Hello my darling Tutu Tribe! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger Emma, back with another adventure from the world of twirling, travelling, and tutus. Today's stop? The beautiful city of Belfast, Northern Ireland!
I've always been a huge fan of Irish culture, from the folklore and legends to the music and dancing. So, when I had the chance to spend a weekend in Belfast, I jumped at it, my heart already doing pirouettes with excitement. I knew, of course, that I had to embrace the theme of my trip - and that meant a bold, beautiful purple tutu! It's not often you catch me in a colour other than pink, but this trip called for something a bit different.
My journey started in Derbyshire, my beautiful home county, and I decided to take the train for the first leg of my adventure. Nothing beats a scenic train journey for catching up on reading, scribbling down blog post ideas, and enjoying the passing countryside. As I arrived in the bustling heart of Belfast, I could immediately feel a real energy in the air. A real city buzz!
Of course, a trip to Belfast wouldn't be complete without exploring its vibrant cultural scene. The Lyric Theatre, with its beautiful red-brick façade and historical charm, immediately caught my eye. A must-see for any theatre enthusiast, the Lyric is renowned for its diverse programme of plays and musicals, and I was lucky enough to catch a captivating performance of "The Importance of Being Earnest" – a truly hilarious and well-acted production!
For a city with so much history, there are also incredible wildlife spots, too. I headed out to the Belfast Zoo, with its diverse array of exotic creatures. It was a complete contrast to my ballet classes, but somehow a real balance for my busy schedule! I loved meeting the gorillas - they were absolutely fascinating, especially the little ones, and watching their playful interactions. The playful orangutans were simply adorable, too. It's no wonder I'm often spotted rocking animal prints - that love for all creatures runs deep, you see!
Of course, my trip to Belfast couldn't end without a dance session, could it? After all, a tutu deserves to be twirled, and I was so thrilled to discover the "DanceHouse" – a fantastic studio offering a range of dance styles. I took a beginner ballet class, a beautiful mix of classic ballet with a modern edge, and let me tell you, it was a perfect blend of challenging and exhilarating! The atmosphere was so welcoming, and everyone in the class, whether they were seasoned dancers or complete beginners like me, was incredibly enthusiastic. Even the dance instructor told me my purple tutu added a real, vibrant touch!
Speaking of vibrant, have you seen the beautiful botanical gardens in Belfast? The colours were just amazing, the colours and light just perfect! Such a serene escape, with amazing flowers and trees and beautiful landscaping, it made me dream of pirouetting among the lilies. It was truly magical, and made me feel like a character from a fairy tale.
The city itself felt vibrant and full of life, bursting with history, culture and artistic flair. And let's not forget about the people of Belfast! They were incredibly welcoming and warm, offering me helpful advice and genuine smiles wherever I went. I even got into a little chat about ballet with a couple in a cafe, and I just know I'll be meeting up with them when I'm back next time.
And you know what, you can take the girl out of Derbyshire, but you can't take the Derbyshire out of the girl! Even on the road, I kept that traditional British spirit alive. Afternoon tea at the grand Titanic Belfast Hotel, overlooking the incredible dockyards - oh my! All the classic British goodies - sandwiches, cakes, pastries - I indulged it all! And yes, I may have worn my pink tutu with a delicate floral headband... After all, you've got to bring a little bit of that whimsical fairy-tale vibe to even the most iconic places.
Belfast, you truly stole my heart! Your welcoming atmosphere, stunning architecture, captivating cultural scene, and beautiful parks made me feel like I'd stepped into a charming fairytale, and I know that's a feeling I'll never forget. I can't wait to come back for another twirl!
So, Tutu Tribe, what's next? Oh, I just know it's going to be incredible, full of fun, fashion and dancing! Until next time, keep those tutus twirling and your smiles shining! Don't forget to check back on my website www.pink-tutu.com for all my latest adventures, including a few special surprises coming up. See you soon!
