Hello darlings! 🩰 It's your favourite tutu-loving, pink-obsessed ballet bunny, Emma, here! Today, I'm whisking you all off on a little trip with me to the charming town of Hindley in the heart of Greater Manchester. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Hindley? Isn't that a bit... un-tutu-esque?" But hold your horses, my loves, because Hindley is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!
This week, I swapped my usual train ride for a rather delightful journey by horse (a magnificent, pink-bridled creature named "Twinkle", of course!). You'd be surprised how much more exciting the scenery is when you're on a galloping steed, especially when you're wearing a brand-new European-style leotard (think, bold stripes and chic ballet-inspired lines, but with a hint of pink, of course!). The journey through the Derbyshire countryside was utterly idyllic - rolling hills, the occasional cute lamb (wearing a little pink ribbon!), and even a cheeky squirrel scampering up a tree. The air was fresh, the sky a vibrant blue, and I couldn't resist whipping out my phone to snap a few shots of the scene. After all, even ballet bunnies need to capture these Insta-worthy moments!
Arriving in Hindley was like stepping into a postcard - charming cobbled streets lined with traditional pubs and cafes, an air of peaceful tranquility, and just enough bustle to feel lively but not overwhelming. The locals were incredibly friendly, giving me big smiles and admiring my pink tutu as I strolled through the market square. Speaking of tutus, I actually found a fantastic shop called "The Dance Attic" bursting with beautiful costumes, vintage leotards, and even a vintage tutu with a vibrant pink feather trim - you could say it was practically begging to be purchased! Of course, I obliged, couldn't possibly resist!
Hindley holds a special place in my heart because it's where the legendary ballet choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton, spent his childhood. It was this very town where his love for ballet bloomed, and I just had to follow in his footsteps! You won't find a proper ballet school in Hindley, but there's a fantastic community dance studio called "Dance Dreams" where I had the absolute pleasure of attending an impromptu open class. The instructors were warm and welcoming, the other students (all ages, shapes, and sizes) were a delightful bunch, and I felt right at home with my trusty pink tutu on! We did some lovely, elegant barre work, practiced some leaps (my signature triple pirouette definitely impressed!) and had a glorious time perfecting our moves. You see, ballet isn't just about the big theatres and glitzy performances - it's about the love of the art form, the connection with other dancers, and the joy of expression!
But speaking of performances... Hindley boasts a stunning art deco theatre, the aptly named "The Little Theatre." This charming, intimate venue offers a varied programme, from local dramatic productions to the occasional classical music performance. I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement because they're actually hosting a special one-off performance next month! It's "Giselle", one of my absolute favourite ballets, and I wouldn't miss it for the world! Imagine: stunning costumes, incredible dance sequences, the captivating story of love, loss, and betrayal - all within the intimate setting of The Little Theatre! I can hardly contain myself.
Hindley also has an unexpectedly vibrant artistic side. The town's library is known for hosting a fantastic art exhibition featuring the works of local artists - the kind of places you can truly discover unique talent! I spent a few hours browsing the gallery, finding myself mesmerized by the creative use of colours, shapes, and textures. The entire experience felt so wonderfully artistic and inspiring!
Of course, I couldn't come to Hindley without experiencing its culinary delights! A quick visit to the charming little bistro, "The Grape Vine", saw me indulging in a heavenly salmon salad topped with pink peppercorns (of course!), while soaking up the warm, inviting atmosphere of this delightful restaurant. There's nothing better than sharing good food and good company while savoring a few stories about ballet with some delightful locals!
Before bidding farewell to this charming little town, I felt compelled to explore its hidden green gem: Hindley Park. This tranquil, Victorian-era oasis offers lush landscapes perfect for a peaceful walk. I had to stop to admire the vibrant displays of summer flowers, took a seat under the shade of an ancient oak, and listened to the melodic chatter of the local bird population (who are definitely enjoying the warmer weather! ) You can bet I made sure to include them in my latest vlog, which features some rather impressive leaps among the flowers and some cheeky squirrel encounters. My ballet bunnies might just have a new location to add to their bucket list!
You see, darlings, that's the beauty of ballet - it opens doors to new experiences, inspires us to explore the world, and connects us to the places and people we encounter along the way. Whether I'm dancing in the spotlight on a grand stage or learning new moves with passionate locals in a community dance studio, I'm reminded that the heart of ballet is the passion we share for the art form, our desire to inspire and move those around us, and of course, that lovely sprinkle of pink magic.
So, if you're looking for an escape, a touch of cultural magic, and a heartwarming reminder of the joy of ballet, then be sure to add Hindley to your list! And don't forget to grab a pink tutu on your way out! Remember, my dear bunnies, you can never be too tutu-fied!
