#TutuBlog 2023-07-19 in Burnley with a german tutu.

Hey everyone, it’s Emma here, back with another exciting adventure for you! Today I’m taking you with me on a whirlwind trip to Burnley, a charming town in Lancashire that’s quickly becoming a new favourite on my ballet map.

Now, let’s be honest, Burnley doesn't exactly scream "ballet" on first glance. It's a place with industrial history and bustling markets, not your typical tutus-and-tights kind of place, right? But here’s the thing - my life's mantra is that ballet should be for everyone, and that means venturing beyond the traditional ballets of London and embracing the beauty of dance in all its forms, everywhere!

So, how did I find myself in Burnley? Well, let’s rewind…

Last weekend, I stumbled upon a little gem on social media: the Burnley Youth Ballet was holding a summer showcase! Now, you know I can’t resist a chance to watch the next generation of ballet dancers shine, and, being a total sucker for a challenge, I decided to get there by train – a romantic old fashioned steam train, no less!

Now, you may be thinking, “Emma, you and trains? Isn't that a bit… practical?" Well, I do love a good practical adventure, but I love an exciting journey even more! It was a fabulous journey: whizzing through Derbyshire countryside and chatting with fellow passengers who were all intrigued by my bright pink tutu (it’s the one with the lace detailing - a little bit fancy for a day trip, but let’s face it, who doesn’t need a little extra sparkle in their life? 😜).

As I stepped off the train in Burnley, the town greeted me with open arms, or rather, with an air of friendly bustle! It’s a town with character and warmth – something I appreciate greatly!

Before the showcase, I took a quick walk around town to soak it all in. It’s full of history - imagine that I actually spotted a grand old Victorian mill, a reminder of its industrial past, alongside vibrant shops filled with unique local crafts and a quirky market.

The real highlight was a small but brilliant bookshop tucked away in a side street – a veritable paradise of bookshelves! There were shelves packed with beautiful novels and memoirs, dusty yet precious old tomes and even a tiny section devoted to dance! Naturally, I had to treat myself to a copy of “Giselle and the Prince: An Untold Ballet Story” - perfect bedtime reading.

I later met up with my fellow dancer and best friend, Clara, who, despite not being quite as obsessed with tutus as me (shocking, I know), was ready to join in with the ballet festivities. Together, we headed to Burnley Mechanics, the impressive venue for the showcase.

Stepping into Burnley Mechanics felt like stepping into a world of stories waiting to be told. Its grand hall, adorned with beautiful carvings and intricate ceiling designs, whispered tales of artists and performers from generations past. Even without a single dancer onstage, I could feel a thrilling anticipation for what was to come!

The show itself was amazing. I was so impressed by the talent and energy of these young dancers. The choreography was beautiful and they all poured their hearts into their performances. They danced with such joy and passion – it reminded me of the first time I put on my own pink tutu and felt a little spark of something special within. I found myself captivated, laughing, crying (don't judge, it’s all those heart-tugging emotions!), and cheering on the talent of every single one.

The beauty of these young dancers reminded me of a key life lesson I've learned: it’s never too late to start a dance journey, and never too early to start embracing the joy and wonder that only a tutu can bring. After the show, we chatted with the youth ballet group's director, a kind and passionate woman named Sarah, who gave me some insightful advice: "Emma, you never know how a little dance magic can inspire a whole new generation. And Burnley? Oh, it's just waiting for more tutu magic, trust me!"

So, the following day, Clara and I decided to have some fun with this tutu magic and put Sarah's advice into practice. We found a sweet local café (their chocolate chip cookies were to die for!) and turned the place into a mini ballet studio for an afternoon! The café owner, bless his heart, even joined us for some ballet steps! You would think this would be strange in a tea-and-cakes setting, but in Burnley, everyone’s up for a bit of fun and, of course, the more tutus in the world, the better!

As I write this from my comfortable compartment, chugging back towards home (did I mention my love of trains?), my heart is bursting with the memory of a perfect weekend. Burnley wasn’t just a town with a showcase. It was a reminder that ballet, much like the beautiful, pink tutu on my lap, can add sparkle to every place you travel, and it truly does belong to everyone, everywhere!

So, remember, there’s more to life than just pink tutus, even though they're pretty darn fantastic (just try wearing one, I dare you!). Life is about experiencing all the magic this world has to offer, the beauty and kindness in its many hidden corners, and sharing a bit of joy wherever you go! And if a tiny bit of that magic is a tutu-tastic adventure in Burnley or any other unlikely location, I say "go for it!"

Keep dancing everyone, and let's sprinkle that pink tutu magic all over the world! Until next time…