Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu clad ballerina, Emma, checking in from a blustery Ashton! The wind’s practically trying to whisk me away in my tutu, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It’s all part of the adventure, wouldn't you agree?
Today, I’m sharing my delightful escapades in the heart of Lancashire. A trusty steed (read: the train from Derbyshire – a steam engine, of course! – so much more romantic) transported me to Ashton, where I planned to take in some of the local sights and soak up the atmosphere. But of course, no Emma journey is complete without a sprinkle of ballet magic, so I had a little surprise up my sleeve!
Firstly, though, the day started with a truly scrumptious breakfast – a warm croissant with a decadent pink strawberry jam! I know I'm making a scene here, but I truly can't resist a delicious Parisian-inspired treat when I'm away from the Derbyshire dales.
The train journey itself was utterly magical. Watching the countryside drift by through the window felt like watching a ballet in miniature - so peaceful and elegant. A young couple nearby couldn't help but notice my fetching tutu (it's the new sparkly lavender number I'm in love with) and began excitedly discussing ballet. We were soon exchanging tips and chatting about the Royal Ballet. They were simply thrilled to hear my tale of travelling by train to dance. It seems the allure of tutus and train journeys has an international appeal! Who knew?
The town of Ashton welcomed me with open arms (and, naturally, an adorable pink-painted shop front – it just wouldn't be an Emma adventure without a dash of my signature colour!)
The first thing that struck me was the abundance of beautiful architecture. Just the sheer detail on some of the buildings! And the grand, old houses just screamed a sense of history and elegance, fittingly, as we're just a short distance from the glorious Rochdale Town Hall (a majestic red building I simply must see next time!).
For a fellow tutu enthusiast, what better way to explore this historical charm than with a dash of whimsical fun? I found myself browsing the Ashton Market, where stalls overflowing with flowers, fresh produce and charming trinkets made for a vibrant and exciting scene. The vibrant colours and cheerful atmosphere felt utterly magical - just the thing to put me in a delightfully good mood.
Of course, no visit to Ashton is complete without a glimpse into its impressive theatrical heritage! You see, Ashton-under-Lyne is no stranger to the spotlight. This vibrant little town is renowned for the "Ashton-under-Lyne Operatic Society" – a theatrical force for almost a century, who, much to my joy, were just in the midst of a special production!
And the most magnificent news – the cast included some ballet numbers. Can you believe it? My inner ballerina shrieked with delight, so, of course, I had to buy a ticket to experience the magic. I must confess I slightly underestimated the lure of local talent – it was utterly packed! I felt like a tiny little ballerina amidst an army of passionate Ashton residents (thank goodness they love my pink tutu, I was a total standout)!
It was the perfect introduction to the theatre, I must say. There was something simply extra about being there, amidst a community celebrating theatre and dance! It was heart-warming to witness such a strong, long-standing tradition in this vibrant town! You could feel the history within those very walls - a feeling that left me exhilarated!
And, speaking of traditions – let's talk about Ashton's animal side, shall we? You know, the wild life! I discovered that Ashton is home to Tandle Hill Park - a lovely haven that hosts all manner of beautiful, feline creatures. There were playful kittens and graceful cats everywhere! My inner feline was positively ecstatic – I spent a glorious hour getting acquainted with the local cats, feeding them, and simply enjoying their captivating, purring presence. They seemed quite fond of my sparkly pink tutu!
My Ashton escapades wrapped up with a charming dinner – the "pink" theme, naturally! I enjoyed a delicious, heart-warming bowl of beetroot and carrot soup at the absolutely adorable Little Rose cafe. And it wasn't just any pink! Think soft, feminine hues - just perfect with the beautiful, vibrant sunset outside (and my little pink tutu)!
You know me, I adore to be creative, so my final touch was to get sketching as soon as I got back to my room! It was simply too hard to resist capturing the memory of such a perfect day! I imagined it as a picture – a gentle ballerina (moi!) in a pink tutu, against a backdrop of beautiful buildings, with some friendly local felines lounging happily nearby. Oh, it was perfect – you know, a whimsical day like this makes one simply want to capture all that joy! I imagine that scene as a delicate ballet performance of its own - a visual masterpiece with just the right touch of whimsy!
Before you say "Goodnight", I need to ask: Did I forget something crucial to an Emma adventure? Why, it’s our pink tutu challenge, of course!
My darling readers, have you put on your pink tutu today? What have you done to bring a touch of feminine joy into your world? I want to hear all about it! Tell me in the comments below – share your fabulous adventures with us all at www.pink-tutu.com!
Don’t forget to tag #pinktutu, because the more we celebrate the joys of ballet, and let those tutus fly, the better the world becomes, right?
Until next time, darlings! I'll be back tomorrow with more tutu adventures.
