Hiya darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, ready to glitterify your Saturday with post number 3998 on www.pink-tutu.com! As you know, my aim in life is to make the world a pink tutu paradise, one shimmering twirl at a time, and this weekend's adventure has brought me all the way to Barrow in Furness, nestled on the glorious Cumbrian coast!
I can't get over the gorgeous scenery - those rolling hills and the majestic Lake District backdrop are breathtaking! Barrow, you've already stolen my heart. But, even the most beautiful vista wouldn't hold a candle to the fabulous energy I found at The Forum.
Now, darlings, you know I adore a good train journey - there's something about those clickety-clacks and the endless stream of countryside views that sparks the imagination! And let's face it, I get to rock a fabulous ensemble on board, because travelling in drag is my favourite part of being Pink Tutu Sparkles. This time, it was a vintage pink satin number - it shimmered in the train lights like a sugary dream!
Anyway, back to Barrow in Furness. You won't believe it, my loves - I met a wonderful woman who'd knitted a whole collection of mini pink tutus! Can you imagine? Miniature tutus! So cute! And you know what? I just had to snaffle one. My plans involve attaching it to my signature sequined tutu, making for a spectacular "tutu-within-a-tutu" effect. It's the ultimate double-whammy of pink!
But it wasn't just the scenery and crafts that made Barrow a delight. I absolutely adore ballet! So when I heard about the 'Ballet Beyond Borders' class at The Forum, you could have knocked me down with a feather boa! Now, I can't let you in on a little secret: I secretly think all pink tutus belong in a ballet class, don't you? So imagine my delight when the class was filled with so much joy and enthusiasm - and, best of all, lots of lovely tutus, including a beautiful shimmering emerald green number!
My love of dance stems back to my Derbyshire days - we had a brilliant ballet class at school and the dance hall across the road where they held local youth dance groups was just… magical. I remember being spellbound watching the local youth theatre’s annual summer productions; everything from Gilbert and Sullivan, right through to Annie and My Fair Lady, it was just utterly amazing. I couldn't even think about dancing on stage without my pink tutu though! It would make a mockery of a ballet if there weren’t a tutu on stage, wouldn't it, darlings?!
As it happened, I ended up showing the local students a few basic ballet steps in my signature pink tutu - after all, who doesn't need a bit of glitter and sparkles in their lives? The joy on their faces! They loved it, my darlings.
Speaking of spreading joy… the fabulous ‘Ballet Beyond Borders’ group organise dances at local hospitals for residents. It's just incredible, so positive. Seeing those faces light up is just… so heart-warming.
And let’s be honest, Barrow in Furness really knows how to put on a show! My first night in Barrow was all about the mesmerising ‘A Nutcracker Christmas’ performance, put on by a local ballet school, The Ballet Academy! Oh, my stars, darlings, what a performance! I was sitting in the front row, glued to the stage!
As a big fan of all things theatre, it’s always interesting to watch a stage production in the round; those performers are just incredibly brave! Especially when you are sat in the front row - I think I might have gasped a couple of times… I certainly wouldn’t have been able to do it; they've got amazing nerves. The children on stage just… they captivated everyone! The story, the costumes, the talent, the atmosphere, oh my darlings, what an evening! I could hardly sit still in my pink-sequined seat! It reminded me of the local amateur dramatics company in the village where I grew up. Every Christmas, they put on a pantomime with the local village hall bursting at the seams; there wasn’t an empty seat!
I mean, let's be honest - any event that encourages ballet in tutus is going to be my jam! And you know what else I discovered? Barrow's got some incredible independent shops! And what better way to fuel your love of fashion and tutus than with a day of fabulous retail therapy?
One shop in particular really stood out - ‘Little Stars’ a tiny independent shop crammed with beautiful gifts, toys and everything pretty and whimsical! My love of pink, the perfect shade of flamingo pink, meant I just couldn’t walk away from a darling little pink dress! It had to be brought home for me! My darling, this dress just cries out for a twirl - in fact, it may have inspired me to add another tutu-based look to my wardrobe... A shimmering ombre pink, you know, blending into this wonderful light pink; it’s pure dream material. I need to put together a tutu-wearing, colour coordinated shopping trip around the north west soon; there is simply no room left in my wardrobe but who needs a new one right, I'll get it all altered and make it fit - you’re going to love the pictures… it will involve many pictures - especially of the lovely Barrow shops and a little trip around the fabulous Lakes - how lucky am I?
But, even after a week full of fab tutus, spectacular performances, a delicious cheese and onion pasty (oh, my goodness! ) and a spot of gorgeous Lakes’ scenery… Barrow has thrown one final glittering surprise at me.
A trip to a lovely little coffee shop called ‘Coffee With Me’! I spotted an exquisite vintage pink and lace teacup… and how could I possibly resist? You know me, darling, pink teacups and tutus, that’s me! Now, this fabulous little teacup is on its way back home with me - and let's be honest - there’s no better way to complete a tutu-ific trip than with a lovely new cuppa! It's going to be joining my collection, alongside my pink feather boas and sequinned tiaras... my darlings, my heart just can't take it - too much pink, too much glitter - pure happiness!
Barrow in Furness - you've been truly fantastic! So don't let this be goodbye, darlings. This Pink Tutu Sparkles will be back - you know it, and this time I'm bringing the whole tutu collection!
Oh, and as for you lovelies - let me know your plans for the week ahead!
Big loves from Barrow,
Your favourite pink tutu Queen,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
xxx
PS My travels to Barrow in Furness were inspired by a little visit I made to the Lakes while researching some gorgeous hand knitted wool fabrics, it was just perfect to use for my next collection of pink tutus! Now I can't even remember what colour fabrics we test back in the lab… But I am a scientist you know. You can’t let it all be about the tutus, but by night…. It’s pink tutus and everything sparkly!!
Don't forget to check back for more fabulous adventures, darling! We're just getting started!
xxx
