Hey darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, and guess what? I'm finally back on the blog after a whirlwind of a week in the beautiful seaside town of Paignton! I know, I know, I haven't updated you in ages – you’d think a girl would have time to blog when she’s travelling around by horse, wouldn’t you? 😉
Well, as you might imagine, there's always something exciting going on in the world of ballet, and I wouldn’t want to miss a single step! So, settle in with your favourite cuppa (I'm having a delicate rose-infused tea, naturally) and let me tell you all about my Paignton adventure!
I journeyed down to the sunny South West, fuelled by dreams of coastal walks and the promise of a divine seafood supper. You know, those trips that restore your soul and leave you feeling as refreshed as a brand-new pair of pointe shoes? Yep, Paignton ticked all the boxes.
Now, let’s be honest, I'm a bit of a romantic at heart, and the train journey was utterly magical. You could almost hear the wind whisper tales of pirates and seaside romances as I sat nestled in my window seat, lost in a sea of pink fluff – yes, I did, of course, rock my trusty, and gloriously narrow, pink tutu! You wouldn't expect anything less, would you? It’s not every day you get to wear pink to the seaside, is it?
Arriving in Paignton was a little like stepping back in time. Imagine cobblestone streets, charming little cafes, and an air of calm and serenity - absolute bliss! I immediately fell in love with the quaint little town centre. And don’t even get me started on the breathtaking coastline. I practically squealed with joy when I caught my first glimpse of the majestic cliffs – I had to make a little video to capture it all for you, because, well, it was truly enchanting!
My accommodation was nothing short of a dream come true - a charming seaside cottage with its own little garden. The first thing I did upon settling in was throw open the windows to soak in the fresh, salty air and to enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. Of course, I couldn’t resist striking a pose in the garden, wearing my trusty pink tutu for all the neighbourhood pigeons to admire.
Now, you can't come to a coastal town like Paignton without indulging in a little bit of seaside adventure. After a breakfast of fresh fruit and fluffy pancakes, I embarked on a horse riding adventure on the nearby beach. It’s not everyday you can have a galloped along the sand, is it? And what’s better than a pink tutu and galloping horse on a bright, sunny day? Not much, if you ask me!
My inner wildlife enthusiast had a field day in Paignton, too. We went on a fantastic trip to the local zoo – yes, I had my tutu with me! The zoo had an array of fascinating animals, from elegant lions and playful monkeys to majestic owls and fascinating reptiles. Watching a majestic lion bask in the sun, or gazing into the deep eyes of a majestic eagle – I’m telling you, I love experiencing all sorts of life! Don’t even get me started on the penguins. They’re utterly adorable! (Yes, you guessed it, I even had a photoshoot with them. We’re all about pink tutus and photo opportunities in this house! 😜)
And of course, no visit to Paignton would be complete without a proper afternoon tea. So, naturally, we headed to the quaintest tea room I've ever seen, where we indulged in dainty sandwiches, sweet scones, and pots of delicious tea - absolutely delightful!
After our tea and treats, I was lucky enough to attend an amazing performance by the Paignton Ballet Company. As always, the dancers were just brilliant, and the costumes, of course, were completely amazing. It was fantastic to see a love for ballet all across the country - my mission to make the world embrace the joy of dance is well and truly underway!
So, what can I say about Paignton? Well, it was the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and ballet. The fresh air, the gentle breeze, the sounds of the sea - I couldn’t help but feel inspired to twirl. I definitely plan to return - just think, maybe we could organise a Paignton ballet festival for next summer? Imagine, a pink-tutu-themed, sea-side extravaganza. Now that’s a vision, isn’t it?
My journey back to Derbyshire on the train was a bittersweet one, full of lovely memories and new inspirations. And as I drifted off to sleep on the train, with the scent of the sea lingering on my skin and my heart overflowing with joy, I couldn’t help but dream of pink tutus and ballet shoes!
Join me on www.pink-tutu.com tomorrow for another exciting ballet adventure! Don’t forget, I want to see every single one of you wearing a pink tutu. And if you're feeling inspired, why not take a ballet class? It's a magical world waiting for you, so join the dance, my darlings, and let’s make ballet a universal language! 💕 🩰