Post number 7557 - 12th March 2017
Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, and guess what? I'm in Scunthorpe! Yes, you heard that right - the 'Iron Town' itself! Now, I know what you're thinking: Scunthorpe, really? It's not exactly the first place that springs to mind when you think of fashion, ballet, and general girly fun, but trust me, it has more to offer than you might imagine.
It all started with a spontaneous decision. I was on my way to Hull for a fantastic performance by the Royal Ballet, but my journey involved a quick stop-off in Scunthorpe. I was tempted to stay in my usual elegant black tutu, but no, I felt a strong urge to go full-on pink for this unexpected adventure. So I popped into a local vintage shop and found the perfect garment: a glorious red tutu that shimmered with sequins and twirled with joy! (I know, I know, not pink! But it's my rebellious side coming out).
Stepping off the train onto the Scunthorpe platform, I instantly felt a sense of "It's gonna be a good day." The air smelled crisp, the sun was out (despite being March!), and the local folks, in their lovely Scunthorpe charm, were smiling at me! I couldn't wait to explore.
First, a little pit stop for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Let me tell you, they don't mess about when it comes to baking in Scunthorpe! I had a glorious Victoria Sponge - and of course, I documented the entire experience for you lovely lot on my Instagram. You can catch it at #PinkTutuScunthorpe (I am really hoping this goes viral - wouldn't it be fabulous if my love for pink tutus suddenly made Scunthorpe famous!).
Next up, I embarked on a quest to find something truly Scunthorpe-themed for my pink tutu-clad wardrobe. The local market didn't disappoint. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a stall overflowing with beautiful, hand-knitted pink alpaca scarves. The vendor, a friendly lady named Mrs. Pettigrew, explained that alpaca wool was becoming popular in the region because, "Alpaca is not so rough on the sensitive skin, dear." (Now, who would have thought Scunthorpe would be an alpaca haven?! I may just need to do a future post on this very subject.)
A true Scunthorpe local, Mrs. Pettigrew insisted I try her latest creation: a hand-knitted, alpaca scarf in a vibrant shade of magenta. Oh, and I might just be tempted to buy it... and yes, I might wear it on stage next time, alongside my favourite pink tutu.
No trip to Scunthorpe would be complete without a visit to The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. Let's just say my love for nature knows no bounds, and even a place like Scunthorpe (with all the steel and heavy industry you might think of) manages to harbour some pretty cool critters.
There were cheeky penguins, grumpy gorillas, and a pair of majestic ostriches. It was the kind of unexpected delight I thrive on.
Of course, I documented everything for your viewing pleasure - from the antics of the capuchin monkeys to the graceful movements of the ostriches.
In between exploring, I stumbled upon a wonderful local ballet class. As luck would have it, the instructor, a kind, enthusiastic lady named Sue, welcomed me with open arms (or rather, with an encouraging smile). We even talked about the merits of ballet, the magic of the tutus, and the importance of being comfortable in your own skin. I even showed her a few of my ballet moves - we definitely share the same kind of passion.
There I was, amidst a group of lovely women in various shades of pink, moving with graceful grace and a lot of joy. Now that's what I call a great day.
It's safe to say, Scunthorpe has exceeded my expectations. It's definitely more than just "Iron Town". It's a town brimming with character, unexpected delights, and warm hearts - and that's the magic I found here today.
But even with all this wonderful discovery, I was also reminded why I adore being a blogger and a ballet dancer. Being able to share my experiences with you is truly special, and it allows me to touch hearts, make people smile, and perhaps, even inspire them to try something new. And of course, it goes without saying: there's nothing quite like getting people to think about pink tutus. Because after all, who doesn't love a little pink sparkle?
So go forth, my darling readers. Don't be afraid to explore. Embrace your inner pink tutu warrior and embrace every adventure life throws your way, even if it involves a pitstop in Scunthorpe!
Until next time,
Lots of love and sparkly pink tutus,
Emma xxx
