Hiya my darlings! It's your Tutu Queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and I'm practically bouncing with excitement to tell you all about my latest adventure - Derby! Now, Derby's not exactly known for its haute couture scene, but don't let that fool you, it's a charming little city with a surprisingly vibrant heart!
I arrived on a glorious Tuesday, the train ride was just divine - something about the rhythmic chugging and the sunshine streaming in through the window makes me feel utterly glam! I'd prepped my fabulous fuchsia feather boa and the perfect pink sequined dress for the journey - because even travelling should be a fashion statement, right?
And Derby itself was simply adorable. I took a stroll through the quaint market square, admiring the Victorian architecture and the quirky shops - imagine, a whole store dedicated to hats! The only thing missing was a sparkly tutu shop, but I can't have everything, can I?
Speaking of sparkle, that's where my performance came in! This time I wasn't booked at some glamorous venue but a charming little fair right in the heart of the city. My stage was a cute wooden platform surrounded by traditional stalls selling sweets and fluffy toys, but even under the fluttering banner of "Derby's Fairground Fancies," I was going to make a statement!
My act started with a bit of glitzy patter and a cheeky number about the "real Derby" (because yes, even Derbyshire has its share of cheeky humour!) I included a quick "lesson" in pink tutu appreciation for all the kids in the audience, and to be honest, they loved it! I don't know what was cuter, their eyes widening with delight as I twirled my feathers or their squeals when I popped my leg up in the air in a perfect arabesque (well, as perfect as a Tutu Queen can manage!).
Next came my pièce de résistance - my specially choreographed “Rainbow of Pink” number, with each tutu representing a different shade of pink – there was Bubblegum Blush, Flamingo Fuchsia, Candy Cotton Pink, and even a bit of Rose Quartz Sparkle thrown in! It was quite a spectacle, especially as the kids joined me, waving their pink tutus that I had kindly brought along. Talk about a heartwarming moment!
Then came my final number, “A Pink Tutu Dream.” It’s an emotional and glamorous song about the journey of self-acceptance and embracing one's true self, with some really lovely, sweeping movements. It brought the house down! I think the last time a Derby crowd cheered that loudly was for the opening of the new Morrisons!
But of course, a night in Derby couldn't be complete without a visit to one of its fine establishments, and I'm not talking about your fancy high tea spot – oh no, dear friends. We're talking the "The Queen's Arms," the oldest pub in the entire city. Now, you'd think in a town like Derby they'd know a good pink tutu when they saw one, but apparently, not all pubs are ready for a splash of vibrant colour. I walked in and felt like I was stepping into a sepia-toned time capsule, complete with dark mahogany booths and stained glass windows. The only sparkle was on my pink-tuted toes!
Still, I made it work! I charmed the barkeep with a song about the glories of the tutu (even my signature ditty “All You Need is Pink” is perfect for impromptu karaoke!) and the place warmed up considerably. I met the cutest bunch of characters: there was "Trevor the Trapper," an old boy who told me his secret squirrel hunting tactics, and then there was "Sheila the Seamstress" who swore she'd sewn some tutus in her younger days. It's always so amazing to connect with people!
And as always, Derby's trip ended on a fabulous note. It's something about those cobblestone streets and the rolling green hills that makes me feel positively ecstatic! I hopped onto my trusty train with my sequins still shining, my feathers waving proudly in the breeze, and a little pink glitter tucked in my pocket just in case! Derby, you've won a special place in my pink-tuted heart, you gorgeous little gem.
Stay fabulous, my darlings, Pink Tutu Sparkles
