Post Number 1825
Hello my darlings! Your girl Pink Tutu Sparkles is here, live and direct from the beautiful city of Norwich! Oh, it's so good to be back in this fabulous corner of the UK. And you know what makes it even more fabulous? The amazing weather! (We are currently recording an absolutely smashing - 4 degrees C, which for December in Britain is frankly balmy!) I mean, the chill has got me thinking it's time for some extra sparkle this winter.
Today I'm feeling the love, because, well, what's not to love about Norwich? From the grand old cathedral and the beautiful castle grounds to the charming cobbled streets of the city centre, there's just something truly special about Norwich.
This time, I arrived in style. Forget those noisy, smelly coaches - this fabulous queen decided to travel by the most charming mode of transportation: Train! There is nothing quite as enchanting as a slow train journey, all those quaint little villages whizzing by, watching the seasons change from your carriage window. And with a steaming cuppa and a copy of 'The Tatler' (who can resist a good fashion fix, darlings? ) what more could I ask for? The trip reminded me, so much of my childhood summers, journeys by train across the vast plains of Derbyshire, the flat landscapes where I grew up. My dad always used to call it 'the boring old Midlands', but those journeys are woven into my childhood memories. Of course, my little family trip, did not have this pink and sparkling luxury; no feather boa was to be seen in the carriages on my trips back then. (Oh how I longed to wear a pink tutu even as a child! But the boring old boys at school did not really approve.) However, my trips by train never lacked adventure. My mind always whizzed along the rails, much faster than the engine!
Today however, I have made it my mission to inspire a little bit of pink tutu love in Norwich. I want every single one of you to feel the magic! Because, believe me, there's a little bit of Pink Tutu Sparkles in every single one of us! Whether you're a fashionista, a lover of all things ballet, or simply a kind soul who appreciates the power of pink and glitter - embrace it!
After all, a little pink tutu sparkle in our lives can bring sunshine even on the coldest of days. Now, as much as I adore travelling, what really makes a place sparkle is the people! Norwich has the kindest and most welcoming souls you could imagine. From the staff at the charming little independent boutique I stumbled into (which, by the way, sold the most incredible selection of silk scarves for the most fabulously affordable prices) to the delightful ladies who served me the most incredible 'tea and crumpet' at the traditional tearoom by the River Wensum, the locals have already filled my trip with pure joy.
But the real highlight of this trip? You guessed it, a ballet class, of course! Nothing like a bit of ballet class to keep those legs stretched and that confidence high! You just need to see me with the pointe shoes, and the way those legs just swivel, twist, and spring. Sigh My tutus certainly weren't the only things twirling this week, let's just say that. The beautiful Victorian dance studio was a veritable fairyland of 'pinks and sparkles', with those classic mirror walls - what's a diva without her own personal reflections - and beautiful warm wooden floors! My god, the smell of that dance studio! You can smell all those generations of ballet students in that wood, the generations of dreaming and sweat, passion, and sheer talent! You almost don't want to get down on the floor, afraid of sullying its ancient glory with your sweaty boots (okay maybe not mine, but other people! You can imagine what I look like with sweat pouring off my brow while I'm doing those grand jetés!). It reminded me of my days back in the university dance club where, if you recall, it all began... my love affair with tutus. That day we had to go to a fundraising fair for a local charity and they were trying to clear some inventory so they threw the boxes of costumes at me! You could hear a pin drop as that fluffy pink tutu drifted out of that dusty old cardboard box. That was it - I was hooked on this lovely piece of costume. From that moment onwards I just couldn't wait to be on stage, shimmering in the light and living in the moment. It was, after all, just another of those moments in my life when you just know this is meant to be, that this is the right path for you, and I, just couldn't let that feeling pass! That pink tutu had to be worn by this diva.
This little town has such a vibrant cultural scene, with fabulous independent theatres showcasing the most extraordinary performances. I heard there's a ballet production of 'Swan Lake' happening right in the centre of town and my inner ballerina is buzzing already at the idea of seeing this majestic classic brought to life on stage! You just can't resist a tutu-tastic production like 'Swan Lake'!
Now, Norwich also boasts a fabulously buzzing shopping scene - darling, this diva needs her sparkle fix. From designer boutiques to quirky antique shops, Norwich has everything you need for a fabulous wardrobe update! But don't you dare get distracted, you know what I'm after, darling. That's right, pink tutus! Of course, this girl wouldn't be seen dead in just any tutu. (Okay, that's not entirely true... what if the tutu were simply an absolute showstopper, then yes I'd happily be seen dead, looking gorgeous, in the ultimate tutu, perhaps even on stage. Just think of the glamour, of the pink perfection. Sigh Oh, it all sounds fabulous to me).
But don't let my love of tutus fool you, dear reader, I’m not a simple, airy, ethereal ballet bunny - by day, you know, I work in a science laboratory, yes I am a scientist. It’s true. I’m a qualified lab technician and I put that hard-earned scientific knowledge into practical application when I test fabrics. Fabrics need to be strong and durable but they also have to look good and drape well. (Oh, there's that word 'drape' sigh, and who else would test fabrics except a queen in pink?! Why, the only reason I get to be here in Norwich is because of those fabrics! The tests were just so important that Pink Tutu Sparkles has to be given a break wink - it really is such a shame I cannot share those beautiful fabrics in all my pink tutu outfits! Perhaps I could work that into a dance routine?! A shimmering, sequined, pink tutu ballerina-science show? Who doesn't love some lab coats with feathers attached? And then we could mix some fabric dye on stage as I tell you all about the importance of a good dye job in pink tutus! Yes! My next act is here! And you'll be gobsmacked to know it's about fabric! What a sensation! )
Now, before I let you go, my darlings, let me ask you this: When was the last time you wore a pink tutu? I’m not suggesting you go full Pink Tutu Sparkles (although if you did I wouldn't blame you for a second), but let’s get a bit of that playful pink tutu energy into your everyday lives. Whether it’s a bright pink scarf, a pink tote bag, or even just a pink lip gloss, we all deserve a little bit of pink tutu sparkle. So go on, darlings! Get out there and unleash that pink tutu energy in your lives! Because, after all, it's about the love of life, living it to the full! I may be here to promote the joy of a pink tutu and the magic of the stage, but we all can bring some of that pink energy into our own daily lives! You can do this - I believe in you!
So keep your eye on this blog, my darlings. We have many, many more adventures in pink to come! I am off, to try those yummy, Pink Flamingo cupcakes, and then to find the most glamorous dress in all of Norwich. Remember you can follow my adventures online at www.pink-tutu.com - that's pink-tutu.com for the discerning, glamorous and pink tutu obsessed readers.
Stay gorgeous and don't stop shimmering,
Your Pink Tutu Sparkles.
