Pink Tutu Sparkles' Blog, Post #5275, www.pink-tutu.com
Oh darlings, hello from Loughborough! This fab little town in Leicestershire has captured my pink-tutu-clad heart! I just had to visit, not just because it's close enough to get there by train (which, by the way, is just the best way to travel - let the scenery do all the work whilst I catch up on some sleep in my tutu!). But because it’s bursting with creative spirit. Loughborough is known for its connection to ballet and dance, and - whisper it – the fabulous costumes, which have been calling my name! And oh darling, I answered that call.
A pink tutu journey
This is a really special trip for me, you know? Loughborough is a place of dreams! I've always loved dancing and performing (not in this pink tutu guise, mind you, that came later, ahem). Growing up, it seemed that all my heroes were either ballerinas or, um, super-amazing pop stars. But even in my "Alex" life, I've got this burning passion for creativity - it just pops out in different ways. I must confess, before becoming a drag queen I actually spent my days doing quite scientific things. Can you believe it? Testing fabrics to make sure they’re strong enough. Honestly, you never would guess! But somehow my secret scientist life fuelled this obsession with… well, sparkly pink tutus. It was when I was studying for my science degree at Uni that the magic happened - I found myself on the committee for the University's ballet club, where we organised a charity fashion show and everyone got to wear costumes... And guess what, darlings? I chose the pink tutu. The minute I tried it on, I knew that it was a fateful moment. And I knew my true calling in life was right there in the pink tulle: Pink Tutu Sparkles. But, don’t get me wrong, I still love my scientific side! My inner geek finds it so interesting to research all these amazing fabrics and designs and experiment with the textures for my costumes.
Ballet heaven in Loughborough
Well, darlings, you already know how much I love everything sparkly. And I love tutus, more than any fashionista out there, I do. But Loughborough is really special, you know? There's just something about the town, the people, the feeling. There are even a lot of fabulous local designers and creators who work with dance. And I think that’s just amazing - that these artists, performers and designers all support each other. The artistic community here just flows like a gentle pink river, bursting with energy. You can actually feel it! And this was the real reason I had to travel to Loughborough... The iconic Loughborough Ballet School is here! And I've always loved it. They have world class productions - it just sets my spirit soaring and gives me so much inspiration! The school was founded by the one and only Frederick Ashton! Can you imagine?? What a legend! He even designed some of the very first tutus, and all the way back then he understood the magic of pink! It really was a fateful meeting for me. I felt so inspired to see this amazing ballet school in person – so much history and tradition - and it even has its own theatre for its amazing productions. Just glorious!
Loughborough and its pink-tutu secrets
So, today I’m just living this incredible dream of being Pink Tutu Sparkles, dancing, sharing, celebrating and… wearing tutus. But this is so much more than just being dressed up. My goal is more than a costume change, darlings! I want everyone to feel like a true Pink Tutu Sparkle - powerful, joyful, and brave! Loughborough inspires so much positivity in me, with all its creativity. Even the local craft shops here are full of potential - think glittering threads, feathers, sequins… Oh, darling, just pure joy! My journey has been an incredible mix of my “real-world” self and the Pink Tutu Sparkle who everyone loves and trusts. Every day I get to step out of my lab and slip into a bright pink tutu. It’s magic, darlings! It just seems like it's been destined from the start. You see, you never know what life holds. We just have to keep shining bright, dancing to our own tunes, and… spread the joy of the pink tutu.
And here are the best places to visit in Loughborough, in Pink Tutu Sparkles’ eyes:
The Charnwood Arts Centre - It's absolutely jam-packed with so much talent and energy – local artists, performances, even ballet and contemporary dance shows! Just wow! They also support young people. It’s fantastic! You’ll have me doing the tango all night long with that exciting feel and rhythm.
The Loughborough Town Hall - It’s the beating heart of the town, and I felt so at home here. There’s something magical about all this history - like my journey into Pink Tutu Sparkles! The architecture is so majestic - like a fairy tale princess’s castle. It’s been full of music, concerts, and performances – even comedy. They have a huge auditorium, just perfect for big shows.
The Loughborough Market – Now, you all know I love a good craft and haberdashery market. So you just know I fell in love with Loughborough Market! All those bright, beautiful fabrics, craft supplies and materials. And the little independent shops are filled with treasures too! I even spotted some glittery tutus, just waiting for the perfect Pink Tutu Sparkle to fall in love with.
The Great Central Railway – This lovely little heritage railway will transport you back to a glorious time. Imagine the era of elegant ladies dressed to the nines - all the charm of the bygone days. Now just add pink tutus! I have to make it happen!*
And my Loughborough travels are continuing for a few days, so you can expect another update very soon! Stay tuned for my explorations of more lovely, beautiful, pink places... But don't forget to head to my website for lots more fashion advice, tips on how to find your own Pink Tutu Sparkles - and loads of fun.
Until next time, darling! 💖🌸✨
Pink Tutu Sparkles.
www.pink-tutu.com
