Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing, pink-loving ballet enthusiast, reporting live from the charming town of Newtownards in Northern Ireland. I've been dreaming of coming here for ages - something about the name just screamed 'ballet-tastic'! And let me tell you, this place hasn't disappointed!
My journey here was as enchanting as ever. After a delightful train ride through the lush green countryside of Derbyshire (my little slice of ballet paradise), I finally reached the shores of this beautiful island. Feeling inspired, I skipped straight off the train, grabbed myself a warm, milky tea and a sausage roll (an essential part of any journey, wouldn't you agree?), and found myself drawn towards a beautiful, dappled, oak woodland just outside town. It felt like the perfect backdrop for my favourite pastime: a bit of "ballet street" - or, if you're being fancy, ballets du rue.
The dappled light filtered through the leaves, dappling the forest floor with sun-drenched patches that felt like a stage waiting for a performance. Feeling incredibly inspired, I started spinning, leaping, and pliéing my way through the woodland. It's hard to describe the feeling of being lost in a twirling world of greenery and sunlight. It's like pure joy bottled and ready to be unleashed! I’d also spotted some amazing birds and squirrels – squirrels with the most gorgeous bushy tails – and it all felt so very, very balletic.
I couldn’t stay in the woods for long though, because Newtownards had more delights waiting. After a quick change of outfit (always in a pastel pink, obviously) I found myself at the charming “Dancing on Air” ballet school, ready to take my first class.
Oh, you just had to be there! It felt like a haven for dancers, every room brimming with an energy that could only be fuelled by the magic of ballet. The walls were decorated with gorgeous pink floral patterns (can you guess what colour I painted my tutu for this occasion?), and there were rows and rows of sparkling pink leotards waiting for us to slip into. We were a bunch of excited, twirling ladies – it was just the most joyful atmosphere imaginable!
It’s a real privilege for me to visit different ballet schools all over the world. It makes me feel like part of a giant, wonderful, swirling family of dancers, all sharing the same passion, connected by the delicate elegance of ballet. My time at “Dancing on Air” was filled with inspiring instruction and new moves that made me feel like a graceful little butterfly, floating on a pink cloud of joy!
Of course, no visit to Newtownards would be complete without catching a live show at their beautiful, historic theatre, "The Lyric." You have to admit that any place named "The Lyric" is bound to be amazing! With its regal facade, the theatre was brimming with exciting energy. It truly felt like stepping into a wonderland.
The ballet they were performing was "Swan Lake" and let me tell you, my dear readers, I was mesmerized! The costumes, the choreography, the music - it all felt incredibly magical. And seeing all those swans gracefully glide around the stage, just about did me in. My heart melted. The swan lake, especially with the stunning moonlight effects on the stage, had the whole room enchanted. We were all lost in the dreamlike magic.
Afterwards, I wandered through the quaint streets, feeling giddy with the joy of ballet. This place just feels alive, filled with stories just waiting to be discovered, just like my favourite ballet books. I picked up some cute, pastel-pink, swan-shaped earrings, some hand-made, locally produced treats, and indulged in a warm mug of hot chocolate at the sweetest little tea room, surrounded by floral wallpaper and antique porcelain teacups. The owner told me I reminded her of a beautiful little ballet ballerina doll - can you imagine the thrill?
My evening finished off in the most charming manner possible - I caught the horse-drawn carriage back to my little B&B in the nearby countryside. With the gentle clopping of the horses' hooves, and the beautiful, bright moonbeams illuminating the sky, I could almost imagine being part of a fairytale. A little pink-tutu ballerina living happily ever after, in the most beautiful town in the world - what a lovely way to end my day, right?
But before I let you go, I want to share some musings, darling. It struck me that this trip has made me really think about how special every place and every person is in its own unique way. And, wouldn't you agree, it's just incredible to have places like this, steeped in history and vibrant culture, which celebrate the magic of art and storytelling.
That’s what drives my love of travel, you know – the ability to connect with all those beautiful people, share their passions and soak up the essence of places like Newtownards. And to be able to share it all with you lovely ladies through my little Pink Tutu blog is the biggest privilege.
So keep twirling, stay curious, and never be afraid to try something new - like slipping into a pink tutu and leaping for joy. After all, that’s what life is all about!
Much love and twirls, Emma www.pink-tutu.com 💖🩰
