#TutuQueen on 2012-10-12 stars in Bournemouth

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle onto your Friday. This is post number 4669 on www.pink-tutu.com, and I'm bubbling over with excitement to share my recent adventure with you. Buckle up, my loves, because it's time for a trip down the sparkly rainbow, Bournemouth bound!

Now, you all know how much I adore the seaside, and Bournemouth, with its iconic pier and shimmering sands, has always held a special place in my heart. I've been dreaming of taking my Pink Tutu Sparkles act to this glorious beach town for ages, and thanks to the magic of a rather fabulously glittery booking at a charming seaside venue called The Blue Oyster, the dream is finally coming true!

It was a glorious September morning when I decided to swap the lab for the railway station, because you see, darling, by day I’m Alex, a scientist whizzing around the lab, testing the most delicate and luxurious fabrics, all for the pleasure of the fashion world. And by night? Well, let's just say the lab coat gets traded in for something a little more... flamboyant!

This week's wardrobe choice? Let's just say it's got more feathers than a flamingo's dreams! Think iridescent pinks, fluffy boas that would make a peacock jealous, and a tutu so voluminous, it's practically a cloud. Because when you're taking your pinkness to the coast, darling, you need to make a statement.

The journey from my Derbyshire home to Bournemouth is always an absolute treat. I boarded the train from Chesterfield station, which, if I do say so myself, is looking exceptionally chic lately, with a rather dazzling new mosaic mural of a glamorous ballet dancer, twirling in a… wait for it… pink tutu. (It's not just my dreams that are pink-tutu-filled, darling, the world is catching up!)

The train ride itself was filled with the usual blend of curious stares and whispered conversations. The first rule of being a tutu queen on the train? Always have a witty quip at the ready! I usually resort to my favourite catchphrase, “Don't worry, love, I’m not a real ballerina – although I can totally rock a plié in this tutu!”.

Anyway, I'm getting carried away, darlings. Let’s get back to Bournemouth, shall we? The first thing that hits you when you arrive is that lovely salty air, filled with the scent of sea spray and seaside ice cream. I headed straight to the town centre, my trusty pink carry-on case in tow.

Speaking of which, let's have a little confession: My bags are a riot of colour. A delightful explosion of bright pinks, shocking corals, and shimmering golds! I can't imagine being on the road with boring suitcases, honestly. If my case isn't pink and fabulous, then the rest of my trip can't be either.

So, the hotel was adorable - all vintage seaside chic with white wicker furniture and seagulls depicted on the bedspreads. Honestly, I had a hard time tearing myself away from the beach, just so I could get into my sequined gown for the evening show.

My performance was just… electric. It's a magical feeling seeing all those lovely faces lit up by the stage lights, and they all seemed to love my brand of tutu-tastic fun!

Of course, I had a costume change or two during the performance. From the aforementioned glittery gown to a shocking pink jumpsuit and a sparkling tulle skirt that practically touched the floor. We’re talking glitter, my darlings, GLITTER!

There was a young boy in the front row, wearing the most adorable little blue bow tie I've ever seen, who even gave me a pink fluffy feather! He said his name was James, and he wanted to be a “rainbow magician” when he grows up. Now, if that doesn't just warm your pink tutu-covered heart, nothing will!

Between performances, I found myself having the most wonderful chats with the locals. A charming chap called Charlie told me all about the town's history and its connection to Victorian times. Apparently, Bournemouth used to be known as the “Queen of Watering Places” because it was such a popular resort. Can you imagine a pink-tutu queen visiting in those days? It would have been quite the spectacle, wouldn’t it?

The next day, I took myself for a walk along the promenade. The sun was shining, the seagulls were squawking, and everything just felt… blissfully seaside-y. I couldn't resist a delicious ice cream cone, of course, because you know, you can’t take a pink tutu queen anywhere near a beach without them getting their hands on some sweet treats!

Then came the moment I’d been looking forward to the most - ballet at the Pavilion Theatre!

Let me tell you, darlings, there’s nothing more delightful than spending an afternoon in a beautiful Victorian theatre, mesmerised by the grace and elegance of some talented dancers. You all know I adore the theatre, it's such a magical world. And there's just something special about seeing the passion and skill these talented artists bring to the stage. They leave me feeling so inspired to twirl and pirouette like no one's watching - which I obviously do, with full tutu-power, back in the hotel room.

After the ballet, I decided to explore the cobbled streets of Bournemouth, stopping in at a few vintage clothing shops, searching for the perfect piece of pink tulle, just because you know… I can’t resist. But to my surprise, my search turned up a little independent cafe called "The Teacup & Tutu", (can you believe it, darling, the universe seems to know me! ). This adorable spot had the most delightful collection of china teacups and a selection of delicious homemade cakes. I absolutely devoured a pink and vanilla swirl cake, (of course I did!).

In the evening, I had another chance to show off my talents at a fabulous night at a retro cabaret club. Now, I might not have a motorcycle to ride in like those other drag stars you see, darling, but I definitely have the tutu-power to work a vintage "Lambretta!" (My darling cousin Terry's is borrowed for this trip, and lets just say its not going to be clean by the time I give it back, haha!)

This particular cabaret was all about glamorous glitz and a lot of “vintage” rock and roll (I even wore a hot pink wig that made me feel like I’d stepped straight out of the 50s!). The audience was an amazing mix of locals and tourists, all having a right good time!

But you know what really caught my eye? The amount of little girls (and boys, for that matter!) in their own, amazing tutus and ballerina outfits! You'd be surprised, darlings, it’s such a growing trend - more children in twirling attire. And of course, when it comes to spreading the message of pink tulle-liciousness, it really is inspiring to see the little ones join in!

The next morning, I did some serious pink tulle-power shopping at the shops lining the high street! My latest purchase? A gorgeous fuchsia pink leather jacket, just perfect to take the chill off those slightly cooler sea breeze days! And while I’m here I have to shout-out to my favourite place in the world for tutus: The Pink Tutu Shop on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth - a little slice of rainbow tulle-heaven ( oh, to just spend the whole afternoon there!)

So, there you have it, darling! Another dazzling trip completed! My visit to Bournemouth was filled with sequins, laughter, and a whole lot of pink-tutu love.

Before I head off to my next adventure, I want to leave you with a little bit of Pink Tutu wisdom:

Remember, darling, you can always find a bit of sparkle and a whole lot of pink joy in the world! Just embrace the things that make you happy, live life with colour and flair, and never, ever be afraid to embrace your inner tutu queen!

Keep your eyes peeled on www.pink-tutu.com for all my upcoming adventures! Until next time, darlings. Much love and sparkling wishes to you all!

xx Pink Tutu Sparkles