Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-loving, Derbyshire gal, bringing you all the latest from the world of twirls and tutus!
Today's adventure takes us to the lovely seaside town of Hartlepool, nestled on the north-east coast of England. I just adore the rugged beauty of this area, especially the quaint, little fishing villages dotted along the coastline. Honestly, the rolling hills of Derbyshire just can't compete with the drama and grandeur of the sea.
It may seem strange to visit Hartlepool wearing a cyan tutu, a colour not traditionally associated with my pink-tutu-wearing self, but I was drawn to the turquoise hues of the sky and the North Sea, colours so beautifully mirrored in the iridescent tones of my new tutu. Honestly, this baby is so fabulous it deserves its own blog post! Just wait till you see the delicate tulle and sparkling sequins - it's a true masterpiece.
Anyway, let's talk about Hartlepool! We arrived at the charming train station and instantly felt a sense of that classic seaside town charm, with a charming old-fashioned cafe nestled next door selling all sorts of sugary delights and freshly baked goods. How could I resist a warm, glazed doughnut topped with sprinkles and a big cuppa tea? So, I didn't! And let me tell you, the taste was worth every single delicious calorie!
Next stop: the iconic Hartlepool Headland! I just love those dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea, especially as I'm always so inspired by nature's beautiful wildness. There were so many beautiful seabirds - gulls, seagulls, you name it! They really did seem to be strutting their stuff on the sea breeze, showcasing their own, very birdlike 'ballet', which, if I'm honest, was absolutely breathtaking. Who knew these birds had such wonderful feathered feet and legs - they'd put any ballerina to shame!
But I had another secret destination on the itinerary: The Hartlepool Maritime Experience. This stunning museum is dedicated to celebrating the history of shipping and shipbuilding in Hartlepool. While I admit that a visit to the Maritime Museum isn’t normally something you’d find on my itinerary (although I’ve always had a weakness for maritime history), I couldn't resist. Imagine my delight when I discovered that this beautiful building played host to an incredible, once-a-decade 'Sea Dance' ballet performance featuring local, amateur dancers. The whole evening was magical - filled with graceful twirls, sweeping leaps, and beautiful, heartfelt expressions that danced across the stage with each graceful step. They brought the stories of the sea to life in such an evocative and emotionally compelling way that left me in awe.
I simply couldn't resist snapping some shots in my fabulous cyan tutu, against the backdrop of the beautiful Hartlepool Museum! It was truly the perfect setting to show off my outfit and let my inner ballerina shine. The light bouncing off the sea seemed to give my tutu an otherworldly glow - honestly, it was straight out of a fairytale.
Speaking of fairytale, who doesn't love a little magic? That’s why my evening included a magical carriage ride, driven by two, beautiful black horses! This journey took me through the narrow streets of old Hartlepool, past grand old buildings and cobbled lanes, giving me a chance to appreciate the unique character of the place, not just the iconic landscapes. I must admit to indulging in a spot of self-pampering at the "Hartlepool Horse Spa" afterwards – I can definitely recommend their lavender-scented body scrub – my skin feels oh-so-smooth!
If I’ve convinced you to book your trip to Hartlepool already, and who could blame you, here’s some advice – go for a walk along the Marina at dusk! It was stunning! As the sun sank towards the horizon, the sky was a kaleidoscope of pink, orange and purple – a veritable feast for the eyes! This spectacular scene brought my heart so much joy, not least as it beautifully matched my pink tutu dreams.
Now, my darlings, I know what you’re thinking – how did I travel in a tutu? A train wouldn't be suitable. No, this time, I rode in style on the back of a magnificent grey stallion. I must admit, a good, well-mannered horse can certainly make you feel very much like royalty.
Remember my aim in life is to get everyone to try ballet. And in honour of that aim, I ended the day by popping into a local dance class. As usual, I was welcomed with open arms, as I was the first ever dancer wearing a tutu into the studio. To say it caused a sensation would be an understatement.
The class was fantastic! Every single person, from the little ones to the oldies, felt empowered as they embraced ballet’s grace, strength, and expression. Honestly, it was a joy to share in the experience of watching them blossom – it reminded me why I’m so passionate about sharing my love of dance with everyone.
And to add to this special day, I treated myself to a delicious treat – a pink-tutu-themed ice-cream. My oh my, it was exquisite - vanilla ice cream with layers of fresh raspberry sauce, all topped with a pink sugar icing and pink-tutu shaped sprinkles. Every mouthful was divine – a delicious taste of paradise!
Of course, as you all know, it wouldn't be a real day trip without taking some beautiful selfies, capturing every twirl and magical moment! Be sure to check out my Instagram feed (@pinktutuemma) to see the dazzling pictures of Hartlepool, my cyan tutu, my fabulous horse, the stunning seascapes, the vibrant birds, and yes, even the pink-tutu ice-cream!
As the day drew to a close, I felt a real sense of happiness. It’s always good to venture outside the comfort zone and try something new, isn't it? And, of course, being surrounded by such breathtaking beauty never fails to leave me feeling uplifted, energized and full of joy. And what’s more joyful than dancing in a tutu?
That’s all for today, my lovelies. Until tomorrow, keep on twirling, and don’t forget to share your pink tutu adventures!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the pink tutu shop on www.pink-tutu.com! It’s filled with gorgeous pink tutus, everything you need to twirl your way to happiness.
Much love,
Emma xx
