Hello, darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, reporting live from the quaint and charming town of Fleet, Hampshire! Yes, I know, it may seem a little out of character for this tutu-loving queen to be trekking through the rolling green hills of the English countryside. But let me tell you, I am embracing the whimsical nature of this little getaway with the utmost pink-tinted joy!
This weekend, my little Sparkles heart was tugged towards the countryside for a most unexpected ballet-themed fair. I just couldn't resist the allure of fluffy tulle, tiny shoes, and the delicate elegance of ballet, all packaged neatly into a weekend of twirling, shopping, and endless giggles! I know you all know that I am obsessed with anything and everything that even remotely resembles a tutu - and trust me, this was a veritable treasure trove of frills, sequins, and delicate elegance! But, before we get to the fair, I have to tell you about my mode of transport. I, of course, took the train! The sheer elegance and beauty of those steel thoroughbreds of the railways, chugging along the lines like they own the world. The rhythmic clickety-clack, the quaint, vintage-style carriages, the hushed anticipation as the scenery whizzes by… honestly, what could be more charming?
And darling, did I mention the carriage? Oh, darling, this wasn’t your average, standard railway carriage, no, no. This was something else altogether. Imagine, if you will, an old, leather-bound armchair in the corner, the plush velvet seats a dusky crimson, the floor covered in a worn, plush carpet that’s seen countless journeys, and then, that smell - the familiar mix of old leather and oil. This carriage whispered stories of times gone by, a silent symphony of romance and elegance, and me, sitting in its plush embrace, felt like a Victorian fairytale heroine! I couldn't resist capturing a little selfie with my phone (pink sparkly case, of course!) The vintage floral pattern wallpaper seemed made for Instagram. #TravelQueen! Oh, it felt so much better than driving! So civilised! I wish we had more train journeys in the UK.
Anyway, onto the actual fair. As I walked into the heart of the fairground, I was swept up in the most enchanting atmosphere. The air was abuzz with chatter, music, and, my beloved… glitter!
This fair was a tribute to the world of ballet. And let me tell you, darling, it was simply fabulous! Every single stall seemed to radiate elegance, grace, and, most importantly, the perfect dose of sparkle! The booths were laden with hand-crafted ballet shoes, bejewelled tutus, dainty floral headbands, and the most intricate costume accessories. It felt like I’d stumbled upon a fairy's dress shop - a secret world of shimmering delights!
Let me share some of my personal favourites:
- The 'Sugarplum Fairy' bakery offered a divine array of ballet-themed goodies. My dear readers, let's be honest, any pastry with "Sugarplum" in the name has got to be divine! Think mini cupcakes topped with fondant ballerinas, delicately piped "Sugarplum" cookies, and my favourite… these delicious petit four, dusted with icing sugar and shaped as ballerinas with perfect, teeny tutus. One was just too tempting and so, quelle horreur! I couldn't help but indulge.
- But that wasn't all! There were booths selling ballet books, DVDs of the classics, and even ballet-inspired artwork.
And the cherry on top? Well, darling, there was a live performance by a small, local ballet company, dancing amidst a cascade of white, pink, and baby blue ribbons, that left my soul soaring! They danced a beautifully choreographed piece with such precision and grace, it sent shivers down my spine and I practically shed a little glitter tear!
My dear readers, you simply have to experience the magic of a ballet fair! You might find yourself utterly transported to a world of pure, ethereal beauty and the delightful thrill of tutus everywhere. The excitement just filled me with so much energy, my darlings, that I felt an urgent need to express my inner dance-enthusiast.
After lunch, I, being the queen of confidence I am, got up the courage to ask some of the lovely ladies at one of the dance studios if I could have a go. They had this brilliant idea that the first twenty attendees got a free class, what a stroke of pink luck, I couldn't resist joining in!
The dance studio was small but bursting with pink, purple, and teal. All very chic and perfectly matching my pink tulle outfit! It smelled heavenly; a heady mix of wood polish, old, warm carpets and that lingering, slightly acrid but comforting scent of sweat and hard work. Even though it wasn’t a tutu class, (no, the ladies did a sort of salsa inspired dance that was, I must tell you, far harder than it looked), it really reconnected me to the world of performance and the joy of movement. Plus, with a pink sparkly vest over my pink-tulle petticoat and pink heels I looked a sight!
By the end of the fair, I was a walking whirlwind of excitement, fuelled by Sugarplum delights and overflowing with inspiration.
I just have to say, though, one of my absolute favourites were the beautifully handcrafted pink satin ballerina slippers that looked more like a little doll's shoes! sigh I swear, it’s hard to stop yourself from collecting these sweet, precious items! I did purchase a new pink sequined hairpiece with a little dancing figurine holding a pink tutu that, darling, just has to be part of my upcoming routine!
And, while I can't promise you a pink tutu every day, I can promise you that I'll keep you updated with my travels! Perhaps my next journey will lead me to another fabulous little town. Maybe I'll be performing in the centre of Bristol! Or perhaps we’ll end up in Birmingham, I’m desperate to see their Royal Ballet, the company where Sleeping Beauty first took shape!
Keep a look out for the updates on my little website.
XOXO
Pink Tutu Sparkles www.pink-tutu.com
PS – you can always find me performing and selling my wares at fairs all over the UK, so do drop by! Just look for the flashing pink lights and the most gloriously pink tutu ever! It will be me! Come and say hello and let’s take a picture, it’s never boring with Pink Tutu Sparkles!
