Post Number: 975
Hello, darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a whirlwind trip to the wonderful, windy, and wonderfully vibrant North Shields!
The journey up north was an absolute dream. I opted for a glorious train ride, you see. There's nothing quite like watching the world rush by in a blur of greens and browns while snuggled up with a good book and a hot cuppa (the tea trolley lady always makes the best brew!).
Now, North Shields, what a place! It’s a haven for history and heritage. Quaint cobbled streets, bustling fish markets (the smell of fresh cod in the morning is divine!), and of course, that ever-present salty sea breeze that sends your senses soaring.
My mission for the day, you ask? To bring a splash of pink (and plenty of twirls!) to the town. I donned my new "Pancake Tutu" - you know, the one with those gloriously billowing layers of tulle, soft as a cloud and almost as sweet! And let me tell you, the folks in North Shields absolutely adored it.
The first stop was the charming little "Artisan Market." Think artisan cheeses, handmade soaps, and local crafts, all tucked away in a pretty, cobbled courtyard. A real delight! I got a charming ceramic teapot (can't resist anything pink, naturally!), and the stall owners even tried to teach me a few traditional Northumbrian dances – they said they needed me to spice things up! I taught them a couple of twirls and plies from ballet class instead! It’s amazing how universally understood ballet can be.
Next, we went on a little coastal adventure! The North Shields Fish Quay was a revelation. I've never seen so many boats in one place, and the energy, the history – truly fascinating! I had my picture taken by a lovely, bubbly woman who couldn't believe I was wearing a tutu while watching the boats come in. Her laugh was contagious!
After all that excitement, I knew just the way to unwind. I strolled along the beachfront, the sun kissing my face and the waves serenading my ears. You know me – a little bit of nature makes the heart sing! This time, I didn’t spot any seals (though I’m told they’re often spotted around here!) but a flock of playful gulls landed nearby, pecking at their breakfast, as if they were right out of a scene from Finding Nemo!
I even snuck in a bit of ballet practice in a secluded spot on the promenade. A perfect backdrop of sky and sea, with a gentle breeze stirring my "Pancake Tutu" and the waves making soft clapping sounds. It was truly magical!
Speaking of magic, one of my favorite parts of North Shields was the old-fashioned, slightly whimsical seaside charm. There were so many independent shops tucked away down narrow streets, each one unique, each one with a little piece of personality. It felt like stepping back in time.
I picked up a stunning hand-painted vintage teacup (in a delicate shade of rose, of course!), and, just because I couldn't resist, a bright pink vintage tin – the perfect place to store all my favorite memories of this fantastic trip.
The highlight of the day? Meeting the kind gentleman who works in the oldest bookshop in North Shields. He had the most impressive moustache and the best stories, and, just as we were talking, we realised he had an incredibly similar life journey to me. Both ballet dancers! It turned out he danced professionally in his younger years! He loved my "Pancake Tutu" and told me how much he misses the stage and the costumes! He even knew some old dance routines and insisted we did a "minuet" in the shop! Who knew bookshops would become our dance floor? It made me smile so much!
This place, I’ve found, truly captures the spirit of Britain’s seaside heritage - with a pinch of charm and a touch of elegance. But, even in this sweet little town, I found my perfect chance to spread the joy of ballet. As the evening unfolded, I danced my way into the town square and then – dare I say – did a mini performance, inviting the crowds to join in. With my "Pancake Tutu" floating in the evening air, I found myself teaching them the "plié", "tendue", and "développé" – you never know where you’ll find a willing dance partner!
I have to admit, seeing a bunch of curious onlookers, young and old, smiling as they joined me in a ballet routine was truly the most rewarding part of the entire trip! Who knew that North Shields would become a "Pancake Tutu" haven? It really is true what they say - ballet is for everyone, in every corner of the world!
Now, darlings, don't forget, keep a lookout for more pink adventures at www.pink-tutu.com – my next destination? A charming village nestled in the rolling hills of Derbyshire... oh, and watch out for a special surprise, because I’m starting a new #TutuTuesday feature!
Until then, keep on twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. If you've ever thought about giving ballet a go, let me know! I'm here to help make your ballet dreams come true. You can also follow me on Twitter for more fun, pink and twirling updates – @pink_tutu
And remember, always remember - the world needs more pink tutus!
