Hello darlings, it’s your girl Pink Tutu Sparkles, back with another scintillating adventure from my travels. This is blog post number 1037, believe it or not! You know I'm obsessed with this little digital diary – I hope you enjoy these glimpses into my sparkling world. Today I’m bringing you all the glitz and glam from Nottingham! Oh, my darlings, this city is such a gem. The energy, the architecture… I just knew it would be my perfect stomping ground for a spectacular tutu-tastic performance!
But before we get into the glamour, let's rewind a bit and talk about my journey here. I've always been a big fan of travelling by train. There's something about the rhythm of the tracks, the clickety-clack, and the sense of anticipation that really gets me going! Plus, you can’t beat the views, and being able to enjoy a nice cup of tea and a good read (I’m obsessed with the ballet biographies at the moment – you guys must check out ‘Dancing with the Devil: A Modern Ballerina’s Story’!). This journey, though, wasn't exactly your traditional train trip.
We’re talking steam train here, darlings! I have to admit, I did have my doubts about hopping aboard a vintage engine in my most fabulous pink tutu. But honestly, you’ve never felt such a unique thrill than being pulled along by a puffing and wheezing steam engine. We journeyed through the English countryside, a ballet of rolling hills and green fields painted across the window. I almost forgot I had a show to do! Luckily, a quick sprinkle of glitter in the mirror of the carriage reminded me to snap out of the tranquil moment and channel that performance energy.
We arrived at Nottingham station and… dramatic gasp OMG, darlings, just the sight of it was enough to set my tutu in a swirl. I mean, I’ve been to a fair share of UK towns and cities but Nottingham truly impressed me with its fairytale vibe! All those old stone buildings, ancient streets… you could totally imagine Robin Hood scaling the walls and Robin Longstride charging out to join him (anyone else love the BBC Robin Hood with Richard Armitage?!)! We stayed at a fabulously eccentric hotel - full of nooks and crannies. Just what a dramatic soul like me needs for inspiration.
You all know about my day job, right? It’s top secret, but let’s just say it involves being a lab rat…but in a chic, stylish kind of way! That’s the thing about my life – the juxtaposition of science and sparkle is something special. I see colours and patterns in the lab, you know, fabrics under the microscope…and then I take those colours and patterns to the stage. I just can’t help it!
Anyway, about my Nottingham gig… I’m all for a fabulous stage production, but darling, sometimes I’m just not feeling a grand theater setting. Sometimes you gotta go rogue and find the magic in the mundane. So I decided to take my show to the Nottingham Arcade. It’s just a quaint shopping center tucked in a little side street, right? The space was completely unexpected - just me, the pink tulle, and the curious gaze of a few passing shoppers. That was when I felt a magical spark! A chance to bring the glamour to the everyday… that was exactly the type of performance I needed, you see.
It’s funny how sometimes the most ordinary things can inspire the most brilliant ideas. A shopping center – what’s more mundane? And yet, I found myself feeling so inspired and free to just… well… BE! The Arcade, you know, became this beautiful open space for me to express myself without the pressure of a huge audience. Just me, the music, and the stage! The shoppers were so wonderfully surprised and everyone just seemed to get lost in the pink glow of the stage for a while.
You know, I have to confess, darlings, this was a bit of a ‘new chapter’ for Pink Tutu Sparkles. It wasn't your traditional 'full show, lights, and sound'. I started with some ballet steps to warm the space (as usual, because ballet is my everything!), and then did some spontaneous spins and dips - you know I love that - as the music moved me. I felt every little girl who's ever danced in their bedroom in a dream of their own creation, the joy of moving to a song, a perfect ballet step - I let it all go, and honestly, it was truly magical.
Later that evening, I danced at the City Arcade, which was so vibrant and full of energy - what a lovely bunch! I got some brilliant tips from local dance clubs and performance groups - the community spirit was fabulous! And everyone just loved a bit of sparkle, you see, so that was really heartwarming.
My evening ended in the cutest, cosiest cafe tucked away in a little side street. Just the place for a well-deserved cup of hot chocolate. (They really knew their way around the hot chocolate there - all the sprinkles, whipped cream, and a perfectly dipped pink marshmallow! Just my kind of drink).
Anyway, darlings, that was a quick glimpse of my Nottingham adventures! But don’t worry - there's so much more to come. Keep an eye out for those fabulous, tulle-filled adventures on www.pink-tutu.com – I post a new blog daily, you see! But remember, my lovelies, don’t be afraid to unleash your inner sparkle, whatever form it takes! Go find that pink tutu, even if it’s just tucked away in a box in the back of your closet…
Remember, the only true limit is your imagination. So let's twirl our way into the week and remember - every day can be a ballet, just waiting for a sprinkle of magic.
Stay sparkling!
XOXO,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
