#TutuBlog 2022-01-19: Gateshead Calling! π©°
Hello darlings! π
It's your girl, Emma, back with another #TutuBlog post. And oh, my darlings, what a whirlwind it's been! I'm officially on the road again, my heart buzzing with excitement as I head to the stunning city of Gateshead. If you haven't been, I urge you to add it to your list β the River Tyne is absolutely divine, especially with a dusting of snowflakes!
This is my 9331st post (yes, I'm a daily blogger β dedication is my middle name!), and Iβm bubbling over with tales of the North East and, of course, the wonderful world of ballet. Buckle up, my lovelies, because this one's gonna be a biggie!
Gateshead in a Tutu π
I always try to find something fun to wear for each city I visit. Think "tutu travel", darling! This time, it had to be a red tutu, something bold and vibrant, like the energy I felt in Gateshead itself. Honestly, it was the perfect colour to match the stunning red sandstone architecture I stumbled upon in the town centre. Red is absolutely the colour of romance, passion, and fire, and that's precisely the feeling Gateshead radiated for me.
A Train Trip with a Twirl π
I love the train. Honestly, it's one of the most calming things I know, and the journey is always part of the adventure! The world flashes by, so picturesque, and I often feel inspired by the landscape - which, of course, is always followed by a spontaneous twirl or two (with safety in mind, darlings! Safety first!)
The Beauty of The Sage Gateshead β¨
The main reason for my Gateshead escapade? The incredible Sage Gateshead. I've heard about this building since its inception - what an absolute architectural gem! And the concert hall itself is just divine β acoustics that practically whisper "perfection" when a note is played!
Of course, it's not just the aesthetics, my lovelies! I was fortunate to catch a brilliant performance by the Northern Ballet, who are making waves on the dance scene with their beautiful artistry and expressive choreography. You know I love my classical ballet, but the contemporary twists in this show were truly captivating. I mean, talk about taking my breath away β I almost forgot to hold my tiny bouquet of pink roses for the final bow.
Ballet Bootcamp β Get Your Groove On! πͺ
But the magic of the Sage Gateshead didnβt end there! I got to indulge in a truly inspiring ballet class, right in the heart of the building. The instructors were top-notch, and the atmosphere was buzzing with positive energy β every dancer in the class was just oozing with love for ballet! I found myself totally swept away, embracing the feeling of movement and artistry.
Itβs so empowering to see women of all shapes and sizes in a ballet class. My mantra is "Every Body can dance" β we all have something to give, whether itβs the passion, the expression, or the pure joy of moving. The power of dance is truly incredible, and this class was proof that ballet is for everyone.
A Dash of Culture β the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art πΌοΈ
From graceful twirls to edgy art, my next stop was the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. I confess, I adore a good museum outing. For me, art is all about storytelling and creating a dialogue with the viewer.
This time, the exhibits had a powerful focus on nature. As a massive animal lover (and Iβve definitely written about it in previous posts!), I was immediately drawn in by installations featuring animals and their connection to our world. The stark and thought-provoking nature of the art got me thinking β a beautiful reminder to treat our precious planet with care.
Wildlife Encounters β North East Wildlife Sanctuary π¦
Talking of wildlife, how about a detour to a North East Wildlife Sanctuary! They're all about giving animals a second chance, and who wouldn't be drawn to their heartwarming mission?
Seeing these beautiful creatures, especially the birds of prey, was like a chapter out of a fairy tale. They were captivating. From the majestic owls to the graceful hawks, these animals really captivated me. I love a little birdwatching β you know, it's a lovely way to clear the head. I believe being around nature is really beneficial for mental and emotional wellbeing. It's just soothing.
A Gateshead Finale with a Flourish π
The day drew to a close, but not before indulging in a delicious treat β a warm, flaky pastry and a mug of hot chocolate with my usual, perfectly-pink sugar cubes! It was the perfect end to a phenomenal day filled with dance, art, nature, and most importantly, the pursuit of spreading a little joy and reminding everyone just how amazing ballet can be!
But my loves, it's not just about ballet. Itβs about finding beauty in the ordinary, the extraordinary, and everything in between! Itβs about embracing a good laugh, a playful twirl, and the magic that unfolds when you simply follow your heart.
So, take a leap, darlings. Embrace a little bit of the βpink tutuβ spirit β a vibrant sprinkle of confidence, grace, and love. And never be afraid to wear a tutu, whether in your home town, on the train, or even at a museum. You never know where it might take you.
Until next time, darling.
Keep dancing!
Emma π
P.S. Head on over to www.pink-tutu.com for more adventures, more twirls, and more pink! π πβ¨