Hello darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the most unexpected of destinations: Scunthorpe! I know what you're thinking - "Scunthorpe? But Emma, it's so… industrial!" And you'd be right. I wasn't expecting much, but the spirit of adventure, along with the undeniable allure of a weekend away by train (always my favourite form of travel, ever since my grandma introduced me to the joys of a packed sandwich and a window seat), had me booking that ticket in a flash.
Now, you might be wondering why on earth I would choose a trip to a place most famous for… well, let's just say its name gets its fair share of giggles, to explore in a pink tutu. The answer, my lovelies, is simple: I love tutus! They make me feel powerful and beautiful and, let's face it, who wouldn't want to be a princess in their own personal fairytale, even if it's just for a day?
Scunthorpe wasn't exactly overflowing with ballet studios, but let me tell you, there is no place on earth where a pink tutu can't shine. I took it everywhere with me: strolling through the town centre, popping into local shops (I must admit I bought the most adorable pair of pink fluffy slippers!), and even taking a detour to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park (which, as you might imagine, turned into a photoshoot with a flamingo!) Every time I twirled in my tutu, smiles followed - people couldn't help but be charmed by its playful brilliance!
Now, you'd think a town known for steel wouldn't be the most aesthetically pleasing place on earth, but Scunthorpe held a certain industrial charm. I couldn't resist grabbing a couple of selfies with the imposing steel mills as my backdrop (after all, the juxtaposition was just begging for a post on Instagram). And, if you’re like me and appreciate a good quirky art piece, there is no shortage of those either - you’ll be delighted to find, for example, the beautiful bronze sculpture ‘The Guardian’ overlooking the town square, a testament to Scunthorpe's industrial heritage and a little less gritty than you might expect from its steelworks.
But let’s be honest, my loves, no trip of mine is truly complete without a ballet show, even if it's not a West End production! After all, ballet can be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere, and the more we embrace its artistry in everyday life, the more magical it becomes!
Now, finding a ballet performance in Scunthorpe wasn't exactly as simple as spotting a pigeon, but I, as you know, have an eye for adventure and, after some tireless internet searches, I managed to find the most incredible troupe! It wasn’t some big flashy show, it was a tiny dance studio putting on an intimate performance, their enthusiasm oozing with pure passion. I have to say, their performance absolutely blew me away - I can assure you, the elegance and the joy on their faces as they glided across the stage was as graceful and as enchanting as anything I’ve seen in London. It was, without a doubt, an inspiring example of the transformative power of ballet.
And my darling, what’s a visit to Scunthorpe without a good, old-fashioned British chippy! Let me tell you, Scunthorpe was full of some seriously amazing fish and chip shops, and I couldn't resist indulging in a bit of fish, chips, and mushy peas, a perfect pairing with the cool breeze coming in from the North Sea. The salt from the chips, mixed with the crispy coating on the fish and the warmth of the peas? I’d go as far as to say that was an ideal ballet warm-up. I highly recommend having a go yourself – I dare you to tell me it isn’t an exquisite flavour combination!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, it sounds like a real rollercoaster ride. Who could go to Scunthorpe with a pink tutu on, and have all that?"
And that's my point, darling! My motto is, if there's a place I haven’t been, there’s a tutu I haven’t worn in it! Who knew Scunthorpe would become a testament to my love for ballet, for the whimsical, for the truly unique. Who needs a big grand tour of Europe when you’ve got a little adventure in the middle of the UK waiting for you! Let’s be honest, this adventure in Scunthorpe taught me something more powerful than the lessons of any grand ballet class - there's beauty everywhere you look, and a pink tutu can transform even the most unexpected of places.
So, I've already booked my next train trip. Destination? The next undiscovered haven waiting for my pink tutu to brighten it up. Come on, girls, let’s twirl our way around this world, one town at a time! After all, what’s life without a dash of whimsy, a sprinkle of pink, and a lot of fabulous tutus!
💖💋 Love, Emma
