Hello my beautiful tutu-loving friends! It's your girl Emma, reporting live from Ashton, a charming little town in Lancashire, just a hop, skip and a jump from my beloved Derbyshire. Now, you might be wondering, what could possibly draw me to Ashton, you ask? Well, I'm a ballerina, darling, and when I heard that they were hosting a "Tutus & Teacups" festival, you bet I packed my most flamboyant Italian tutu and booked a spot on the scenic railway to get there!
This gorgeous tutu is something special, you see. It was handmade by a little atelier in Rome that I stumbled upon on my last trip to the Eternal City. It's a shimmering concoction of soft pink silk, hand-stitched with tiny silver beads that catch the light like a thousand twinkling stars. It even has delicate lace ruffles at the hem, perfect for twirling and prancing to my heart's content.
And let me tell you, Ashton's "Tutus & Teacups" festival didn't disappoint! Picture this: quaint tea rooms spilling out with delightful floral displays, charming boutiques bursting with ballet-inspired gifts, and the most adorable little stalls showcasing local crafts. You wouldn't believe the range of ballet-themed paraphernalia – from tutu-shaped cupcakes to miniature ballet slipper keyrings! My heart was practically overflowing with joy.
The highlight, however, was the street performance by the "Ashton Ballet Ensemble." These incredible dancers, young and old, had the entire town captivated with their expressive choreography and breathtaking grace. My feet were practically tapping, my heart was skipping a beat, and my eyes were sparkling with the magic of it all. Oh, I simply must try to take a ballet class here myself next time!
I also indulged in a charming picnic in Ashton's gorgeous public park, enjoying a spot of afternoon tea and a cheeky scone. A friendly robin perched on a branch nearby, chirping happily while I savored the delicious delights. As always, nature never fails to remind me of the simple joys in life, and the beauty that surrounds us all.
Now, dear readers, you know my mantra – everyone should try ballet! I believe that the beauty and power of this art form should be accessible to all. And that's why, as a passionate ballet ambassador, I am going to share some inspiring quotes that really resonate with me:
- "Ballet is an art, a science, and a sport – all rolled into one." - Mikhail Fokine
- "Ballet is the most artistic of sports and the most athletic of arts." - Arnold Haskell
- "Ballet is poetry in motion, music made visible." - John Martin
Let's spread the love for ballet and fill the world with twirls, leaps and smiles. Who's with me?!
I promise, Ashton's "Tutus & Teacups" festival has planted a seed in my heart for a future ballet adventure. I'll be back, Ashton! I’m also adding the "Tutus & Teacups" festival to my "Pink Tutu Bucket List", as I always keep a handy list, you know? You can check it out on www.pink-tutu.com (you’ve seen the URL a thousand times by now!). And hey, why not add "visit Ashton and see the "Tutus & Teacups" festival" to yours, too?! And, you can always read my post for this fabulous event, too.
Until next time, lovelies! Keep twirling!
P.S. Follow me on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes snippets of my ballet adventures. You can find me on Instagram @emma_pinktutu and TikTok @emmapinktutu (yes, even TikTok, my grandma convinced me to join! lol). Let’s get social, and you can even find out when and where my next show is on, or ballet class! See ya soon!
