Hello my lovely Tutu Queens! It’s Pink Tutu Sparkles here, fresh from a fabulous day out in the charming town of Hitchin. I tell you, my dears, sometimes it's the smaller, hidden gems that truly sparkle. And let me tell you, Hitchin was certainly one such gem!
It all started with a whirlwind of tulle, glitter, and sequins. As you know, I'm a big believer in getting out and exploring, whether it’s by train or, cough, horse. But before I could even think about how to transport myself, the exciting bit came - a delightful invite from the Hitchin Theatre Group to join their grand performance of “The Nutcracker”. My love for ballet knows no bounds (well, maybe just a bound or two when I'm doing pirouettes) and this sounded like the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Of course, no Pink Tutu Sparkle appearance is complete without a touch of personal flair. I packed my trusty pink travel case with a dazzling array of sparkling headbands, feather boas (oh, so fabulous for a little backstage shimmy), and a very special tutu (yes, even on a “day off” there’s always a tutu involved! ). My trusty (and surprisingly well-mannered) vintage pink handbag – brimming with all my theatrical essentials, naturally - accompanied my exquisite pink ensemble perfectly, like a shimmering, feather-light, fashionista sidekick!
Speaking of fashionista, before heading towards my performance-themed escapade, I decided to indulge in some delightful shopping therapy. Now, Hitchin is positively brimming with boutique shops, little treasures bursting with style and sparkle. I found a charming, antique shop with beautiful trinkets and a wonderful antique perfume bottle that’s now taking pride of place on my dressing table. It’s a beautiful, delicate piece, just begging to be spritzed with a touch of my signature lavender and bergamot eau de parfum!
Feeling incredibly chipper and with my pink tutu positively beaming with joy, I reached the theater. It's a lovely little building, nestled among a cobblestone street, oozing charming old-world magic. Inside, there was an air of excited buzz. The backstage crew was a whirlwind of activity - a delicious blend of theatrical chaos and dedicated artistry. I popped backstage and let me tell you, it's quite different than my usual "glam-squad" setup. But they were just the sweetest bunch, and everyone greeted me with a warm embrace - they loved my pink tutu! (You just can’t escape it! 😉)
The performance was enchanting! A flurry of sugarplums, swirling twirls, and handsome Nutcracker Prince antics. It brought me right back to my ballet club days in University - memories of trying on a fluffy pink tutu for charity…and my absolute obsession taking off! Those were the days, my darlings, before the "Pink Tutu Sparkles" name took hold, when I was just Alex - the awkward (and incredibly enthusiastic) student who stumbled into her destined destiny as a Drag Queen extraordinaire!
But back to Hitchin! It’s no secret I'm a lover of all things vintage, and the show reminded me how important it is to appreciate and celebrate our rich artistic heritage, how timeless ballet is, and just how wonderfully magical this whole experience truly is! I can't help but reflect that this little trip to Hitchin reminds me how sometimes it's the simplest things in life that give the greatest sparkle - a delicious pastry from a local bakery, a warm conversation with a friendly local, or the sheer delight of seeing a room filled with people, young and old, completely engrossed in the story unfolding on stage!
Now, after such a gorgeous evening, I have to say, a day in Hitchin simply must include a fabulous indulgent treat! I found a divine little cafe brimming with dainty floral china and perfectly made cakes - pure heaven for a girl like me! I sampled a magnificent pink meringue with whipped cream and delicious, fruity swirls of raspberry jam…you know, for research purposes (of course!). And if you ever get to Hitchin, darling, make sure you do the same!
Hitchin was a magical little escape for a Pink Tutu Sparkles who loves to find treasures off the beaten path - or shall I say, off the beaten stage! The energy there was electric - and I’m positively bursting with inspiration. If there’s a message to be learned today, darling, it’s to go on an adventure, let your sparkly heart lead the way, and let your own, unique twinkle illuminate the world around you! Remember to always spread kindness, stay true to your style, and most importantly, embrace every opportunity to twirl like a majestic pink-tutu-wearing queen!
Until next time, stay sassy, stay sparkly, and stay pink! 💖
Love, Pink Tutu Sparkles
