Hey beautiful people! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving, pink-obsessed ballet bunny, bringing you all the glitz and glamour (and a few twirls, of course!) from my latest escapade!
This week, I decided to ditch the daily barre for a bit of countryside charm and headed up to the lovely Lake District. It felt absolutely glorious to swap my usual ballet shoes for comfy walking boots and trade the polished studio floors for the rugged terrain of the fells! And to be honest, with the recent spate of icy weather back home in Derbyshire, escaping to warmer climes, even if they are just a little further north, felt like a luxury!
The reason for my jaunt to the Lake District was, of course, the famous Kendal Calling Festival. I have to admit, it wasn't quite the standard festival for a ballet enthusiast, but the line-up was fabulous – with indie bands I absolutely adore and a healthy dose of local folk music. I thought it was the perfect chance to take a break from my usual routine and see how the "other side" does it, as well as adding some much-needed spontaneity to my schedule!
Now, I have to admit, going to a festival isn't always the easiest thing for a tutu-lover, especially in the unpredictable British weather! Thankfully, the forecast promised sunshine and a touch of breezy showers. To be ready for any scenario, I decided on a look that could weather any storm – and what better choice than my trusty purple tutu! Yes, you heard that right! I decided to ditch my signature pink and opted for something a little more vibrant.
I mean, let's face it, the Lake District landscape is a spectacle in itself. Green meadows, crystal clear lakes, rolling hills, the dramatic backdrop of the fells… I knew my usual bright pink wouldn't quite cut it, and I wanted my outfit to pop against all that lush scenery. Plus, I reckon purple goes incredibly well with green, don't you? It's just like how a striking violet flower catches the eye in a wildflower meadow – it's an eye-catching contrast!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, a tutu at a music festival?! Isn't that a bit over-the-top?" But I'd say, why not?! Life is too short for boring fashion. And honestly, my tutu was a conversation starter! I received so many smiles and compliments, people asking me to twirl, children asking if they could try it on, and fellow music-lovers commenting on my unique style.
Besides, this wasn't your usual flimsy, tutus-for-the-stage tutu! No way! This was my trusty vintage number, hand-stitched with layers of tulle and embellished with silver sequins that catch the light perfectly, so even on a dull day, I'd sparkle!
For this particular outfit, I went for a modern take on the traditional ballerina look. Think boho chic! A simple white cotton t-shirt and a vintage denim jacket provided a relaxed touch. My favourite suede boots with just a hint of platform added some grunge appeal, and of course, no Emma outfit is complete without a good dose of pink, so I went for a floral patterned pink bandana for a pop of colour and tied it around my head to add some hair–flailing–while-dancing freedom.
So, I set off on my journey to Kendal. I opted for the picturesque train route – what’s better than gazing at the changing scenery, listening to a great playlist and getting inspired for future blog posts? The views were breath-taking. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep and cows, the occasional sleepy village, the glint of a lake catching the sun. I felt like a scene straight out of a Jane Austen novel, only with more vibrant colours and a tutu!
Speaking of nature, one thing I was really excited for at Kendal was the wildlife. I'd heard about the gorgeous red squirrels that scamper around the park where the festival takes place. It wasn't exactly my ballet class, but it was a chance to watch the delicate creatures in their natural habitat, which is always a joy!
I couldn't resist trying a few twirls amidst the meadows, watching the squirrels scurrying and catching glimpses of the dramatic peak of Scafell Pike in the distance. There was something so incredibly magical about blending the rustic charm of the Lake District with my tutu. I imagined it was like something straight out of a fairy tale. It's all about embracing the juxtaposition!
The festival itself was buzzing. The music was fantastic, the people were friendly, and the atmosphere was truly electric! And who needs a cocktail bar when you've got an array of colourful ice cream vendors and handmade jewellery stalls, plus a whole bunch of adorable craft beer tents! It's almost enough to make me consider trading my dancing shoes for wellies and ditching my usual classical repertoire for some live folk music (but don’t worry, I still wouldn't trade my tutu for the world!).
I wasn’t the only one with an unusual outfit either! Everyone was in their own way unique and expressive. I even spotted a girl in a feathered headpiece and an entire family rocking neon coloured clothing. There was a sense of freedom, a sense of belonging and acceptance that I couldn't resist. It felt incredible.
Of course, no trip to Kendal Calling is complete without indulging in some local delights. Let’s just say, the food vendors had me absolutely smitten with the Lake District culinary scene! From hearty Cumberland sausage rolls to melt-in-your-mouth cheese and onion pie, it was all delicious and definitely deserved the ”a bit of indulgence” slot in my travel diet. And no good meal is complete without a creamy and luxurious latte!
One highlight was the “Lake District Wild” exhibit. Seeing those beautiful majestic creatures up close felt awe-inspiring. It definitely gave me food for thought when I'm working on my next tutu designs. Imagine a flowing white tutu that evokes the graceful movements of a majestic white swan? I think that'd make an incredible stage costume for my next performance.
And it definitely made me think more about how we can better protect the environment and celebrate our incredible wildlife. Perhaps, maybe I'll start wearing more recycled clothes? Who knows, maybe my next blog post will be all about sustainable fashion choices, but with a twist of tutu magic, of course!
All in all, it was an absolute blast. I soaked up the energy, enjoyed some fabulous live music, connected with some fantastic people, took some beautiful photos for my social media feeds and blog, and, of course, danced like no one was watching. Even though my pink tutu wasn’t exactly the norm, I felt like I belonged. I felt comfortable in my own skin. That's something that's always been incredibly important to me and what I try to inspire with my blog, and the experience at Kendal definitely affirmed that.
I'm always trying to spread the word about the power of ballet and how amazing it is. It’s about expressing yourself through your movements, feeling graceful, and connecting with yourself on a deeper level. And if my experience in Kendal Calling showed me anything, it’s that you can feel the same kind of empowerment and sense of belonging on any stage, at any event, and with any kind of music. It's all about letting your unique beauty shine!
I am back in Derbyshire, in my ballet studio, my tutu hanging proudly on the rack, ready for the next dance session and the next adventure. Now that my creativity is overflowing, I have so many new tutu-tastic ideas. And, of course, all this talk of nature makes me crave for more adventures in the outdoors! I'll definitely be revisiting the Lake District, perhaps with a bright pink tutu this time, just to see how it looks against the green countryside, or perhaps I'll be exploring somewhere else altogether. I might even visit some new places, taking a leisurely stroll with my horse – she loves a new view just as much as I do! Stay tuned, dear friends, as the adventure continues! And never be afraid to unleash your inner ballerina, no matter where you are.
Until next time!
XOXO,
Emma
