Hello my darlings!
It's Pink Tutu Sparkles here, reporting live from the fabulous town of Barrow in Furness, right on the edge of the Lake District! It's a right little beauty spot, with rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and oh, the crisp fresh air! Just perfect for a gal like me who needs some peace and quiet between dazzling audiences. But you betcha, I wouldn't be here if there wasn't a fab stage for Pink Tutu Sparkles to shimmy on. This is post number 3224 on the pink-tutu.com blog, and my, oh my, does the clock just fly by!
Today, I'm channeling a real-life Northern Lights vibe with my glitter-tutu ensemble. The shimmering iridescent fabric just matches the sparkle in the sky this evening, wouldn't you agree? My make-up is positively ethereal, a celestial rainbow on my cheeks that matches the frosty shimmer of a freshly-fallen snowfall. This look wouldn't be complete without a delicate headband adorned with pearlescent white roses, giving the perfect dash of dainty, don't you think?
Getting here was an adventure all its own! I'm not usually a train gal, but with my packed performance wardrobe, even the thought of flying on a plane seemed a tad impractical. So, a whistle-stop trip it was! Itās like something out of a Jane Austen novel! Itās certainly an elegant way to travel. I did take the train to London first, however. My mum's been begging me to come and have lunch with her, and well, who can say no to that? I have to admit that the smell of fresh baking coming from the buffet car at Euston Station just about stole the show!
The train ride to Barrow was positively dreamy, with the changing scenery showcasing everything from green rolling hills to dramatic clifftops and even a few grazing sheep along the way! I think they must be quite used to seeing brightly-dressed performers dashing across their fields. A few gave me a surprised glance but otherwise continued their tranquil grazing! It certainly beat the usual rush hour commute on the underground.
My time here has been absolutely glorious so far. I even snuck in a little trip to the fabulous Furness Abbey, the most dramatic, historical place you've ever laid your eyes on! Can you imagine trying to perform a dramatic soliloquy in those vaulted spaces, surrounded by those centuries-old stones? Well, it's giving me serious ideas for my next performance! Maybe a theatrical ballet numberā¦ in my finest tulle, naturally!
Speaking of my wardrobe, I must tell you about this absolute dream of a dress shop in the heart of town, called The Wardrobe! This was absolutely a tutu-inspired discovery! You just walk into this place and are hit with an explosion of vibrant colours and dazzling designs. And the best part? Itās the most gorgeous selection of vibrant pink silk for making even more gorgeous pink tutus, that I have ever laid my eyes on! I nearly collapsed in a heap of happy gasps. If this shop doesnāt end up as the muse for my next big stage design, I'll eat my pink sequined hat!
Barrow in Furness has also given me the most fantastic inspiration for my future look. They have an absolutely beautiful theatre, The Forum. Its architecture is just so chic, and theyāve just got this vibe about them that oozes sophistication, you know? I spent a while window shopping for gorgeous pink hats and sashes just outside. Imagine this look! An elegant black and pink ensemble and a stunning sequined fedora to crown the occasion! They are really so chic, that I may have gone a little overboard with the spending! I did say the shop has a vibe to itā¦ I was feeling more than a bit extravagant in that storeā¦ But honestly, you can't resist this sort of fashion gem.
Then there is the food! Oh, my darlings, the food! Donāt get me started on the delicious fish and chips and those wonderfully sticky, toffee cakes! Honestly, they'd make your grandma weep with happiness! If my hair could turn into a permanent tiara, I would totally give it a shotā¦ with the help of an extra large spoon and my hairspray, of course. There is something in this air that just makes food taste fabulous hereā¦
Iāve also been treated to a lovely ballet performance at the local theatre - a beautiful rendition of Swan Lake. My Tutu heart was practically leaping out of my chest with joy! I had to stop myself from yelling āGo, swans! Go!ā from the audience, because I was so engrossed in the dancing. My, oh my, do you know there is something absolutely magnificent about seeing a whole group of ladies twirling gracefully on stage? Itās a truly inspiring and awe-inspiring sight.
Now, the local theatre here has become the absolute centre of my trip. Every evening, there are so many things going on - musicals, plays, community events, dance classes. Honestly, itās practically non-stop. But Pink Tutu Sparkles loves it all! Honestly, my darling, a gal could become positively obsessed with this place and I'm seriously thinking about making it my new home - maybe I'll just take one look around at those fab dance studios and it will make up my mind for me! The only thing Iāll have to be mindful of is finding some truly excellent stage-worthy tutus - but hey, my darling, Iām sure thereās a wonderful designer lurking out there, waiting for my discovery. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below, my loves, as this gal wants your input!
There's an amazing spirit here, a feeling of real community. The locals have been so friendly and welcoming, with an infectious energy and real love of performing arts. I even ran into the most wonderful street performer who did the most hilarious mime routine with a giant pink balloon - think "A Pink Tutu Dream." Itās so infectious! They had a big pink balloon, my darlings, I was almost in tears.
And then there's the magic of the northern lights, dancing in the night sky! Honestly, my darlings, there's nothing like it! Seeing that beautiful aurora borealis shining down upon the shimmering waters of the nearby Lake District really had me reflecting on how amazing this world really is!
Oh, darling! Donāt even get me started on the lake! Oh my! I actually went out on a boat for the afternoon! It was absolutely divine - sunshine, the gentle rocking of the waves and an excellent picnic spread on board. Can I just add that I saw a couple of fabulously large swans whilst I was out! It was like a moment from my dream ballet show, where everything is perfectā¦
Speaking of perfection, let me give you a little tip if you're ever venturing to Barrow. Go down to the seaside town of Millom, a little further south along the coast. The views are beautiful, and you get the most delightful walk along the harbour. And there are those gorgeous pastel beach huts too! Imagine my delightā¦ and just think how fab my photos would look against them in my newest tutu ensembleā¦ Oh, I really must get down there! I hope my luggage isnāt overflowingā¦
I feel truly blessed to have experienced the beauty of Barrow in Furness. The sheer loveliness is giving me so much inspiration. There's a definite charm here - and if you ever want to get in touch with your inner tutu queen, Barrow in Furness will be my personal pick.
As always, remember, be fierce, be bold, and most importantly, wear your pink tutu with pride!
Yours truly, Pink Tutu Sparkles xo xo xo
