#TutuQueen on 2014-10-18 stars in Shenley Brook End

Hello darlings!

It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, reporting live from the most delightful little village you’ve ever seen - Shenley Brook End! This is blog post number 5405 for your beloved queen (don’t even ask me how I keep track), and oh honey, you won’t believe the adventures I’ve been having!

This week has been an absolute whirlwind, starting with my beloved daily dose of ballet class (a tutu must, naturally) back in Derbyshire. I’m telling you, there’s nothing quite like stretching your limbs and swirling your tulle while sipping your morning cuppa. It’s the perfect start to any day, especially when you’re heading off on a thrilling adventure!

Now, Shenley Brook End was not exactly a place I expected to end up, but I’m so glad it was the destination of this week’s travels! This adorable little village was actually chosen because a lovely, kind, and fabulous fellow Tutu Queen, Candyfloss Queen, reached out and asked if I’d be interested in doing a show at a local pub called The Jolly Trotter. Of course I said “YES!” What could be better than a trip to a charming, pub-filled village in the heart of England, topped off with some glittery performance and, let’s be honest, an excuse for a cheeky pint?!

The trip started in true Sparkles style. A morning spent flitting through shops, collecting all the latest pastel pink accessories (I couldn't resist a pair of sparkly pink cowboy boots - because, why not? Pink is always right!). Then, off I hopped onto a train, and boy oh boy, let me tell you - there’s nothing quite as thrilling as the rush of being on a fast train, my heart fluttering as the scenery flashes past!

Arriving in Shenley Brook End felt like stepping into a charming picture book! The sun was shining, the streets were lined with colourful flowers, and the air was filled with the chirping of birds and the gentle tinkling of a distant church bell. I swear, you could practically hear the angels singing!

After checking into the quaintest, pinkest little B&B imaginable, The Pink Flamingo, (I have such a knack for finding these places!) it was time for the reason I came all this way - to perform for the locals!

Now, you’ve gotta know, these folks were the best! Every face in The Jolly Trotter lit up as soon as I walked in. There was a lovely group of dancers from a nearby school that was hosting a dance workshop, so the pub was full of all the cutest little princesses and prince charming wannabes, all sporting dazzling smiles and shiny costumes - just like me, but in miniature! I had to share my stash of glittery hairspray with them because, let's be honest, every good performer deserves some shimmer in their life!

As always, my set included a medley of hits, all with my own sassy, Sparkles twist: everything from a glittery, sparkly take on “Bohemian Rhapsody”, (the crowd went wild!) to an all-out pink-themed rock opera version of “The Little Mermaid”. You’ve got to see the reaction to me twirling in a pink sequined seashell bra as I bellowed “I Wanna Be a Part of Your World”, with my tutu twirling around me. Just picture it… glorious!

Between songs, I even got to chat with some lovely members of the community! Apparently, there’s a thriving little theatre group that puts on regular plays and musicals - it’s a dream, really! I think they might just be open to having a Tutu Queen grace their stage with her presence (hint, hint).

And speaking of dreams, one of the most delightful things that happened while I was in Shenley Brook End was stumbling upon a quaint little riding school hidden behind a beautiful brick wall! It turned out to be the perfect little sanctuary where you could ride ponies through lush meadows and green fields. Now, I am all about making dreams come true, so I just HAD to don a pink-sequined jockey cap and hop on a stunning grey mare with a silky pink mane! And wouldn't you know it, the locals just couldn't get enough of my "pink power" as I galloped through the field!

Honestly, darling, it was pure magic! I think it just might have to be the start of a new chapter in my Tutu travels – a bit of horseback riding just adds a touch of grandeur to the pink-tutu life.

The rest of my stay was a whirlwind of pink deliciousness. From a truly incredible picnic lunch of the freshest strawberries and clotted cream (served in a pink teacup, of course!) on a sprawling hillside overlooking the valley, to the most delightful afternoon tea, complete with pink tea sandwiches, mini scones, and cupcakes topped with tiny pink flags (oh my, oh my!)... Shenley Brook End certainly lived up to the dream of idyllic English village life!

By the end of the week, it was time for me to bid farewell to my pink paradise. After promising my dear friends at The Jolly Trotter I'd return with my next tour, I boarded the train, feeling all sparkly and refreshed. And while my heart was full of the wonderful memories of Shenley Brook End, I couldn’t help but think… perhaps there’s more to life than just dazzling performances. Maybe, just maybe, it’s all about embracing the simple joy of pink-tutu-filled moments.

After all, darling, as we all know: life's too short to be anything less than pink-tastic!

Now, on to my next adventure... until next time, darlings, keep it pink and sparkly!

Yours in glittery brilliance,

Pink Tutu Sparkles 💖💖💖