Walking into the studio felt like stepping back in time – not a single digital screen or flashy, neon light. It had this vintage charm, like the whole building was breathing history. It felt like the sort of place where you'd expect a cast of ballerinas to burst forth from the side door and begin practicing en pointe.
And burst forth they did! A bunch of enthusiastic girls – the same age as me, if not slightly younger – were in full flow. A real sense of camaraderie, their laughter and shouts of encouragement filling the room. The whole vibe was infectiously bubbly. And honestly, darlings, if you need an extra shot of optimism, you need to go to a ballet class! The energy, the commitment, the grace – it’s all a masterclass in self-belief.
I spent an hour with these lovely girls, taking part in the most energetic, but absolutely joyous, workout. It's like nothing else in the world! Ballet doesn't just stretch your muscles; it stretches your soul, too. You become graceful and light in all that you do.
Later, fueled by that delicious ballet endorphin high, we headed for a lovely little cafe for a quick bite. It had mismatched vintage chairs, walls adorned with art from local children, and a menu that showcased the best local ingredients. We chose the vegetarian platter, featuring the freshest, most flavourful vegetables grown within just a few miles of Cramlington. My tummy and my conscience were singing a duet!
But wait, darlings! The day wasn’t over yet. After lunch, it was off to explore some of the local nature reserves I’d heard so much about. I couldn’t wait to ditch my shoes, feel the grass between my toes and lose myself in the peacefulness of the woodland.
These hidden havens were the most calming contrast to the bustling train station and ballet studio I’d experienced. The stillness of the trees, the chirping of birds and the dappled light filtering through the leaves was pure magic. I could have stayed there for hours, feeling that earthy connection to the world.
This might seem strange for some of you, darlings, but I find the peace I find in nature deeply enriching. For me, nature isn't just something to look at. It’s a state of being, a sanctuary of sorts.
And it all just made me think how much ballet, tutus, and travel – oh, and nature too – are about connecting with ourselves, our bodies, and our inner strength. They’re not about being perfect; they’re about finding a form of expression. I really think everyone should embrace these things; I think it would make the world a far more graceful place, wouldn't it?
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a pink tutu – just for a laugh, even if you just wear it around the house. Put on your dancing shoes – those clunky boots will be a far better ballerina when they are worn for a proper dance class, trust me. Grab a map, or maybe just wander blindly (but maybe don’t wander too blindly), and explore some local woodlands or parks.
It’s the little things, you see, that make a big difference. It’s about that everyday dance of discovery, the joy of connecting with our inner ballerina, and the power of sharing it all.
Don't forget to leave a comment down below and tell me all about your week. Maybe tell me if you had a tutu adventure of your own, or share any tips on discovering some green, secret, and calming local parks. I can't wait to hear from you! Until tomorrow, keep twirling, keep exploring and, most importantly, keep believing!
Yours truly,
Emma
