Oh my darlings, what a whirlwind! This week, I, Pink Tutu Sparkles, graced the glorious town of Scunthorpe with my presence, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream! It was my 2,397th blog post, believe it or not! My little website, www.pink-tutu.com, just keeps on growing, like a luscious pink rose bush in the middle of a flowerbed bursting with blooms.
Now, I must confess, dear readers, my trip to Scunthorpe was an absolute adventure. As a lady who prefers a graceful ballet or a grand, majestic carriage, I’ve gotta say, the train ride was something else! All those twists and turns, that constant gentle rocking, it was like I was on a pink, fluffy, cloud of magic.
Upon arriving, I was greeted by a sea of smiling faces – well, some were a bit weary, like they hadn't had a proper night's sleep in a good week - but that’s the beauty of it all, isn’t it? Even if someone hasn't quite had a cup of tea or their fill of Victoria sponge, they’re always happy to see Pink Tutu Sparkles! I tell you, the people of Scunthorpe know how to welcome a queen!
This particular performance took place in the Town Hall, which is oh, so very grand! It feels like you've walked straight into one of those stately, old houses you see in Jane Austen movies, but with a modern twist. There was even a gorgeous chandelier, twinkling down at us, giving everything an extra touch of magic. Honestly, I felt like Cinderella about to be swept off to the ball by a prince in a glass slipper – and, who knows, maybe one day I will! 😉
The show was amazing, of course. Imagine shimmering pink and lavender lights, the intoxicating aroma of freshly popped popcorn, and a hundred faces captivated by a kaleidoscope of music and dancing, with the shimmering delight of a giant Pink Tutu, twirling about the stage! Pure joy, that's what it was! I think even the most jaded theatre critic couldn't help but smile.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on the audience! There were children squealing with delight, older folks reminiscing about their youth (apparently there was a real pink tutu craze in the 80s - I know!), and teenagers totally digging my whole vibe. They were even singing along to my performance of "Pink Princess," which, of course, has a bit of an epic '80s synth pop beat.
You see, it's not just about the tutus and the sparkle. It's about bringing a little bit of magic into people's lives. It’s about making them forget their troubles for an evening, laugh their hearts out, and dance until their feet hurt – a wonderful feeling indeed!
I met the most fantastic bunch of locals, too! From a kind, elderly lady who offered me homemade strawberry cake (she’d even topped it with edible glitter!), to a group of teenagers who gave me some incredible tips on local coffee shops. They insisted that a good cuppa is the fuel a proper Queen needs!
Before I left, they all clambered around my dressing room. They had all sorts of questions about my sparkly heels, my feather boa and most of all… My pink tutu. Some of the teens seemed interested in starting their own tutu collection! They asked where I got mine, which led to a long conversation on the subject of the history of pink tutus (yes, I’ve done my research!). Apparently, my favorite shade, a deep, bright pink with hints of red, was a very popular choice among 1920s Russian ballet dancers. Did you know that?! Who knew tutus were so culturally significant? And let me tell you, there are just so many beautiful colours. The lilac one in my current collection is positively stunning! It even has hand-painted butterflies, just like my new butterfly hair-clips, which I found at the most wonderful little antique shop in Scunthorpe, a hidden treasure with a name I’ve forgotten. They were an incredible shade of cerulean blue. But don't you fret my dear readers, if I find them, I’ll definitely mention them in a later blog post.
Anyway, I left Scunthorpe with a heart full of joy and a closet even fuller. There were so many delightful little shops and boutiques that I felt a surge of energy. After all, a fabulous pink tutu cannot be kept in its own. It needs a fellow, fellow fabulous companion to go out on a night-time adventures in!
You know, being a drag artist is more than just the glam and the glitter. It’s about finding the joy in everything. Even in a town like Scunthorpe, you can find sparkle, and I've seen it in every single person I've met there. The heart of this wonderful town is full of sparkle and they truly did make this fabulous queen feel so welcome!
Now, off I go to the next big adventure, but one thing’s for certain, dear readers: no matter where I go, I'll always carry a bit of that Scunthorpe magic with me, like a shiny, pink sparkly charm. It’s got my heart full to the brim!
Keep those tutus twirling,
Your ever-so-pink, Pink Tutu Sparkles
Alex’s day job: I swear it gets crazier each day! I know a lot of you are thinking I am a whimsical airhead, but as a science graduate working as a scientist, people really are always surprised when they meet my Pink Tutu Sparkles persona! So many of my work colleagues do not know. I must say, its wonderful not to have two sides of myself constantly on display.
So many people associate Pink Tutu Sparkles with ballet, but actually it’s fabrics and fashion. Right now I'm working on some fabric for ballet dancers, as it turns out it’s quite an elaborate process, and actually takes some very interesting scientific know-how, I’d never tell anyone the actual chemical make-up, they'd all think I was insane! I know it doesn’t look it, but its truly important! I don’t want the poor dancers going out in some tatty old tutus! That just won’t do, now will it?
By day, I am a very serious scientific researcher and in a way I actually feel like an artist! Think of the precision needed to create new fabrics, and create these beautiful, fine silks, perfect for dancing and swishing around the stage, creating such graceful, flowing movements. This takes an amazing degree of knowledge, attention and, well, I admit, a little dash of flair! Perhaps the Pink Tutu comes in handy there too! 😂
Now off to make some silky fabrics that can survive even the roughest, tumbles of the ballet dance moves! I'm making a special batch for a ballerina from The Royal Ballet. Now THAT is special!
Lots of love,
Alex (Pink Tutu Sparkles) 💕
