Good morning, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, and today, I'm bringing you the sunshine of Rhyl! ☀️🌊
You see, Rhyl's not just a seaside town for day trips (although I adore those!) It's also the perfect spot for a bit of a ballet escape, if you're willing to embrace a slightly quirky journey. Now, for some of you, this will be like whispering 'pink tutu' to a child! You already know how much I adore them. But for those just finding my little corner of the internet, pink tutus and me go hand-in-hand like swans and ballets! They just bring a touch of magic to everything, don't you think?
So, what’s a ballet-loving girl to do in Rhyl? Well, luckily for me, a visit to Rhyl coincided with their fabulous "Ballet by the Sea" festival. I absolutely adored this weekend, because what could be better than a weekend of ballet-themed festivities with stunning sea views? Nothing!
I headed off to Rhyl on a little whim, leaving my beloved Derbyshire behind. You know me - I love a spontaneous adventure! A trip on the train (one of my all-time favourite ways to travel, because it just makes me feel so glamorous!) to Llandudno was all I needed to set my heart aflutter. And as a treat, I took a horse-drawn carriage from Llandudno to Rhyl. The sea breeze in my hair, the clip-clop of hooves, the feeling of complete tranquility - a real fairytale!
You see, I always aim to travel a little differently, to add that dash of enchantment to any journey. There's something quite special about arriving by horse-drawn carriage, just as fairytale heroines might! The carriages aren't just charming; they’re a piece of history. In the early days of Rhyl, they were essential for local transportation and brought visitors to the coast for grand promenades and elegant seaside gatherings. It's no wonder they inspired me!
After a delicious breakfast of Welsh cakes and a steaming cup of tea (the perfect pre-ballet pick-me-up!), I began exploring the “Ballet by the Sea" festival, and let me tell you, this event was full of magic! There were little performances scattered around the seaside, dancers flitting around the town square, impromptu ballet classes right on the sand. Even the local shops were decorated with ballet themes, it was fantastic!
The absolute highlight, of course, was the performance held on the pier, with the most spectacular backdrop imaginable! I was seated, facing the shimmering water and the setting sun - a truly breathtaking sight! The dancers themselves were absolutely magical! They floated on the air, their movements smooth and effortless. It was one of those evenings that reminded me just why I love ballet so much! They had dancers from all different ages and backgrounds, showcasing everything from classical ballet to street ballet and contemporary styles. It felt so inclusive and vibrant!
Of course, I couldn't resist whipping out my own little tutu to take part in the celebration. Let me tell you, it's not every day you get to waltz along the promenade with the ocean as your audience! (I even found a local who was brave enough to do a twirl with me – a real gentleman, in a fetching waistcoat, wouldn't you agree?) It was just pure fun! And, it made everyone smile - isn't that what it's all about?
Later, after my ballet-inspired day, I settled into a little cafe by the beach and treated myself to a generous portion of Welsh fish and chips. And after dinner, I walked along the promenade with the gentle sound of the waves and the taste of salt in my hair, watching the stars come out over the sea. I love the calm atmosphere of the seaside, a real contrast to my city life, don't you agree?
I'll confess, the most adorable thing about my Rhyl adventures? The wildlife! I bumped into a delightful colony of playful seals basking on the rocks, and just watched them frolicking around for ages. I think I'll be heading back to see those charming little creatures again soon! And I also caught a glimpse of a beautiful snowy owl perched atop a seawall, almost as graceful as the dancers.
My travels in Rhyl reminded me of the incredible connections we can have with our surroundings and the power of a shared experience. I left Rhyl, not just with a smile, but also with a newfound appreciation for its charming coastline, the joyful beauty of ballet, and a fresh perspective on the incredible beauty of life itself.
As always, darlings, I want to leave you with some thoughts: Do you have a favourite dance style? And what about a favourite travel spot? Tell me all about your little adventures in the comments! Maybe we'll meet for some seaside frolicking soon! 🩰 💖
And never, ever forget, there's a pink tutu out there waiting for each of you. Why not have a little twirl? ✨
