Hello, my gorgeous darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here with you, and oh my goodness, you won't believe where I've been! Thornton Heath! gasps I know, right? Not exactly known for its fashion week, is it? Well, hold onto your tutus, darlings, because I'm about to share the most fabulously pink tale you've ever heard! This is post number 4740 on the www.pink-tutu.com website, so if you're new here, welcome, sweetie! Make yourselves at home!
Now, how did I end up in Thornton Heath, you ask? Well, it all began with a twinkle in my eye and a whole lot of pink fluff! This is a little known fact about yours truly: I have this ridiculous passion for trains! It's all started as a little girl (okay, maybe a bit of a grown-up girl!) travelling up and down the Derbyshire countryside to visit my Nana. Now, any excuse to get on a train, whether it be the steamy romance of a heritage railway or a comfy, modern InterCity service is a day well spent. And when there’s a connection to a small-town theatre for a performance – well, that’s the perfect excuse for me to get into full pink Tutu Sparkles mode!
I heard about a fantastic amateur theatre group in Thornton Heath called the ‘Thornaway Thespians’. I couldn't resist getting my fabulous, fluffy self down to catch their production of ‘The Nutcracker’. Not only were these incredibly talented performers, the whole town really embraced their Christmas theatre production, a real community spirit shining through. And can we talk about the costumes? gasps again Absolute works of art! So sparkly, so grand – it was just my cup of pink tea.
I met a lovely woman called Brenda at the show who was an absolute darling. Brenda’s granddaughter, Jessica, has ambitions to become a professional ballerina, and we had a real lovely chat about the different levels of training you need for a career in ballet. She even asked me for advice – you know, tips and tricks for a ballerina’s make-up look. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather boa, I’ll tell you! Brenda and I exchanged contacts – maybe I’ll be helping Jessica with her future ballerina look one day – and, maybe even helping Brenda to add a bit more pink into her wardrobe!
Now, how could I possibly visit Thornton Heath, especially when my heart’s beating for ballet, without finding a local dance class to participate in? So, I found this gorgeous little studio right by the park - The Thornton Heath Ballet Academy! Now, it wasn’t all waltzing in pink tutus – the studio had a real focus on technique and precision. My favourite bit was when we practiced ‘pas de bourree’, those lil’ hop-steps, you know, all so elegantly gliding across the floor. I’m talking total professional levels here – no wonder there are so many brilliant young dancers coming out of this studio! The staff and the students were so welcoming! I just love it when people take their passions seriously, and really embrace it, don’t you?
My love of fashion led me into some gorgeous local shops, of course. Now, this wouldn't be a Tutu Queen blog if I didn't share some serious shopping tips! Firstly, the whole of the ‘Pink Tutu Sparkles’ wardrobe – tutus, sequined gowns, hats, jewellery and shoes - needs constant cleaning and repairs. There are some very talented dressmakers in Thornton Heath - a big shout out to ‘Sarah’s Sewing Station’ - who absolutely slays it! They’re always open to new creative challenges and Brenda from the theatre recommended this brilliant tailor who specialises in repairs, “Tony’s Stitch-a-rama.” He’s worked with a few West End stars in the past so he really understands the pressures of an aspiring drag artist's wardrobe. Tony made me a real treat. Remember my new tutu? Yes, the ‘Pink Paradise’ one I wore at the train station and you all loved on social media? He fixed up a little rip and gave it a gorgeous new bow!
After a hectic day, it’s time to talk about the absolute heart and soul of this trip: the amazing community spirit of Thornton Heath! We enjoyed a picnic on a sunny bench near a big public green space in the centre of town, it really was picturesque. I even had a fabulously pink afternoon tea! What better way to get my fix of afternoon treats and meet some of the lovely local women who made this town feel like a family? The Thornton Heath Women's Institute have really done a fabulous job making their community hub one of the liveliest and most welcoming places around!
And can I just say a little thank you? Every time I do a performance, be it a street parade or a small theatre stage, the crowds I have the absolute pleasure to entertain get bigger and bigger. It seems all these posts on www.pink-tutu.com have somehow encouraged everyone to see the world a bit brighter! There are now people everywhere taking a chance, adding their own unique flair to their everyday wardrobe, whether it's a vibrant scarf, a touch of shimmer in their shoes, or even - you guessed it, a glorious pink tutu! You know you’re not really dressing up, if you're not dressing up for me!
So, thank you Thornton Heath, you truly made my pink little heart beat a bit faster! If you ever want a fabulous show – or just need a bit of encouragement to add some pink to your world – just give your favourite queen a shout. Maybe one day you’ll catch a train and join me on my next adventure. Until next time, my gorgeous darlings – wear a pink tutu, and let the sparkle shine!
