Hey darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous adventure! Today, I'm channeling my inner Mary Poppins and travelling by train up north to the charming town of Cramlington in Northumberland.
This is, you guys, number 9517 in my little world of daily blogging and I still love the thrill of a new destination, a new story to share. I just feel so blessed to have found this space where I can talk about all the things that light me up: ballet, tutus, travelling, pink - oh, and of course, I couldn't forget our furry friends in the wild!
Today, however, I'm focusing on ballet, ballet, and more ballet! You know I’ve been dying to check out the North East dance scene and see some up-and-coming talent. Cramlington isn’t exactly known for its dance heritage (don’t get me wrong, I'm sure there are hidden gems!) but this little town seems to be bubbling over with talent.
I arrived early to enjoy the quaint, charming atmosphere of this bustling little market town. My white tutu twirled merrily in the morning sunshine as I strolled through the bustling market square. Cramlington has a lovely, old-world feel, even if the buildings themselves are fairly modern, but somehow it still manages to be a breath of fresh air. There were so many delicious scents and colourful displays! My inner girly girl went a bit bonkers for all the pretty blooms! It really was just what I needed to fuel my morning ballet classes!
I couldn't resist buying a beautiful, hand-crafted ceramic ballerina figurine for my collection - she’s now happily twirling on my bedside table, reminding me of my adventures!
Ballet in Cramlington
So, after a leisurely lunch with a glass of pink lemonade (because, pink!) I headed to my main attraction - Cramlington Ballet Centre! A cute little, privately owned ballet school, it’s run by a passionate woman named Sarah, a true testament to the love for ballet!
My heart melted when I walked into the studio and saw so many young faces filled with excitement. It’s not just about dance, it's about dedication, teamwork, and a love for the art. The atmosphere was so vibrant, positive and electric – just like a true ballerina's heart should be!
The studio itself had all the charm and warmth of a traditional ballet studio, with its old, polished wooden floor, faded, floral wallpaper and beautifully carved handrail. They still use the traditional, mirrored walls and barre system - a reminder of the true history of this beautiful art form!
I spent a couple of hours in their introductory beginner’s ballet class. The class was small but oh, so intimate! The dancers all seemed to be blossoming with natural talent. Their enthusiasm and eagerness were just wonderful! There was such genuine joy in the way they moved, twirled, and extended their limbs. Seeing their faces lit up with the magic of ballet - pure joy, total focus - it just made my day! It’s such a thrill to see a new generation of dancers fall in love with the art!
It’s times like this when I feel so incredibly blessed to be doing what I love! Yes, I’m blessed with the talent to dance, but I also feel lucky to be a tiny, tiny part of spreading the magic of ballet and dance. If there's one thing I wish, it's for more people to experience the pure joy of ballet, whether as a dancer or an audience member.
After the class, I had a chat with Sarah, and oh, she was a true inspiration! Her passion was truly contagious, her passion and knowledge radiated warmth and confidence. This woman embodies what ballet is all about - grace, artistry, passion and perseverance! It was so lovely to connect with another dance soul who felt so incredibly connected to the magic of ballet.
Horseback Riding Through Northumberland’s Countryside
You know, it wouldn't be a Tutu Travels blog post without a little adventure, and in true fairytale style, my afternoon involved a gentle horse riding expedition. And when you’re exploring the heart of the North East, what better way than on the back of a beautiful steed, saddling up with a stunning mare named Rosie.
Now, Rosie wasn’t your typical racehorse – she had an air of quiet determination. With her gentle chestnut coat and a velvety nose, she became the perfect travelling companion.
It was the kind of serene horse ride you dream about! We cantered through breathtaking countryside, where lush fields and ancient forests greeted us with outstretched arms. I almost felt like I’d stepped into a beautiful landscape painting – rolling hills, winding paths, sparkling rivers – it was an absolutely idyllic afternoon!
The air was crisp and filled with the sweet scent of wild flowers, while birdsong sang in the distance. The wind was like silk on my face as I held Rosie’s reins with a mix of thrill and caution - let's just say she knew exactly how much she could get away with. I was so grateful for my trusty riding boots. Those horses always do have a knack for deciding to suddenly kick up a cloud of dust right by my feet. It always gives me a fright!
And of course, the cherry on top? The majestic scenery with views of the ancient Northumberland coastline. There’s something about this region of the country that really gets to my heart, there’s so much raw beauty that resonates with the dancer in me.
Wildlife Whispers in Northumberland
After a day packed full of adventure and ballet brilliance, I was still on a high. And for a final treat, my day was punctuated by the majestic sight of red deer grazing in the sun. I know they're a common sight here, but for this Derbyshire girl, there's something magical about watching these incredible creatures in their natural environment.
You know how much I love all our feathered and furred friends. We're all part of one big beautiful dance, I truly believe! Seeing the way the deer moved with their delicate grace was mesmerising! There's a calm and presence about wild animals, something incredibly beautiful to be observed.
So that was my whirlwind day in Cramlington! From twirling ballet shoes to gentle horse riding, the North East really delivered! Now I need to take you back to the glamour of my Derbyshire life! Until next time, darlings, keep dancing!
And don't forget, you can join me in wearing a pink tutu every Friday! Let’s spread the joy and bring a bit of magic into the world!
Love and tutus,
Emma
xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
