Hello, darlings! Itās your girl Emma, back from another whirlwind adventure, tutu twirling all the way. Today, I'm bringing you some serious Ashington vibes, straight from the heart of this charming little town in Northumberland. If you've never been, add it to your bucket list stat! It's like stepping back in time with its friendly faces, cute cobbled streets and gorgeous old architecture.
Oh, and don't forget the fluffy clouds, sunshine that practically screams āphoto op!ā, and that fresh, crisp air that always makes me want to do a proper grand jetĆ©ā¦ which I totally did, right on the main street, with my latest tulle treasure, of course! (More on that later!)
This whole trip started as an epic train journey. I'm a firm believer that journeys are part of the adventure, especially when it's a vintage carriage with plush velvet seats and big, bright windows showcasing the countryside. Picture it: me, my beloved pink tutu bag (you know, the one with the fluffy bunny ears!), and a pot of freshly brewed tea, humming along to the rhythm of the tracks, totally in my happy place.
Speaking of happy placesā¦ did I mention I'm going to be teaching a ballet class in Ashington next week? Yes, you heard that right, darlings! We're bringing the grace and elegance of ballet right to the heart of this lively town, and I'm already bursting with excitement. It's not just about the physical aspects of dance, it's about self-expression, creativity and, most importantly, FUN. You don't need to be a ballerina to join the fun - everyoneās welcome!
I actually had a little chat with some of the local dancers on my arrival. Turns out Ashington is a hidden gem for aspiring dancers. These talented souls were bursting with passion, ready to move and groove to their hearts' content. You know me - I couldn't resist a spontaneous tutu session with them! A little pirouette here, a grand allegro thereā¦ I canāt resist a bit of ballet action, even when I'm supposed to be sightseeing. š
Before I spill all the tea about this little town's ballet scene, let's talk about the tutu. My latest conquest is a dream come true. It's a classic tutu, but with a modern twist. Think flowing layers of the softest pink tulle, embroidered with delicate flowers and a shimmery iridescent waistband that just pops in the sunshine. (Imagine the Instagram photos!) I paired it with a crisp white shirt, and a pair of white leather boots that made my heart flutter - just the right touch of sassy, wouldnāt you say?
So, Ashingtonā¦ it's more than just the charming setting of a lovely little town. It's about connecting with amazing people, spreading the love of ballet, and finding beauty in every corner. My Ashington journey is only just beginning, but I already know itās going to be filled with magical moments, lots of laughs, and, of course, pink tutus galore!
Speaking of magical moments, we couldn't leave Ashington without a visit to the local nature reserve, the stunning Druridge Bay Country Park. Imagine it - wide open skies, golden sand stretching for miles, and the fresh sea air hitting your face! We even spotted a little family of grey seals basking on the shore! š¦
I mean, what more could you ask for? Seriously, Iām thinking this could be my new go-to escape spot - if you can pry me away from my London flat. The countryside, a good book, and a pink tutu for company... what could be more perfect?
Here's a little tip for all you fellow tutu lovers: while youāre in the area, make sure to take a look at the amazing art displays at Ashington's Woodhorn Museum. They've got this really unique collection of art and artifacts dedicated to the history of coal mining and life in Ashington - pretty interesting if you ask me, especially if youāre as interested in local history as I am. It even includes a fabulous Victorian colliery! You know how much I love Victorian everythingā¦
And oh, darlings, you havenāt seen the best part yet! Remember I mentioned going to see a performance by a local ballet company? Well, youāve gotta see this. The talent these dancers possess is astonishing! We saw a ballet version of a well-known fairy tale and, oh my, letās just say I was completely swept away by the performance. From the grace of the principal ballerina, the synchronised leaps of the corps de ballet, to the intricate costumes that really made the whole thing magicalā¦ this performance really pushed my definition of what ballet can be! And of course, the ballet wasnāt complete without a final curtsy from all the ballerinas with beautiful smiles, reminding me why I adore ballet so much! š
As the evening began to wind down, I found myself back at the train station, clutching my trusty pink tutu bag (you know the one, with the fuzzy bunny ears!), feeling a sense of warmth and joy. My Ashington adventures had filled me up, both emotionally and creatively. You know how much I love travelling, but there's just something special about those tiny moments that stay with you. Like finding a perfect cup of tea in a little cafĆ© tucked away in a hidden alley, sharing laughter with new friends over a warm slice of cake, or simply appreciating the beauty of a peaceful afternoon stroll along the cobbled streets. Itās these moments that truly fuel my spirit.
And as I boarded the train back to my cozy Derbyshire abode, I couldn't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the journey, for the connections, and for the endless possibilities of spreading the love of ballet. You know me, my mission is to inspire everyone to twirl, even if just for a little while. Who knows, you might just fall in love with the magic of ballet! š
Until next time, darlings. Keep those tutus twirling and spread some sunshine with every step! And donāt forget, if you want to keep up with my adventures, pop on over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com.
Lots of love, Emma xx
