Helloooo lovelies! 🩰
It's Emma here, back with you again from the wonderful world of pink tutus! 💖 Today's blog post is all about my recent trip to Kirkby, a charming little town nestled in the heart of the Peak District. I mean, how could I not go? This part of Derbyshire is seriously picture postcard beautiful and as it's spring time the wildflowers are just starting to come out. And of course, you all know how much I love a bit of nature! 🌸
Today’s blog is blog post number 9440, for all you lovely statisticians out there. This is our journey to this very special town, and to the amazing, slightly more surprising, and slightly more unexpected place I got to see as well! So if you’re ready, lets take the journey together, by train and by pony… (and a little by foot, too).
To Kirkby and Beyond! 🚄
It’s so refreshing, going to the countryside from the bright lights of the big city. The Peak District is the perfect tonic! My morning started early as always, a light workout and my obligatory protein shake, followed by a ballet session at the studio - because there's nothing like a little graceful stretch before an adventure.
After my class, it was off to the station to catch the train to Matlock. Of course, a pink tutu couldn't be left behind! I made sure to pair my go-to bright pink tutu with a classic white blouse and my signature ballerina bun. My pink satin flats kept me feeling fancy and the perfect finishing touch, especially for when I planned on dancing (don’t worry, I’ll explain in a bit). 😊 I also packed my trusty travel-sized ballet bag. Honestly, you never know when you’ll need a spare pair of tights, ballet shoes or some hair pins - especially when you're venturing into the wilds.
The train journey was relaxing. I spent my time enjoying the countryside views whizzing by, reading a little of my new ballet book and even practicing some arabesques in my aisle! Yes, it's true. I definitely looked like I’d just stepped off the set of a musical. It just comes with the territory. I caught a few admiring glances. There’s nothing more charming, and encouraging when someone smiles and makes a heart shape with their fingers, right?! 💖 And I must say, after being in the city for so long, it really made me feel like I was coming home again.
Kirkby, Kirkby, Where Are You?
I finally arrived in Matlock and met a dear friend at the station. It was lovely to catch up, especially as she’s the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of Kirkby. She also owns a horse farm in the Peak District and invited me for an afternoon ride! Can you believe it?!
Our ride to Kirkby began with a winding drive past charming cottages with thatched roofs and rose bushes cascading over the garden walls, past rolling hills covered in green and dappled sunlight. I could practically hear the fairies dancing! After a delightful countryside drive, it was time for the ride!
As the day grew warmer, we walked up through the wildflowers and met up with her horse! He was absolutely beautiful, sleek and muscular with the most gentle eyes, his name is Dusty. He loved a little dance with me while we waited for my friend to get our ride set up, it's amazing the common bond between horse and human in such moments, even for those who are only meeting for the first time!
Our ride went right through the heart of the Peak District. The sun was warm on my face and I could hear the birds singing all around me. We took the most magical path winding through fields of wildflowers, past ancient woodlands where sunbeams dappled the forest floor. It was magical. We even found an area of hidden waterfalls that nobody even knew existed - or so my friend told me. There we stopped, had a picnic of fresh sandwiches, a strawberry iced tea and I danced! Well, what’s a ballet dancer to do, except a little arabesque against the background of cascading water, when surrounded by all that beauty?
Back to My Ballet Shoes
Even with a great new pony friend and beautiful countryside adventures, I was very excited to catch the train to Matlock and then to the city again later on that evening! It's been so long since I've had a good dance in my tutu on stage. But now, the day’s adventures called!
Back in the city, I found myself standing centre stage again, under those iconic theatre lights. This time I was surrounded by an amazing crew and the most beautiful costumes I have ever seen. They had to be custom-made as, even in this world of creativity, finding a tutu as big as my heart is hard, even for me. I can't tell you any more, because of course, my new project, a ballet adaptation of “The Fairy Ring”, isn't to be revealed until our premiere! But you just know it will involve, at least, one pink tutu, because… Well… You know me, I’ve got to spread the love of pink tutus around! I always do, and I am so proud to say that the stage crew and cast members of this new ballet will have more than one opportunity to show off a pink tutu. If the dress rehearsals are anything to go by, they're going to be incredible!
Pink Tutu Magic: ✨
As I always say, I don’t believe in making life boring or taking it too seriously! I’ve been working on spreading the love of ballet. From bringing the magic of pink tutus to my neighbours’ homes, through the neighbourhood children’s playgrounds, all the way to dancing a few graceful steps in front of a busy bus station in town! Life is all about living, breathing and embracing a little magic, don't you agree?! And what is more magical than a ballerina in a pink tutu?!
Don't forget to join me again tomorrow for another pink-tutu-tastic blog post. Follow my journeys to new places, new faces, and always expect some serious ballet fun! Until then, stay safe and, most importantly, embrace a little pink tutu magic in your day. 😉
With love,
Emma
xx
www.pink-tutu.com
