Hey gorgeous ballet babes! Itās your favourite tutu-wearing, pink-loving, dance-obsessed gal Emma here, and guess what? I'm in Belfast! That's right, my lovelies, I've traded in the Derbyshire hills for the Emerald Isle, and it's already magical!
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Emma, how on earth did you get to Belfast?" Well, I'll tell you. This time, I took the scenic route (as per usual, of course!). I hopped on the train - something about the rhythm of the tracks always gets my creative juices flowing! - and journeyed up north, passing rolling countryside, quaint villages, and even a herd of magnificent Highland cows! You know me, I'm always keeping an eye out for the beautiful things in life.
And, wouldn't you know it, the weather in Belfast has been absolutely divine! We're talking bright blue skies, fluffy clouds, and a cool breeze that makes twirling feel like gliding through air! I can already tell that this is going to be an incredible adventure.
But whatās a trip to Belfast without some serious dance magic? Of course, my first order of business was to hit the shops! After all, a girlās gotta stay stylish, right? š You guys wouldnāt believe the fabulous find I had. Picture this: A vintage shop on a cobbled side street, a hidden treasure trove of sparkling costume jewels and a... wait for it... *bright, coral orange, tulle tutu! *
Now, you know my weakness is a fabulous tutu! I practically squealed with delight! I think itās my best one yet - so bold and dramatic, it screams 'I'm in Belfast to dance my heart out!ā
This orange wonder is going to be perfect for a little spontaneous street performance - my favourite kind of dancing! The locals have been so warm and welcoming here, so excited to see a little tutu magic. I can already tell this city is filled with rhythm! I'm planning to teach a few impromptu classes in the park, maybe a little outdoor ballet on the waterfront... what do you guys think?
And, speaking of rhythmā¦ Belfast has been a real musical delight. I have a newfound love for Irish folk music! Something about the lilting melodies and upbeat tempos has really resonated with my inner dance diva. Yesterday, I even had the pleasure of attending a traditional Irish dance performance - I'll admit I got a bit carried away with my enthusiastic clapping and cheering!
But letās be honest - it wouldnāt be an Emma trip without a dose of grand ballet. And guess what? Iām going to see a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Grand Opera House tomorrow! Iāve heard amazing things about this ballet, and Iām already dreaming about all the exquisite costumes, dazzling sets, and powerful choreography.
As a seasoned ballerina, I love to soak up all the inspiration I can, even if itās not my own choreography on the stage. You never know what moves, tricks or expressions will inspire the next blog post! I am just a little excited to watch a different style and see how the talented dancers and choreographers in this historic city use their talents! I canāt wait to see the passion they bring to the stage, and hopefully learn a thing or two myself.
But beyond ballet, Belfast has captivated my heart with its captivating history. Iāve been exploring the Titanic Quarter, a place soaked in stories of remarkable craftsmanship and immense tragedy. Walking the docks, I could feel a palpable connection to those who came before me, leaving an indelible mark on this city's spirit. I've spent hours wandering the streets, letting my imagination run wild.
And then thereās the food, my lovelies! You wouldnāt believe the delicious fresh seafood they have here! The oysters, the salmon, the fish and chipsā¦ Oh, itās heavenly! Iāve had an extra slice of lemon tart for dessert every night just because Iām feeling so good here, hehe! š I know how to travel, my dears! š
Of course, my trip wouldn't be complete without spreading the love of ballet, and promoting my mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu! It's always on my mind!
But really, why only pink tutus? Thereās an endless possibility of fun! A purple tutu with glittering stars? Maybe a vibrant lime green one for some sassy, street performance magic? Perhaps even a blue tutu that whispers of sea air and salty spray? I love how a single garment can transform how we feel about ourselves and about the world around us!
Here in Belfast, Iāve even inspired a few folks to step out of their comfort zones! Thereās a charming little cafĆ© called āThe Pink Tutu" on the corner of Wellington Street (you have to visit it!) And theyāre serving āEmmaās Pink Tea" - an incredibly adorable afternoon treat that has even the most reserved gentlemen swirling their teaspoons like theyāre dancing on pointe!
I think the next few days are going to be incredible! Iāve already been offered to dance in a few local festivals, including the Belfast Pride Parade. Itās going to be a wild time! If you're in the area, be sure to say hi! I canāt wait to meet some new ballet lovers, spread a bit of tutu magic and share a few tips on embracing the beauty of ballet in all its glory.
I canāt wait to tell you all about it, and about the new adventures in this stunning city.
Until next time, keep dancing, darlings! š©°ā¤ļø
With love, Emma
This post is an example of the daily blog Emma writes. In addition to these blogs, she also posts updates, photos and dance videos on her social media platforms, sharing the joy of dance and tutus with the world.
You can find out more about Emma and follow her travels by visiting her website www.pink-tutu.com.
