Hello my darling dance-aholics!
Emma here, back from a whirl-wind trip to the stunning, sunny shores of Newtownards! Honestly, it's been ages since I've had such a fantastic, tutu-tastic time. Buckle up, loves, 'cause this one is going to be a real pink-tastic adventure!
Firstly, Newtownards itself – what a gem! As I trundled in on the train (couldn't resist a train journey – who needs those boring old cars?!), I felt like a princess on her way to a royal ballet performance. The sky was an impossibly bright blue, reflecting in the sparkling water of Strangford Lough. Even the wind felt light and fluffy, just like a ballet dancer's twirl.
But, you know me – I'm never far from my tutu. And let's be honest, how else could I arrive in style? I sported a blush-pink tutu, of course, with a sparkly sequined bodice that would make a peacock proud. And oh, did the locals adore it! From the adorable kids chasing pigeons in the park, to the grannies enjoying tea and cake in the cafes, everyone had a big smile on their faces. Turns out, pink tutus really are the universal language of happiness!
The next morning, I decided to conquer the legendary Newtownards Market. The atmosphere was buzzing! I mean, the air was absolutely buzzing – think vintage treasures, the tempting smell of freshly baked treats, and locals with hearts as warm as the sun. My dear diary, I absolutely adore that sense of community you find in these charming markets! I managed to pick up some amazing local crafts for my studio – gorgeous hand-painted ceramic birds that looked like they’d just flown in from a beautiful ballet! (You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled on the website to see what I'll be doing with them!).
And speaking of flying, I had the most incredible encounter with a flock of seagulls later that day! They were swirling and dipping, like miniature ballerinas practicing their leaps in the sky! I swear, I could have spent hours just watching them. My heart did skip a beat though when one swooped a little too close. But you know, it just reinforced how connected we all are, even with a little avian friend with an appreciation for my pink tutu!
That evening, I had the chance to witness a ballet performance unlike any other! A truly magical mix of street dance and theatre - “A Night at the Newtownards” it was called, which was so incredibly appropriate! A story of local heroes with a sprinkle of humour, and those gravity defying moves you just don't see on the big stages. Oh, and it was ALL danced in stunning, pink costumes. Can you imagine how thrilled I was? I nearly burst with joy! (The fact that the choreography was incredible helped, too.) Afterward, I chatted with the dancers and crew - what an inspirational group of young people. This is exactly why I travel, loves – to discover these little pockets of passion, these incredible talents waiting to be unleashed!
But honestly, Newtownards wasn’t all about tutus and ballet. (Although it's very much what it should be all about!) We wandered along the shores of Strangford Lough, where I discovered my new favourite animal, the Irish Hare! It's like a wild rabbit that took ballet lessons. They just leap and bound so gracefully - like the perfect combination of wilderness and elegant movement! (They just need a little pink tutu, honestly!) And then, there was a trip to the fantastic Exploris Aquarium! I mean, honestly, the colours of the fish are just as captivating as any pink tutu! Seeing these amazing creatures, with their fascinating adaptations and graceful movements, is just another reminder of how wonderful, unique, and amazing life truly is.
As I say my goodbyes to this delightful town, my heart is bursting with a delightful dose of inspiration. Newtownards, with its breathtaking beauty, its spirited people, and its love of the arts – you've left me utterly smitten! It was an incredible escape that has left me brimming with ideas, fueled by a surge of pink tutu energy! (Can you see a post about dancing hares in the near future?! Maybe with some fun fish ballet costumes…!)
And my dears, as I always say, wear your pink tutus proudly, whether you’re chasing seagulls in Newtownards or strutting your stuff at a performance! Life’s too short to blend in!
Until next time!
Love always,
Emma xxx
P.S. If you've been touched by Newtownards magic too, head over to the comment section on pink-tutu.com and let me know your pink tutu adventures!
