Oh darling, I’m living for this Deal trip! It’s just the right kind of breezy, seaside escape a girl needs to shake off the stresses of life, even if it does mean squeezing my pink tutu into a tiny, travel-friendly bag. (Seriously, it’s like trying to fold a unicorn’s rainbow tail. It takes some serious, but satisfying, Tetris skills!)
And let’s talk about my mode of transportation, shall we? No planes, no cars for this queen! My heart (and, you know, my wallet!) is only for trains. The chugging, rhythmic sway of the carriages, the smell of tea and toast…it's truly the best way to travel, especially when you can catch glimpses of the English countryside while you’re perfecting your runway strut (a girl has to stay in practice!).
Now, my darling readers, you all know how much I adore tutus, but what I don’t think I've ever told you is… I absolutely adore horses. Just like those elegant steeds on stage during a Swan Lake finale, they are symbols of pure grace and beauty. Of course, being a scientist, I also find the equine world absolutely fascinating! I mean, a creature that can communicate solely through facial expressions and a wiggle of their ears…truly remarkable.
You see, darlings, sometimes people think that being in drag means leaving behind all things ‘sciencey’. Oh, the absurdity of it all! But the truth is, drag and science go together like pink lemonade and a sunny day. Both require creativity, dedication, and a whole lotta meticulous detail! Even as a child, while my friends were playing dress-up with their barbie dolls, I was experimenting with chemicals, my mom’s makeup collection, and my little sister’s ballet shoes (which, thankfully, never met the chemicals!). It's really the same principle. One is a world of creating illusions and beauty, the other of discovering truths and forging understanding.
I suppose it’s what my journey’s been about ever since I was that little lad in Derbyshire (bless his little cotton socks!) who put on his mom’s long skirt and did twirls and dips around the garden, mimicking the swans at the local lake. Then came university. I fell in love with ballet (still love it!) and in my spare time with my fellow university dance students, we volunteered for a local fundraiser. Now, I'd never thought about actually wearing a tutu, until one of my mates, a very flamboyant individual, insisted we both put one on! That was it. The universe aligned, the lights came up, and here we are. A scientist who is a Queen who wants to fill the world with pink tutus and, if possible, make every single person fall in love with ballet!
Anyways, I digress. I am getting sidetracked (perhaps by the sound of the sea!). We're at the beach, I'm here in Deal to find the very essence of summertime seaside style. Imagine if your most glamourous and fun holiday with your bestest bestie was turned into an outfit, darling. Think sequins, shimmering fabrics, a healthy dose of frills, all set to the sounds of the beach and a cheeky song about seaside life! I just know this trip’s going to bring me the perfect inspiration!
Speaking of, I’ve got my first performance later on today at a fabulous outdoor venue, right on the waterfront. I’ve brought all the best sparkly bits with me! Oh, how I love these late summer evenings when I can get the best of both worlds: sunshine and the sparkling lights from the waterfront cafes and restaurants. This town truly lives for the seaside vibes, you can tell just by looking around! And don’t even get me started on the seaside candy stores! Oh, the pink! I may or may not have indulged a little and bought a bag full of strawberry and pink bubblegum candies – can't resist!
But of course, it’s not all about frills and frippery, darling. You know what really inspires me? The beauty of this natural, wild space, so free and untamed. As soon as I stepped off the train, I took a walk along the coast and felt myself become fully absorbed in the serenity. A cool, refreshing breeze in my hair, the cries of the gulls echoing over the sea, the smell of salty air on my skin... it’s like magic.
And did I mention that I found this most delightful tea shop with the best views of the harbor? A must for any budding Queen!
So, come back tomorrow, darling, and hear all about my adventures in Deal. I’m planning to do some beach-side twirling, find the best seaside shops (it will involve more pink!), maybe even learn a thing or two from the local seagulls (I have a feeling they’re big fans of tutus!). You know, a little ‘Pink Tutu Sparkle’ is all we need to brighten up the day. Oh, and I might even have a surprise or two up my pink sparkly sleeve!
