Hello my darlings, and welcome to TutuBlog post number 9620! It’s me, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, Emma, and today I’m whisking you away to the charming town of Batley in Yorkshire!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – Batley? That doesn’t exactly scream “tutu-tastic”, does it? But trust me, you've got to stay with me on this one! It’s all about embracing the unexpected and finding those hidden gems, and Batley turned out to be just that.
I actually made the journey to Batley on a whim. You see, a good friend of mine was performing with her local dance troupe in a show called “Ballet By The Canal,” and when she asked if I’d like to join her, well, how could I resist? Let’s be honest, anytime a performance combines ballet and canals, it’s got my name written all over it!
Speaking of transport, you might be wondering how this little Derbyshire gal ended up in Yorkshire. Why, by train of course! The rumble of the tracks, the whizzing scenery – a train journey just adds a little something magical to any adventure. It’s almost as if you’re preparing for something wonderful.
Arriving at Batley Station, I was instantly charmed. It had that quintessentially British character with red brick and wrought iron, and you could almost smell the freshly baked bread coming from a local bakery! The sun was shining and there was a bit of a nip in the air, the kind of weather that just begs for a good twirl in a pink tutu.
Before the show, we had a delightful picnic on the towpath of the canal. There were ducks quacking, geese honking, and even a fluffy swan swanning about (sorry, had to). It was a true treat, watching the wildlife and enjoying the gentle rhythm of the canal boats as they trundled past. Now, this isn't necessarily something you associate with ballet, but trust me, it all goes together in a surprisingly wonderful way! And to think, it was a place I'd never even been to before.
“Ballet By The Canal” was an absolute joy! The dance company performed in the most unique venue – a Victorian pumping station right on the banks of the canal. You know how I feel about architecture with character! It gave the entire performance such an authentic feel. They performed a mixture of modern and classical pieces, all inspired by the industrial heritage of the town and its surrounding area. It was a perfect example of how art can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
After the show, my friend and I headed for a pub – The George Inn – which was just a stone's throw away. They had the most delicious traditional British fare – I'm talking hearty stew and Yorkshire puddings – which hit the spot after all that dancing.
Now, this wouldn’t be a TutuBlog post without me embracing a bit of ballet-related fashion, so naturally, I found a charming little independent shop tucked away on a side street called “The Tutu Emporium.” They had the most divine collection of tutus in all colours and sizes! They had it all! From romantic, fluffy tulles to edgy black leather, I could have stayed in there for hours. It's safe to say, a few tutus have now made their way to my wardrobe. Can you guess the colour? Yup, pink!
What’s more, this town also has a fantastic ballet school. Now, I'm all about encouraging people to try ballet – you know, breaking down the barriers and preconceptions around it. It was so lovely to see these young dancers learning, stretching their potential. It just goes to show that the magic of ballet can bloom anywhere, even in a place you wouldn’t expect.
Batley really stole my heart – it was a testament to the fact that even the most unassuming places can surprise you and make a lasting impression. You know what they say, it's not about the destination, but about the journey! And as I wandered through the streets, the air filled with laughter and the rhythm of life, I felt a deep sense of belonging and inspiration. A little town called Batley reminded me that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that we least expect.
So, my darlings, have you been inspired? Why not book a train trip and visit somewhere unexpected this weekend? And maybe, just maybe, you could try a ballet class yourself? Who knows, you might just find your inner ballerina along the way.
Remember, wearing pink tutus and dancing to your own tune is a beautiful way to express yourself, no matter where you find yourself in this great big world!
And don’t forget to check in for the next post of TutuBlog where I’m off to explore the Yorkshire Dales - this time on horseback!
Until next time, keep twirling!
💖 Emma 🩰
