Hello lovelies! Emma here, back from a whirlwind weekend trip to the industrial heartland of Bilston, and I have to tell you, it was an absolute blast! Now, I know what you're thinking – Bilston? Not exactly a ballet hotspot, is it? Well, think again, my dears!
This time around, I ditched the glitzy glamour of the West End for something a little grittier, a little more industrial chic. I mean, who says a pink tutu can't handle a bit of steel and smoke? Honestly, it just added an edgy, whimsical touch, don't you think?
But first, a quick word about the journey itself. I just had to embrace my inner adventurer, ditch the motorways and go for a truly romantic experience - a long train journey through the rolling countryside. Let me tell you, it was idyllic! The lush green fields whizzed past, a perfect canvas for my imagination as I dreamt of all the ballets I might create, each one inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of Derbyshire’s beauty. And, of course, there were snacks! Pink-themed, naturally. A pot of raspberry ripple ice cream and some pink fizzy pop – totally fit for a tutu-wearing queen.
Now, Bilston was a real treat for the senses. First up, a visit to the Bilston Craft Centre, where I stumbled upon a real gem. This beautiful old building, a testament to Bilston’s industrial past, is now home to a fantastic range of crafts. You could find everything from hand-blown glass to stunning leatherwork. The owner, a lovely lady called Amelia, is just the kindest soul, with an eye for design that simply blows my mind! She's a fellow tutu-lover, and let me tell you, we had a good ol' fashioned girly chat. It turned out she also has a passion for wildlife photography and actually captures some of the most amazing shots of birds in their natural habitat! Maybe she’ll inspire me to do some more ‘wildlife tutuing’… we shall see!
Next on the agenda was a stop at the Bilston Market, where I picked up some unique souvenirs (you know me, gotta have something pink!) and an abundance of the freshest fruit and vegetables. You wouldn't believe how juicy and sweet those local strawberries were - and the perfect topping to my pink cupcakes, naturally!
For dinner, it had to be the Royal Oak pub, a cosy haven that instantly charmed me with its warm fireplace, friendly faces and authentic pub grub. I, of course, made sure my feather tutu was on show, even adding a few glitter sparkles! Why not?! It went down a treat with the locals - a couple even told me they loved my "fabulous outfit!".
Speaking of fabulous, my evenings were spent indulging in some seriously enchanting ballet performances. The Bilston Youth Ballet blew me away with their passion, grace and stunning interpretation of 'Swan Lake' - the whole atmosphere was pure magic! There was just something about seeing so many young, vibrant talents, sharing their passion for dance in a place that's perhaps not renowned for its balletic pedigree. I got such a sense of pure joy seeing how much they loved dancing, how freely they expressed themselves and how inspiring their stories were. I’ve actually sent them an email, suggesting a future collaboration - can you imagine a "Tutus on Tour" show! Just thinking about it makes me dance!
But my journey was not all tutus and glitter (although I did pack both!). I couldn't leave Bilston without a taste of its rich history, so a trip to Bilston Hall was a must. It's a breathtaking building steeped in so much fascinating history! It's like a window to a bygone era – the stories that echoed from its walls! And those gardens… oh my, just incredible! Imagine the photos I snapped, showcasing a feather tutu against a backdrop of luscious greenery – total #tutuinspiration!
To wrap up my Bilston escapade, I visited the Bilston Parish Church, a magnificent structure with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Its history stretched back to the Middle Ages – incredible! What better way to soak it all in than with a quiet reflection and a moment of calm after a whirlwind weekend of colour, culture, and a whole lot of pink. It was a poignant reminder that the world, however big and vast it may seem, still contains pockets of incredible history and culture waiting to be discovered – a perfect blend of history and inspiration that resonated with my soul. It felt like I was stepping into a fairy tale.
Of course, no Bilston adventure would be complete without a glimpse into its vibrant community life. From friendly locals chatting in the pub, to enthusiastic young ballerinas with dreamy eyes, Bilston showed me the true meaning of warmth and camaraderie. The sense of community that vibrated through the streets - it really brought a whole new meaning to the word "heartland".
It's easy to forget sometimes, amidst the constant buzz of modern life, that sometimes the most magical journeys are found in the most unexpected places. And Bilston, for all its unexpected beauty, has a real place in my heart. I urge you, my dear fellow tutu lovers, to break out of your routines, take a leap of faith, and embrace the magic that awaits in places less travelled. You never know, you might just fall in love with an unexpected corner of the world, all while twirling in a feather tutu, leaving a sparkle of joy and laughter wherever you go!
Until next time, stay sparkling!
Emma xx
