Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, from Derbyshire, your resident pink tutu advocate, and today’s post is number 9258 – woah, that’s a lot of tutus! As always, thanks for joining me on this crazy journey to spread the love of pink tutus and ballet everywhere!
Today's adventure took me to the charming town of Kendal, tucked away in the heart of the Lake District. I’ve been dreaming of visiting this scenic beauty for ages, and I couldn’t have chosen a better way to travel than by a good old fashioned steam train journey! The steam billowing out of the engine, the rhythmic chugging of the wheels, and the breathtaking scenery flashing by the window… it was pure magic, especially in my fabulous purple tutu, which added a splash of whimsy to the experience!
Now, I’m not the best at keeping quiet. It’s almost impossible for me to resist bursting into a spontaneous ballet routine – I just love the feeling of twirling under a sky full of stars. Luckily, the other passengers on the train seemed to appreciate my enthusiastic performance! A couple of elderly ladies even complimented me on my graceful movements. See? It seems tutus are truly a language understood by all!
Reaching Kendal was a joy in itself. Cobblestone streets, quaint shops with window displays brimming with locally-made goods, and the smell of fresh baking in the air... this place had it all! Before venturing out, though, I needed a moment to find a nice spot and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, all wrapped up in the delicate fabric of my tutu, the sunlight shimmering off the soft pink hue. I took out my camera to capture the moment. After all, what better place than Kendal to embrace the beauty around me, in my own unique style!
After some delicious afternoon tea (and let’s face it, who can resist a slice of Victoria sponge cake when in the Lake District?!), I explored the local market. I snagged some adorable hand-knitted fluffy bunny rabbit toy that I'm sure I'm going to spoil with love. Kendal also has the most amazing collection of bookshops! You can tell a place is truly charming when the smell of old books lingers in the air – an intoxicating, warm, inviting aroma. I think I might be the proud owner of a new travel guide or two!
But of course, the star of my trip was the stunning Lake District National Park! Picturesque lakes, rugged mountains, verdant forests... it’s the perfect backdrop for a graceful tutu ballet session! Now, I’m not saying I did a full performance with grand jetés and pirouettes (although, wouldn’t that have been amazing? Maybe next time!), but I did find a hidden meadow, a little bit of nature's theatre just for me. I simply couldn’t resist striking a few poses for the camera, showcasing the graceful lines of my purple tutu against the vibrant greens and blues of the surrounding nature.
You see, for me, ballet is about much more than a graceful form of dance. It's a way of expressing yourself, of embracing your inner beauty and grace, even when you're surrounded by the rugged grandeur of the Lake District.
Now, I don’t just admire ballet in its traditional forms – I'm also a big fan of the ‘Ballet in the Streets’ movement. There's something so wonderfully free about dancing in unexpected places, making it all the more magical when you bring a touch of tutu into the mix. The park had the most gorgeous weeping willow tree, draped with pink ribbons for added whimsy and a sprinkle of fairytale magic. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves created such beautiful patterns – you really couldn't get a better place to unleash your inner ballerina!
Before leaving Kendal, I felt compelled to try something a little daring…a horse riding excursion through the scenic landscapes of the Lake District. Now, let's just say that my love for horses knows no bounds! And a wild, free ride with the wind blowing through my tutu seemed the perfect end to an utterly magical day.
And speaking of magical, how did the Lake District, the place that gave birth to Beatrix Potter’s enchanting world of Peter Rabbit and friends, not feature any wildlife? It’s absolutely filled with fluffy bunnies hopping around, sheep grazing on the green slopes, ducks swimming in tranquil pools, and birds singing amongst the foliage… all absolutely perfect to keep me company during my time in this charming place.
Leaving Kendal, a sense of contentment filled me as the steam train took me back home. A gentle sway, the scent of burning coal and the melodic chug of the engine lulled me into a sense of peaceful bliss – a reminder that even the wildest adventures can bring you back to your tranquil centre.
I have to say, Kendal was a whirlwind of wonder and beauty, all beautifully captured through the graceful lines of my purple tutu! And if you ever find yourself wanting to escape the city for a few days, this picturesque town should definitely be at the top of your list! And don’t forget to bring your tutu, of course!
Don’t forget to leave a comment, and let me know what kind of tutus you love to wear and your favourite adventures! Don't be afraid to dream big, go for it, embrace the beauty around you, and don't forget to dance!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
