Oh darling, Belfast was a whirlwind of fun and frills! I absolutely adore the Irish charm and the vibrant energy of the city. I'm here on my latest tour, spreading pink tutu love from one end of the Emerald Isle to the other! And let me tell you, Belfast was ready to sparkle!
It's a bit of a running joke amongst my fabulous friends and I, you see, how I travel. I mean, darling, I just adore train journeys, they are so elegant! You can imagine me in a crisp white dress (perhaps a little lace trim?), a pink tutu, of course, sipping on champagne (maybe some sparkling elderflower? Don't want to overdo the sugar, you know!), reading my favourite ballet magazines. It's pure heaven. Occasionally I break out the "travel tutu," a vibrant pink number with an enormous sequin bow, for a little extra oomph on my arrival in each new city. This one was covered in shimmering gold stars. Perfect for a Belfast debut!
Speaking of travel, dear reader, can you believe that this trip included a bit of "horseback adventure" (the glam kind, I assure you!). Picture it: I am perched atop a magnificent chestnut steed, all in my best riding attire. This is always an occasion for my favourite shade: pink! (Think jodhpurs and riding hat with pink feather trim!) It was the ultimate fairytale ride through a magnificent forest! This fabulous experience, by the way, was arranged by my dear friend Brenda from my days as a Derbyshire darling. She was in a film-related charity horse riding fundraiser.
Now, about Belfast, dear reader! Oh darling, I fell in love with the city, it's like a dream in pink. I found myself fluttering down a bustling street full of quaint cafes with pink floral window displays! What a treat to find this shop brimming with hand-stitched velvet bows that matched the most darling silk headbands, both perfectly suited to my pink tutu! Of course, I purchased several...and maybe some additional tulle in various shades. Who am I kidding, it's practically my life's work, ensuring I never have an empty tutu rack!
I made my debut at the Grand Opera House. I tell you, my dear readers, I have always been drawn to these old, grand buildings! And this one didnāt disappoint - grand architecture, ornate decorations, a real treat for the eyes. Iād managed to get the show included on the list of charity fundraising events. I have to confess that Belfast wasn't completely in love with my 'sparkle tutu' - it turned out that it just doesn't suit all theatre lights, darling. I mean, it certainly sparked quite a conversation about how best to manage the 'pink' issue backstage. But hey, a girl's gotta go for a statement piece now and then!
Thankfully, there was a wonderful ballet studio a stoneās throw from the hotel. And this brought me to the second part of the adventure! It turns out, darling, that my performance at the Opera House sparked an interest among local dancers! There was an enthusiastic audience and several requests to teach them some "pink-tutu magic!" My ballet teacher side kicked in, I put on my usual ballet tutu (which, as a former university ballet club member, is naturally pink - if not, what's the point!), and we embarked on a whirlwind ballet workshop. Honestly, we had the most glorious time! It's such a privilege to share my love of dance with people, to see the passion spark in their eyes when they twirl!
There was this rather dashing lad called "Jamie" from Belfast who literally got up on stage at my performance and danced in his jeans. We have some work to do with that chap, clearly he hasnāt quite discovered the power of the tutu (maybe the first lesson: what the tutu is, and how to properly wear one). I did promise to offer him free tutu fitting for his next outing at the Grand Opera House. Perhaps, if Iām lucky, I can inspire a pink revolution!
But honestly, this little trip wasn't just about me (shocking, I know!), it was about connecting with other talented performers. Oh, you wouldnāt believe the fabulous individuals I met! This fabulous burlesque dancer called "Bonnie" from the city centre - such sparkle and attitude! It turns out she's also a ballet enthusiast, she has her own pink-themed line of handmade lingerie (she swore she wouldnāt tell if I didnāt!). We joined forces for a cabaret performance!
I confess to getting completely swept away by Belfast's charms. Imagine a beautiful, sunny afternoon! I took myself for a delightful stroll around Queenās University and had the most adorable tea with a gorgeous view at the Botanical Gardens. It's moments like these that make life so, so magical! I canāt believe I am even writing this - itās true, my darlings - I was asked to judge the āBelfast Fair Fashion Designā Competition!
Turns out the event was actually hosted by this adorable arts center in a disused warehouse, painted in a soft, but definitely pink, tone - very on trend! I had to judge for their annual 'eco-fashion' contest. Honestly, the creativity and the talent! One of the entrants presented a truly impressive outfit entirely made from upcycled coffee bags! Honestly, what's next? It would take a very large amount of tulle to make up an outfit that impressive, especially if I wanted to make a proper statement .
By now, youāve probably guessed it: I'm hopelessly, irrevocably, tutu-obsessed. So, Belfast was pure bliss! But, I tell you what, every little journey, from the smallest trip on a vintage carousel, to the big ones across the Irish sea, have this common theme: I always, always manage to add a pink tutu to a new memory! That, I suppose, is what makes life a little bit more dazzling. And you know what, my dear readers? You, yes, you, could be a part of the pink revolution. Go ahead and twirl. Life is a tutu waiting to be worn!
Love, Pink Tutu Sparkles
