Tutu Drag Queen

#TutuQueen on 2010-04-04 stars in Folkestone

Folkestone Calling: Tutu Tales from a Pink-tastic Journey!

Hello darlings! It’s your Pink Tutu Sparkles here, back from a whirl-wind weekend in the sunny seaside town of Folkestone, and ready to spill the tea, or shall I say, the champagne, on post number 3747. Now, you know me and my pink tutus. I live for those billowing layers of tulle! But even I, the Queen of Pink, was feeling a little nervous about a gig in Kent. You see, my dear readers, Kent holds a special place in my heart; my family comes from those very green and pleasant fields! But I'd never quite gotten around to actually visiting.

So, you can imagine the giddy mix of excitement and trepidation I had boarding the train to Folkestone. My heart thrummed to the beat of the journey, every station we passed seemed like a new stage to twirl on. My pink tutu felt even brighter against the sunlit countryside whizzing past my window, every time we zoomed through a tunnel, I held my breath, wondering if I'd magically arrived at my destination, all twirled up in tulle, just like Dorothy!

Folkestone, it turned out, is just as charming as my imagination had painted it. My journey took me past charming little stations, full of laughter and life, a vibrant kaleidoscope of faces all going somewhere exciting. I took it all in, sipping on tea (always tea on train journeys, darlings) and taking notes on possible tutu inspiration. A vibrant red beret, a sailor boy with a striped t-shirt... A flurry of ideas for my next bespoke creation!

Speaking of creations, did you see the new tutu I was sporting in Folkestone? Oh, it's simply divine. A cascading swirl of rose pink tulle, accented with shimmering silver sequins that catch the light like moonbeams dancing on water. And the feathered trim? Why, it's simply a dream! My stylist, the wonderful and wonderfully creative Charlie, worked magic. I swear he gets me.

Oh, darling! I have so much to tell you about Folkestone. But let's take a step back.

Remember those feelings of trepidation and excitement? Well, my darlings, this wasn't a case of “What if I fall? What if I trip?” (though, let's face it, with a tutu that big, there are always moments of "Is this the moment?"!) My trepidation had a different root: this was my first time in the heartland of my ancestral heritage, and as my tutu swirled, I couldn't help but think about my roots and the generations before me. It's a deep, almost ancestral, love for this area that filled me up.

Now, onto the exciting stuff!

Folkestone is a gem. A picture-postcard seaside town, bustling with activity, yet steeped in history. The charming shops and cafes line cobblestone streets, with little alleyways teeming with surprises, each one promising a different shade of wonder. The locals, a heartwarming mix of colourful characters, welcomed me with open arms. And the views of the sea? Simply breathtaking, reminding me of how grand and infinite life really is. I almost felt like a queen surveying her kingdom!

My first night in Folkestone was a whirlwind. I was booked at the "The Crown Inn". A local, friendly pub that buzzed with life. They have live music, traditional pub food, and people of all ages and walks of life gathering for a pint. Perfect! A perfect opportunity for me to engage with the locals, spread the joy of pink, and get a feel for the heart of this charming seaside town. You know what? I didn't see another tutu. That's right, NOT A SINGLE TUTU. Shameful, my darlings! A place this lovely, just BEGGING for a splash of Pink Tutu Sparkle!

The following day was my main event: my gig at the local theatre, the "Leas Cliff Hall". Built in 1935, the hall boasts an imposing facade. Imagine a stately, yet inviting presence overlooking the bustling sea front, a perfect place for me to showcase my signature style.

This is my dream. It's why I became Pink Tutu Sparkles. I can travel to places I might have never dreamt of visiting. I meet wonderful, curious people who embrace and cheer for me. All I do is dance in a bright pink tutu, share the sparkle of joy, and leave a little shimmer wherever I go! You see, dear readers, this life, it’s more than dancing and sparkle. It's about embracing our individuality, being bold and brave, and bringing a little bit of pink magic into the world. And let me tell you, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The energy inside the hall was electrifying, every glance, every hushed whisper, every surprised “Is that..?” was music to my ears! I switched between my own, specially created ballet-inspired numbers, which took my inspiration from classical ballet classics, and incorporated some of the new moves I’d been working on at the fabulous London Ballet Club! Remember those new steps I’ve been practicing? I’ve almost mastered that ‘en pointe’ leap. You will be the first to see it once I’m 100% ready! I will be sharing the big news and video!

As my final bows came to an end, the hall exploded with applause. And it’s at this moment that, I realise, it wasn’t just me twirling. I’d created something more. The entire room was radiating pink magic!

But it wasn’t the end, I felt inspired by Folkestone. Folkestone embraced my sparkle and gave me a boost to spread the joy of pink even further. A trip to a local boutique, "Fifi & Belle" had me discovering the most perfect pastel pink, silk scarf. And just like that, I knew what to do. A tutu-loving fashionista can’t resist a creative outlet, darlings! And so, the "Pink Tutu Sparkles " collection was born. You are gonna love it!

My journey in Folkestone was about more than just pink tutus though it's all connected, don’t you agree? Folkestone touched my heart in ways I couldn't have imagined. Now, my dear readers, I hope to have you all visit this place. The local shopkeepers are friendly, the cafes serve the best pastries I’ve had all year, and the beach makes for some incredible photography! Don't forget to capture it all and share it using #TutuQueen #PinkTutuSparkles I would LOVE to see you all wearing pink tutus and embracing your inner Pink Tutu Sparkles!

From my heart to yours,

Pink Tutu Sparkles

P.S. Keep an eye out for my "Folkestone Flair" collection in the next week. Don’t forget to follow the "Pink Tutu" blog. You will see an announcement in the coming days of the launch of my new collection, on the www.pink-tutu.com website.

#TutuQueen on 2010-04-04 stars in Folkestone