#TutuQueen on 2000-10-18 stars in York

Hello, my fabulous friends! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-tastic diva, Pink Tutu Sparkles, back with another travel diary. This time, I’ve hopped aboard the train from my humble abode in Derbyshire (the county where dreams are made of, by the way!) to the charming city of York. As my 292nd blog post will tell you, York has a charm and beauty unlike anywhere else. Now, let’s get into it!

I love arriving in a new city by train – something about the gentle rhythm of the journey and watching the world zoom past the window gets the creative juices flowing. Stepping off the train at York Station, I felt like I was walking into a fairytale. The architecture is so grand, with its imposing stone walls and medieval streets. I just had to grab a pic in front of the stunning Minster for the ‘gram!

Of course, no city exploration is complete without a delicious pitstop, and York didn’t disappoint. I found a little gem of a café tucked away in a cobblestone alleyway and enjoyed a truly divine cuppa with a slice of lemon cake that literally melted in my mouth! Now, you may think this all seems rather ‘un-tutu-like,’ but let me tell you, even the most fabulous fashionistas need a good dose of caffeine and sugar.

Now, I couldn’t possibly visit a city known for its historical grandeur without venturing into its artistic heart! I was thrilled to discover the York Ballet Centre, nestled in the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. They have classes for all levels, and I must tell you, I’ve been secretly harboring a dream of finally conquering the pirouette! Let’s just say my tutu got a good workout and my confidence got a serious boost!

As a professional drag artist and tutu fanatic, I believe the tutu goes way beyond just being a costume piece – it’s about expressing your inner ballerina, your own brand of glitz and glamour! Even if you’re not an expert twirler (though I truly believe anyone can do it with a little practice), the feeling of putting on a fluffy, fabulous tutu is utterly transformative.

The York Ballet Centre truly encapsulated that spirit – the joy, the community, and of course, the tutus! It was a tutu-licious afternoon! Speaking of tutus, you just have to see the outfit I rocked to class – think fuchsia feathers and sparkling sequins – truly the perfect look for an afternoon of ballet bliss!

Next up, it was time to treat myself to a little retail therapy! I discovered an independent boutique tucked away on Stonegate – a tiny, quaint, medieval street overflowing with history and, most importantly, lovely shops! I’m talking the kind of shop where you can find unique vintage clothing, the ultimate source for your drag look!

I ended up buying a dazzling vintage clutch bag adorned with emerald-green beads, the perfect touch to elevate any look. This little treasure, combined with a vibrant silk scarf I picked up along the way, will be the star of my next performance! Now, there’s something rather special about finding hidden treasures, isn’t there?

For a fabulous night out, I chose The Terrace Restaurant, which, true to its name, has the most amazing panoramic view of York Minster. I’m talking a literal fairytale setting! And the food? Let’s just say it was a symphony of flavours and textures, leaving my tastebuds completely satisfied. (I may have ordered the ‘Tutu-tastic Trio’ dessert for good measure!)

My stay in York was all about spreading the love of pink and tutus! During my stay, I performed at a charming pub called The Malt Shovel – it’s a warm and welcoming place where the locals are incredibly friendly, and where I got to showcase a special tutu-tastic performance just for them! I felt truly welcomed and even managed to get a few of them twirling in a little tutu flash mob – they were absolutely brilliant! That’s the magic of tutus, really - they bring people together.

And speaking of bringing people together, you just have to see the beautiful way York celebrates its local festivals and events. There's always something happening! I had the privilege of attending the York Minster Feast, a vibrant festival celebrating the city's heritage and tradition.

Now, you might think I was busy trying to get everyone in York to don a pink tutu (which is a worthy goal, let’s be honest!), but let’s not forget the deeper reason why I love traveling. For me, it's about connecting with new people, experiencing different cultures, and embracing the joy of being alive! York certainly had that magic – the friendliness of the people, the captivating history, the artistic spirit…it’s truly a city that stole a little piece of my heart. I know I’ll be back, and maybe next time, I’ll try my luck with a horse-drawn carriage.

Until next time, darlings! Keep those tutus twirling and remember: the world is your runway, and your inner ballerina is waiting to be unleashed. Remember, you can always check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com to keep up to date with all my latest adventures! Love, always!

Your Tutu Queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles (Alex, by day!) 💖