Hey there, tutu-lovers! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, signing in from the beautiful city of Salisbury. As you know, my love for ballet and all things pink knows no bounds, and that’s why this week, I’ve decided to take my trusty German tutu (you know the one, with the silver sequins that twinkle under the stage lights!) on an adventure.
We've been travelling in style, of course. I couldn’t possibly resist a scenic train journey to Salisbury, my comfy compartment transformed into my very own, impromptu tutu-dressing room. As we chugged through the countryside, I imagined myself twirling across the meadows, a vision of pink against the rolling green hills.
The journey to Salisbury always reminds me of a dance. Every sway of the train car, every whistle, and every clatter of the wheels on the track adds its own beat to the journey. I love those quiet moments watching the world fly by outside, where I feel the peace and freedom that I associate with dancing. I’m not a person who likes the rush of the motor car, I much prefer to take my time and be part of the journey, not just a spectator.
Arriving in Salisbury felt like stepping into a fairytale. The quaint, ancient streets, the historic cathedral, the bustling market square - all perfectly set the stage for a delightful ballet experience. My first stop, of course, was a little independent boutique that had caught my eye, just the kind of place that knows what makes a ballet enthusiast happy. With an entire wall dedicated to sparkly shoes and a dazzling array of tutu options, I knew I had to go inside. After a delightful afternoon spent trying on various shoes and swirling around in gauzy tulle, I left feeling a little lighter (maybe a tiny bit brighter too) than when I came. I couldn’t leave without finding the perfect hat to add to the pink German tutu, to tie the outfit together in style, naturally!
Now, Salisbury isn’t just about charming streets and adorable shops. They have a world-class dance school, with the kindest, most passionate teachers and the most dedicated students. It's a true gem, a sanctuary for ballet lovers. I couldn't resist popping in for a quick lesson - a little ballet therapy before embarking on my ballet tour! There was an exciting blend of classic ballets and exciting modern routines on offer and as a newbie, I just chose the ballet barre class. I absolutely adored the teacher - such great energy and a great sense of humour. It was really encouraging to see so many students of all ages and backgrounds all working hard and inspiring each other.
Now, no visit to Salisbury is complete without experiencing their magnificent cathedral. It is truly an awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece, its grandeur and beauty transporting you to another world. As I stood in the cathedral's hallowed space, a quiet stillness enveloped me, making me reflect on the power of art and its capacity to transcend time and connect with the soul. Ballet and music create that connection, that stillness for me and the energy within those two art forms reminds me how beautifully we are designed to move, feel and react.
Of course, what trip to Salisbury would be complete without a visit to Stonehenge, an iconic monument that seems to echo with ancient secrets. It felt so wild to wander through the immense, weathered stones and picture the people who had walked these grounds centuries ago. The silence of those ancient stones gave me a sense of wonder that makes me dream of what might have been - and all the secrets they hold.
From the majestic stones of Stonehenge to the ethereal beauty of Salisbury Cathedral, to the vibrant life pulsing through the heart of this ancient town, I was inspired. I’m already plotting my return visit to this gorgeous location.
Salisbury is a beautiful city, perfect for a weekend escape for ballet enthusiasts (or any lover of beauty and history!) You should visit sometime! If you do, remember to make time for a spot of ballet practice in your favourite tutu, preferably a pink one, with the world as your stage!
Till next time, keep twirling!
Love, Emma xxx
