Hello my darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, bringing you another day of sparkly, tutued adventures from the wonderful world of Pink-Tutu.com. Today's post is a doozy - number 4588, if you can believe it! - because it's all about a magical trip to the beautiful town of Hitchin, where the pink tutus are practically overflowing.
Hitchin - now that's a town that truly gets me! I can feel the history oozing out of the cobbled streets, and it's full of charming shops and those adorable little cafes where you can get your caffeine fix AND people watch simultaneously. What's not to love?
Of course, I wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu Sparkles if I didn't incorporate a bit of pink into my itinerary, would I? Hitchin was absolutely blooming with it, which totally delighted me. You wouldn't believe the collection of pink shoes I found at a vintage boutique - like, truly gorgeous, the kind that make you twirl on the spot with glee. I had to restrain myself from buying the whole lot, even though my fabulous pink travel suitcase was practically begging for them. I mean, if there's one thing that I love more than a pink tutu, it's a fabulous pink shoe!
Getting to Hitchin: All Aboard the Train!
Now, you know me - I love the grand old-world glamour of train travel. So naturally, I made my way to Hitchin by steam train. This time, though, it wasn't your ordinary, everyday commute. Oh no, this was a full-on, special-occasion steam train experience. Think vintage carriages, polished brass, and that fantastic hissing, steam-powered soundtrack that always takes me straight back to childhood. The only thing that could have made it better would be a full-blown conductor dressed in a swanky uniform, twirling a conductor's baton, right?
My Grand Hitchin Entrance: A Fairy-Tale Ballet Debut!
Speaking of grand entrances, let me tell you about my first evening in Hitchin. A fellow drag queen in London had recommended a local theatre for their ballet night. They said the company was full of budding young dancers with amazing talent, and I just knew it had to be Pink Tutu approved!
Well, let's just say I didn't disappoint myself. This wasn't your regular run-of-the-mill ballet, you see. We're talking dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping lifts, and some of the most technically beautiful dancing I've seen in ages. Of course, I chose a particularly magnificent pink tutu for the occasion (a bespoke creation, you see, adorned with sequined stars, which I got for an absolute bargain at a London warehouse sale!), and I waltzed into the theatre feeling every bit like the fairy tale princess I imagined I was.
You can just imagine the heads turning as I entered, all smiles and swishing tulle, my dazzling sequins practically lighting up the room. I might have been the only one in a tutu, but trust me, everyone was wearing their version of the "Pink Tutu Sparkles" outfit ā which was simply phenomenal! It's amazing how you can connect with others through a shared passion, even if they haven't heard of your life's mission to make tutus trendy. And for the record, that mission just got a big old boost, with everyone taking pictures of me in my fabulous tutu ā the envy of all in sight, you bet.
Hitchin Market: Where My Tutu Dreams Come True
After the magical performance, I set off to the famous Hitchin Market - and honestly, I swear it was like walking into a dream. It's a market unlike any other, full of colourful stalls overflowing with the most beautiful handcrafted goods, homegrown veggies, vintage treasures, and oh-so-much more. I'm talking handmade jewellery that sparkles more than a rainbow, local pottery that's practically begging to be admired, and artisanal baked goods that'd make your tastebuds dance with delight! I could've spent hours getting lost in all the enchanting delights, but duty called, and it was time to get back to my charming little B&B on the outskirts of town.
B&B Bliss: A Perfect End to a Pink Day
The B&B, a picture-perfect, rambling old farmhouse in a quaint village, was an absolute dream. A welcoming owner, a comfortable room with fluffy pillows, and even a sweet little porch where I could enjoy a cup of tea as the sun went down. I sat on the porch with my laptop, uploading all those fabulous market pictures (especially the one of me surrounded by the handmade pink felt hair flowers), and planning my grand "Pink Tutu" takeover of the town!
A New Day in Hitchin: Itās Not About the Destination, Itās the Tutu Journey
I've always said that life is a stage, and Hitchin is one of the most theatrical towns I've ever been to! So, for a bit of fun, I decided to turn my entire visit into a āpink tutuā inspired day trip. That meant wearing my prettiest, sparkliest pink tutu at a charming local tea shop. Think dainty floral patterns and delicate pastel colours, perfectly in tune with the āpink-tutuā aesthetic. Oh, and a perfectly good slice of lemon cake topped with pink icing!
Then came the real magic: my journey to a local ballet studio in Hitchin. It turned out to be more of a studio in name only, just a few rooms attached to a beautiful old manor house, a haven for dance enthusiasts just like myself! The studio, with its high ceilings and wide windows flooding it with natural light, truly gave off that special magic only found in true artistic sanctuaries.
And that's where my Tutu Journey really took off. I got to sit in on a couple of ballet classes. As the elegant movements unfolded right before my eyes, I couldn't help but feel a renewed connection with my own dancing heart. I had a moment, there, staring at the ballet barre, as the girls pirouetted and plied with absolute grace and elegance, and thought to myself, "I'm not even sure how much of this has to do with Pink Tutu Sparkles and how much of it is actually me!"
The fact is, Iād been going to ballet classes for years back in Derbyshire before I even started drag! It was my sanctuary away from everything, a place I felt truly free and true to myself, and this ballet class was taking me straight back to that place. I even got to try on some tutus. Sadly, I didnāt find anything in the iconic Pink Tutu Sparkles colour, but they were incredible, and a lovely little moment of pure pink delight.
A Day Well-Spent in Tutu-ful Hitchin
Later that day, I said goodbye to my little piece of pink tutu heaven in Hitchin, leaving a little bit of sparkly magic in my wake. I was happy as a clam, content, and deeply grateful for this fantastic little day in a charming little town that has a big, big heart. If you find yourself with the chance to explore Hitchin, donāt miss it, darlings. Trust me, itās not just a day out - itās a fairy tale!
And as I made my way back to the train station, my head filled with the rhythmic tapping of dancersā feet, I realized that this isnāt just about tutus, my dears. This is about being fearless and authentically yourself. Because in the world of Pink Tutu Sparkles, thereās a space for everyone to find their own sparkle, whatever that might look like.
I'll leave you with that thought, darlings. Don't be afraid to embrace your inner Pink Tutu Sparkles!
Until next time,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
xxx
PS: Don't forget to check out my latest photos and video diaries from Hitchin over on my Instagram and Youtube channels!
