Post #10592 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hey everyone! It’s Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Derby – the city that’s got my heart doing pirouettes! 🎉
As you all know, I’m a massive fan of anything pink and anything that twirls, so you can imagine my excitement when I found myself in the heart of Derbyshire with a bright pink tutu and my trusty travel bag filled with a plethora of sparkling hair clips and matching shoes. 💖
This time, my trusty steed (well, train actually!) took me on a magical journey through rolling green hills to the heart of the Midlands. Derby is known for its history, but to me, it’s a place where magic happens in the form of art and dance.
Firstly, I couldn’t resist a visit to the Derby Theatre. They've got an incredible program of plays and musicals. But what really had me hooked was a fabulous modern dance performance by the Derby Dance Company that left me spellbound. The way they moved, the powerful storytelling through their bodies - it was pure artistic brilliance. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a ballet blog without a little ballet, so I squeezed in a visit to The Curve – their magnificent theatre which is hosting a breathtaking tour of "Swan Lake." It was quite literally a dream come true, I practically danced my way out of the theatre after that show. 🦢
I must admit, there's a certain charm in seeing such magnificent performances in a smaller, more intimate theatre. You feel like you're part of the story, and the energy of the audience is so vibrant, so alive. It’s all very well having a big grand stage in a massive theatre, but I really do love these small, but equally fabulous theatres like The Curve, especially as you feel you can connect with the performance so much better.
After a day of intense artistic exploration, I decided to let my inner wild child loose! My travels often take me to exciting and bustling cities, but I absolutely love discovering the nature around them, too. So I spent the next morning exploring the glorious Darley Park, with its beautiful woodland walks, the picturesque River Derwent winding its way through it all. The perfect setting for a little ballerina workout. I’m actually a massive nature lover and I find getting back to nature incredibly relaxing and grounding. It really renews my soul. My favourite animal is a lion, but I must confess, Derby’s resident grey squirrels did a good job of winning me over! I think I'm a little bit in love with them now. 🐿️
Of course, no trip is complete without a little bit of shopping. The vibrant Derby Market Hall didn’t disappoint. The mix of vintage treasures, locally sourced produce and independent stalls was a delightful journey for my senses. I absolutely adore finding unique pieces for my tutu collection and, guess what? I found the most gorgeous pink headband adorned with fluffy feathers, perfect for my next ballet performance. What’s a ballet dancer without her hair accessory? 😉
If there's one thing I learnt on this trip, it’s that Derby is a city brimming with energy and surprises. It’s not just about the big city, it's about exploring the hidden treasures tucked away in every corner. It's a city with a beating artistic heart. Every time I travel I am reminded of how many places are just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for a day trip filled with culture, creativity, and a dose of sunshine (well, sometimes sunshine!), Derby is calling your name.
Oh, and don't forget the most important thing: a pink tutu, of course! Let’s bring a little magic and twirling to the world, one pink tutu at a time!
Until next time,
Emma xx
P.S. What are your favourite ballet shows and companies? Tell me about them in the comments below!
P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit my website: www.pink-tutu.com for more travel adventures, ballerina fashion tips, and all things pink!
