Hiya darlings! It's your Pink Tutu Sparkles here, and welcome to blog post number 1259 on www.pink-tutu.com! Buckle up buttercups, because this one is all about my trip to Newtownards!
Oh, Newtownards, you beautiful, charming place! I knew this was going to be a trip to remember, the moment I stepped off the train and into your breezy, seaside air. It’s the first time I've ever performed in Northern Ireland, but I feel like I'm home already! The friendly locals, the cobbled streets, the stunning scenery, everything feels so…magical!
And guess what? This trip has been a real whirlwind! Let me tell you, Newtownards was certainly not lacking in the 'fabulous' department!
Firstly, we need to address the elephants in the room: the weather. 🌪️💨 I mean, I’m not from Derbyshire for nothing, but even I have to say, Northern Irish weather has its own distinct je ne sais quoi, let's put it that way. One minute it's sunshine and rainbows, the next it’s a torrential downpour! But hey, when you've got your pink tutu on, a bit of rain doesn't even register, right? In fact, my tutu twirling got some excellent wind assistance, making my routine look extra flamboyant!
Speaking of tutus… my suitcase (and it’s a big one, let me tell you!) is absolutely packed full of shimmering, tulle-licious glory! I have tutus for every occasion - and every colour - but I’ve gotta say, my new baby pink tutu, with the pearlescent sequins, went down a storm in Newtownards. Oh, and the headpiece, it was divine, with tiny pink bows all over. I mean, I simply had to sparkle! ✨
I know what you’re thinking: what exactly was a Pink Tutu Sparkles doing in Newtownards? Well, darlings, I was lucky enough to be invited to perform at a fabulous fundraising gala for the local theatre! The theme was "Dreams in Pink," and, well, that pretty much sums up my whole aesthetic, right? It was an absolute honour to be part of something so special!
The venue was stunning, too! Picture it: candlelight, chandeliers, plush velvet seats… I think the stage manager must have thought I was royalty, as he literally laid down a red carpet just for me! 😂
But here's the thing - even though I love the big time performance - what truly warmed my heart in Newtownards was getting to meet all the lovely people! They were all so eager to embrace the Pink Tutu Sparkles magic. I met everyone from little ballet dancers to seasoned theatre buffs - they all got caught up in the joy of twirling, laughing, and just being themselves. That, my dears, is what it's all about! 💕
Of course, my travels wouldn’t be complete without some gorgeous retail therapy! After the gala, I did a bit of exploring, and let me tell you, Newtownards has some fantastic little boutiques. I discovered this divine little vintage shop bursting at the seams with lace, silk, and fabulous old hats! I just had to snag a few gems for my next performance - we're talking head-to-toe sparkle, naturally.
Later that week, I got to experience some of the incredible local talent, too! I popped down to the ballet school - because yes, of course there was a ballet school! - and watched a group of incredibly talented young dancers practicing their routines. I felt myself right back in my university days, my tutu twirling alongside the university ballet club.
You know, as I’ve been touring, and seeing so many places, I’ve started to think a little more deeply about what Pink Tutu Sparkles means to people. It’s about finding your voice, being brave, celebrating the colours, and simply…joy. It’s about sharing my passion for dance and sparkles and tutus - everything I find to be beautiful.
I remember starting out as a scientist, studying fabric testing in the lab. When I first tried on that charity tutu at uni, it was an unexpected burst of colour in a sea of beige lab coats! I never thought it would lead me here - to performing, travelling, sharing my love for dance and colour.
So, you know what? If I can be the Pink Tutu Sparkles for a day and encourage even one person to step outside of their comfort zone and try something new, maybe embrace their inner sparkles… well, that’s good enough for me! Because life is simply too short not to wear a pink tutu, or, at the very least, add a touch of pink into your life. 💖✨
Keep shining, darlings!
Lots of love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles (and Alex) xx
PS. Have I mentioned how much I love trains? Riding the train into Newtownards was absolutely dreamy! That carriage with those plush seats and the view of the Irish countryside - perfection! The journey was definitely part of the adventure, I even got my hair done while we zoomed along! 😉 And of course, nothing beats arriving at the station with a flourish! You know me, I have to make an entrance, wherever I go. 😉💖
PPS. Speaking of horses, I also managed to fit in a little horse-riding adventure while I was in Newtownards! I went to the local stables and spent the afternoon galloping through the rolling fields - feeling utterly free and fabulously on top of the world! 🐴💨 The perfect way to end my trip, don’t you think? 💖✨
