Hey there, my lovely pink-tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a charming city that's stolen a little piece of my heart.
This week, I swapped my Derbyshire countryside for the quaint cobbled streets of Chester. Now, you all know how much I love exploring new places, especially when they involve a journey by train! This trip felt especially exciting as I boarded a vintage steam train to the city, the whole carriage filled with the rhythmic clanging of the tracks and a warm whiff of coal smoke – just magic!
Chester, with its Roman walls, medieval half-timbered houses, and vibrant riverfront, immediately captured my heart. My arrival was greeted by the most breathtaking sunset painting the sky in fiery orange and deep purple hues. There’s something so inspiring about watching the day turn to night while feeling a cool evening breeze. The only thing missing? A beautiful pink tutu of course!
Pink Paradise in the City Centre
Speaking of tutus, my journey began with a delightful mission to find the perfect shade of pink for my Chester ensemble. After exploring the independent boutiques on Northgate Street, I stumbled upon the most divine little shop overflowing with vintage clothing, antique jewels, and a plethora of pink delights. And let me tell you, I wasn't leaving without adding a sparkly fuchsia feather boa to my shopping bag. I can just picture myself waltzing through Chester's historic centre with that boa flowing behind me!
Of course, no trip to a new city is complete without a spot of afternoon tea. Now, I’m no stranger to indulging in a scone or two, but this time, the tea was held in a hidden, intimate tea room that oozed old-world charm and served perfectly crafted cakes, pastries and macarons that tasted almost as beautiful as they looked!
The city really had a sense of old-world elegance to it. Walking past the rows of Roman-style buildings on the city walls and feeling the echoes of history felt pretty incredible. This beautiful historical city and my pink-tutu mood created the most captivating atmosphere!
From Ballet Classes to Wildlife Wonders
The next morning I discovered Chester’s ballet studio, a haven tucked away on a quiet lane just a stone’s throw from the city centre. There I met some incredible dancers, including an elderly woman, who told me that she’s been dancing here since she was a young girl! She even invited me to their weekly tea dance which was simply heartwarming! Seeing such a variety of age and experiences together in a space dedicated to movement was something truly beautiful.
After my invigorating ballet class, I was lucky enough to catch a delightful theatrical performance in the heart of the city. It was a traditional fairy tale brought to life with stunning costuming and heartfelt performances that made me chuckle and swoon. You can probably tell, I do love to get lost in the story of any play!
I also found time for some wonderful animal encounters during my trip. Chester Zoo, nestled just outside the city, was an absolute dream! It wasn't just a place to look at wildlife, but an incredible adventure in conservation. You can imagine how ecstatic I was to befriend a charming grey seal called Bertie. (We definitely had a moment! )
The beautiful grounds were bursting with life and the vibrant colours of blooming flowers reminded me that summer was truly at its peak! The sun glistened off the pond where a gaggle of ducks playfully paddled, while I felt so full of joy watching the birds fly between the trees!
Inspired by Chester
I left Chester with a heavy heart (and a rather impressive souvenir collection) but also overflowing with inspiration for my future dance adventures! Whether it was taking inspiration from the elegance of the Roman city walls or the playfulness of the animals, the trip has filled me with a desire to get creative and push the boundaries with my dance movements and expression.
A pink-tutu dance for you…
The best part of visiting somewhere new is the stories I can share with all of you, my fellow tutu lovers! If you are looking for somewhere new to try a pink-tutu walk then I think you'll absolutely adore Chester!
Next stop, the wild plains of Derbyshire!
Remember, the world's a stage, so dance on, darlings, dance on! And remember, don’t be shy to add a touch of pink! It's all about celebrating the fun and magic that's within each of us!
Until next time,
Emma xx
