Oh my darlings! This fabulous Pink Tutu Sparkles is back, and I'm practically bouncing with excitement. Today's destination? Dover, that beautiful little gem of a town perched right on the English Channel, a stone's throw from the iconic white cliffs! It's a place steeped in history, but it's also brimming with a vibrant, welcoming energy. And who better to bring some glitz and glamour to the scene than your very own Tutu Queen?
This is what I absolutely love about my life. It's all about the adventure. My world is an endless whirl of travelling, performing, discovering new places, meeting new faces and making sure every single person I meet leaves with a smile! Of course, I never travel without a strategically packed, and entirely pink, suitcase! Let's be honest, what's the point of life if you don't sparkle? You've got to find your perfect shade of pink and wear it like a badge of honour, a sign that you're not afraid to be different and to embrace your unique style.
Now, Dover wasn't on my schedule. This, my lovelies, was a spur-of-the-moment kind of trip. I was due to perform at a wonderful little country fair in Oxfordshire but as I was waiting for the train (always travel by train! It's so much more romantic than driving) I spotted an ad for a Dover street theatre performance. The subject matter? A reimagined ballet of the tale of Henry VIII and his six wives! Now, who could resist such a whimsical treat? The words "ballets" and "Henry VIII" sent a little pink-tutu-covered whirlwind swirling in my tummy. You can be sure I snatched a ticket quicker than you could say "Cliope". But not before I caught a fleeting glimpse of the cliffs - majestic and stunning, they looked absolutely radiant bathed in sunshine.
I had just enough time to catch the train to Dover, throw myself in a (you guessed it!) pink taxi to a rather quirky, but charming boutique hotel. The proprietor was a delightful lady, quite elderly, and she gave me the most fantastically sweet welcome and served me tea and home-baked biscuits, while she chatted excitedly about a vintage rose pink tutu that she found recently in her grandmother's trunk. What a coincidence, don't you think?
I was too giddy with anticipation about the ballet and, as a bonus, the sea, to go out shopping this time but the shopkeeper assured me I had ample time to make a "few necessary pink purchases" on my return journey. How right she was! It's always good to keep your suitcase stocked with those essentials, isn't it, lovelies? You never know when you're going to need a new pink sparkly head band or a gorgeous pink and silver bow to tie on to your best tutu for your next grand performance. It pays to be prepared.
As evening descended and the sky was painting a stunning portrait in hues of peach and violet, I was ready. Dressed in a tutu which was so sparkly I could have been a human disco ball! A vintage black jacket adorned with more glitz than I dare tell you and those sky high ruby red stilettos I call 'Ruby Lips'! The theatre, small but brimming with character, awaited! As soon as the curtain went up and the music soared I was captivated. They danced with so much elegance and passion. The ballet, which told the tale of Henry VIII, was funny, witty, and truly touching - a perfect mix of history and spectacle. And, you know me, always a sucker for a great costume! The performers looked absolutely dazzling in their jewel toned silks and the dancing was breathtaking.
But it was the moment a male dancer lifted his partner with effortless grace and spun her through the air, then lowered her slowly back to the ground that really stole the show. I could have cried! The passion, the love, the strength, the sheer magic of the whole thing…it moved me beyond words. This isn’t just dancing. It's pure artistry. Pure passion. And pure joy.
When it came to the finale I couldn't stop myself. I danced along to the music - I swear my fellow audience members must have been thinking this was some new avant-garde bit of performance art - and oh darling, I didn't care. The music swept me away and there I was, Pink Tutu Sparkles in all my pink, glitter, tutu-filled glory.
I spent the rest of the evening meandering through the quaint little streets. Dover, with its history whispering from every cobbled corner and the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline, truly won my heart. You can just feel the strength of the town. The energy, the passion. It's just like me, isn't it, lovelies? Just waiting to sparkle and dazzle anyone who dares to cross its path!
Oh, but the most fabulous surprise of all? You know those dreams you have, you know that burning desire deep within your soul that you don't quite want to acknowledge just in case it never comes true? It just had to happen, didn’t it? Right there in a Dover bookshop window as I passed by, what do I see but my dream manifested - a pink, satin, sparkling tutu with a majestic feather trim just waiting for a graceful and adventurous girl (or boy) like myself. Oh darling, fate loves a Pink Tutu Sparkles! So naturally, I walked into that little haven of beautiful things, bought it instantly and went on my way! My collection of pink tutus was getting better with each and every day.
After an amazing afternoon and a most fantastic evening, my tutu-tastic heart was overflowing with happy pink and shimmering delight. It was time to get a little tutu-filled shuteye! You just can't fight the pull of the dance once you get a taste, can you? So, with my brand new tutu nestled beside me, I knew that whatever dreams my future had in store, they were going to be filled with so much joy and laughter that you wouldn't be able to contain yourself if you wanted to! A new day in a new place - I'm Pink Tutu Sparkles, and darling, the world's my dancefloor!
Till the next exciting adventure! xoxo Pink Tutu Sparkles (aka Alex) www.pink-tutu.com
