Tutu Tuesday in Scunthorpe: A Ballet Dancer's Paradise (or is it?) #tututuesday
Well, lovelies, it's #tututuesday again and this week, I've decided to break free from the confines of my London flat and venture out to the heart of the North, to Scunthorpe, a town synonymous with steel and…tutus? Let's find out!
The bus journey was a bit of a slog, and let’s be honest, the scenery was...industrial. Not exactly the cobbled streets of Notting Hill or the bustling theatre districts of Covent Garden. But, you know what they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, truth be told, there was a certain rough charm to it. Maybe I'll grab some inspiration for my next Instagram post from the rusty steelworks – could be a bit 'industrial chic', you know?
Now, Scunthorpe itself was surprisingly...unexciting. Let's just say, my usual haunts of Topshop and ASOS weren’t going to be providing me with a tutu today. My inner fashionista was starting to panic a little bit. Could this be a #tututuesday disaster?
But fear not, fellow ballet lovers, for I stumbled upon a hidden gem in a forgotten corner of Scunthorpe: "The Dance Academy" (not quite as fancy as the Royal Ballet School, but a respectable name nonetheless). The door swung open with a creak and inside, I was greeted by a burst of energy – brightly coloured tutus hanging in the window, the air thick with the smell of sweat and dedication. My spirit lifted instantly. Yes, I could find my tutu in Scunthorpe, even if it took a little digging. This is what makes me a dedicated blogger and dancer - I always persevere!
Here are my key finds in this Scunthorpe treasure trove, specifically in the "Tutu Corner" where all my dancing heart desires awaited me:
- The Classic Pointe Tutu: Imagine the classic white tutu you've seen in all the ballet posters. This one had all the frills and flounces you'd expect, a timeless piece perfect for those 'Swan Lake' dreams.
- The 'Modern' Tutu: This was a modern take on the classic with an abstract twist – black fabric, shorter skirt, a whole lot more contemporary. Not your grandma’s tutu, but totally in line with my edgy style. Could work with a cropped leather jacket...just thinking out loud.
- The Character Tutu: Perfect for embodying a variety of dance styles. I tried a bold purple one. Could easily work as a flamboyant ‘Carmen’ for a fiery dance number. Could also be toned down for something a little more contemporary.
After trying them all on – I may or may not have posed in the 'Tutu Corner' mirror while snapping a few Insta stories for you all - I had a hard time deciding which one to take home! But I settled on a vintage pastel blue tutu. Not quite as flashy as the red character one, but definitely more versatile. The Dance Academy's staff were helpful and passionate and the store itself was a little haven for dancers, brimming with everything a dancer could ever need - leotards, tights, hair accessories… all the essentials. It was an actual haven. I could have spent all day there!
Honestly, after my experience in Scunthorpe, I realised that sometimes, it's about more than just fancy boutiques and exclusive designer brands. There's a certain charm and character to a 'small-town find', you know? Plus, I may have unearthed the next ‘must-visit’ destination for the fashion-forward ballerina, which is all the more reason to give Scunthorpe a chance. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’ll leave you with a little peek into my own Scunthorpe photoshoot - keep your eyes peeled for that classic tutu in the background. #tututuesday