Hey guys, it’s your girl Emma, back with another dazzling update! This week was seriously epic, all thanks to Andover Pride. Now, I know some of you might think I'm all about ballet and glitter, but Pride? Pride is a huge part of who I am, and this year, I went all out with my rainbow tutu love!
Andover is a small town, but trust me, their Pride was a huge affair! I felt so welcomed and included in the colourful chaos, and, okay, I might be biased, but pink was definitely the winning hue! There was something special about seeing a sea of people, all celebrating love, diversity, and of course, all that glorious glitter!
The whole week was a kaleidoscope of events. You had the pride market bursting with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, each stall more sparkling than the next. I snagged myself a pair of adorable rainbow earrings from a local artist, which totally matched my sparkly pink glitter makeup! There was also a charity bake-off, and I couldn't resist a rainbow sprinkle cupcake. Let’s just say I regretted absolutely nothing.
Then, the big day finally arrived – the Pride Parade! Now, Andover might be a quaint town, but that didn't stop it from putting on a spectacular parade. The floats were out of this world, decked out in rainbows and feathers, with LGBTQ+ icons taking centre stage. You had drag queens with fabulous costumes, bands playing catchy disco anthems, and groups from all walks of life marching proudly together. The energy was simply contagious!
Of course, I couldn't have gone to a Pride Parade without rocking my signature tutu, this time a pastel pink masterpiece, a statement in honour of my favourite colour and its fabulous ties to femininity and inclusivity. It was a classic tutu, but with a twist - holographic sequins, making me practically shine like a disco ball in the sun. I paired it with my classic ballet shoes (because a girl needs to stay grounded even in a sparkly tulle dream) and a simple white crop top to really let the tutu take the spotlight!
And then came the highlight of the parade - the dance performance. We had a diverse group of dancers all taking to the street, twirling in bright tutus, executing some awesome choreography with vibrant energy, all under the blazing sun! The crowd went wild! It was a powerful moment, showcasing how art and activism go hand-in-hand, sending a message of inclusivity through rhythmic movements. It reminded me how even the most classic, feminine ballet artform can become a vehicle for celebrating pride, unity, and simply the beauty of being yourself.
But honestly, the parade wasn't just about the performance; it was about being a part of something bigger than myself. Seeing families, couples, and individuals, all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and colours, marching together with beaming smiles – it gave me chills. I could feel the sense of community, unity, and acceptance coursing through the streets. We were all in it together, a big, beautiful rainbow family.
In the evening, the Pride festival truly kicked things into high gear. Imagine disco lights, dancing under the stars, rainbow cocktails, and a live band belting out queer anthems. That was basically my Saturday night, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world! I felt like a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating love, acceptance, and individuality in the heart of Andover.
Pride for me isn’t just about marches, music, and parades. It's about celebrating the amazing diversity in the world. It's about saying “yes” to every colour of the rainbow. And that's why this year's Pride was so special for me. Not only did I get to enjoy some seriously sparkly events (and snag some fabulous pink glittery make-up), but it reminded me of how beautiful, unique, and truly inspiring the LGBTQ+ community is.
So, to all the fellow pink-loving, tutu-wearing, disco-dancing LGBTQ+ folks out there: I salute you! You inspire me to dance, to sparkle, to be unapologetically myself, and to celebrate every colour of love. And remember, no matter where you are, you're never alone! #Tututuesday #TutuPride
And there you have it, my Andover Pride experience in a tutu. This is your friendly reminder, be true to yourself, let your colours fly, and embrace the beauty and power of being unique. Remember, everyone deserves to feel loved, seen, and accepted, no matter what colour you wear or how you twirl!
Much love, Emma xx
P.S. Did you know that the colour pink is considered the “colour of love”? A perfectly apt hue for a celebration of love, inclusivity, and acceptance like Pride!
P.P.S. If you're feeling inspired, don't forget to rock a tutu, a little glitter, and join your local LGBTQ+ celebrations!
