Hello my lovelies, it’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles here! 👋🏼💖 I'm so excited to share with you the adventures of my latest trip to Derby, which I lovingly refer to as the ‘Heart of the Midlands’.
This is post number 5690, if you can believe it! That’s a lot of tutus, travels and fabulousness! You can find it all over at www.pink-tutu.com, and I really encourage you to pop on by. It’s where all my secrets are!
Right, back to Derby. 🚃💖 You see, I've always had a particular fondness for the beautiful old Victorian architecture and rolling hills. It just reminds me of my humble beginnings, and there's nothing like a little dose of nostalgia to make my heart sing, right?
My trip to Derby was something of a whirlwind, filled with laughter, fabulous performances, and, of course, tutus! I had been invited to perform at the ‘Summer Solstice Soirée’, a massive charity event featuring live music, crafts, and all sorts of yummy treats. Naturally, I couldn’t miss it!
To be perfectly honest, Derby has a rather special place in my heart. My family has lived there for generations, and it was the very place I had my first foray into the dazzling world of drag. You know the story, right? It all started while I was in university, studying Science. Don't be surprised – being a science whizz and loving the dazzling world of tutus are not mutually exclusive! 🧪✨
One evening, I was down at the university ballet club. They were doing a fundraising event, and naturally, they asked me to put on a tutu. I was just a wee thing back then, all nerves and shaky knees. But there was something magical about it, don’t you think? The silky tulle and the vibrant pink... It just felt right! It was there and then, at the university club, that I knew, my lovelies, that I was destined to bring the magic of the pink tutu to the world.
And speaking of tutus, my lovelies, it was no ordinary outfit that I sported at the Summer Solstice Soirée. It was my absolute showstopper – a cascading cloud of pink, shimmering tulle that took several weeks to create, each layer painstakingly hand-stitched and adorned with sparkly sequins. The entire look was finished off with a fluffy pink feather boa, diamond-encrusted heels, and, of course, a big, glorious pink feather boa. I felt like I was a shimmering, sparkly princess ready to take on the world! 👑✨
Now, for the most fabulous part: my performance! I put on a show that had everyone going wild. Imagine the energy of a thousand suns, combined with the grace of a hundred swans and a whole lot of glitz and glam! The audience loved it! There was laughter, cheers, and even a few tears, which, if I may say so, was truly touching! My heart, as always, overflowed with joy. There’s really nothing more magical than sharing your love for the stage with a wonderful crowd! ✨🥰
However, my adventures in Derby were far from over, my darlings!
Once I'd finished my spectacular performance, it was time for a little exploration. As I love a good train journey, I spent a few glorious hours relaxing in the first-class carriage of the Derby to London train. There's something undeniably charming about a scenic train ride, particularly when you're surrounded by stunning views. And of course, a fellow drag queen couldn’t let the opportunity for some great fashion choices pass them by! 💁🏼♀️ I was resplendent in a sparkling pink sequin jacket, a white chiffon scarf flowing in the breeze and a perfectly coordinated tutu with the most gorgeous array of lace trims! There is nothing that brings me joy like watching the world fly by, while looking ridiculously glamorous. 😉
My travels in Derby continued, with a very delightful encounter with a charming local florist. We chatted for ages about everything from his favourite flower arrangements to his opinion on the newest floral trends! He told me his flower stall had been at the same location for years, through all sorts of different fashion changes. Now that’s what I call fashion persistence. ✨🙌🏻 We both decided, over a cup of tea, that there’s something to be said about enduring the fashion tides to remain true to your own style.
So, after enjoying the scenery of the city and the beauty of a good old fashioned cup of tea with a friendly florist, I felt the pangs of needing more inspiration. It’s time to talk about Derby's biggest attraction for a queen like me, its vibrant ballet scene!
You know my love for ballet! I've been taking classes since I was a little girl and haven’t looked back! So, of course, I had to spend some time at Derby's beautiful ‘Quadrangle Theatre’. This lovely old theatre was built in the Victorian era, complete with red plush seats and twinkling chandeliers, the perfect setting for a good dose of artistic elegance! The grandeur of it all just got me so excited. 🤩💖 I simply had to watch a performance of ‘Swan Lake’. It's always such a magical experience, and this time was no exception. Watching the graceful ballerinas dancing with such elegance and fluidity left me awestruck!
As my trip to Derby drew to a close, I made my way to the majestic Derby Arboretum. Its rolling green hills, beautiful lakes, and colourful flowerbeds were the perfect place to gather some creative inspiration for my next blog post. And of course, no stroll is complete without a dash of tutu! I twirled around in my tulle masterpiece, feeling like the centre of my own fairytale, where anything is possible and pink tutus rule the day! 🥰
My heart truly ached as I left the city that night, but, in my heart, I knew it was not truly goodbye. It's a city that holds such a special place in my memory. It’s not only where my love for the tutu truly began but also the place where I felt like I truly embraced my inner-queen! As always, I just felt completely and utterly blessed, filled with pink happiness, and overflowing with ideas! It truly is amazing what can happen when a pink tutu-loving queen throws herself into the fray! 💕💖
Until next time, my sweethearts. I can't wait to tell you about my next adventure! Stay fabulous and always remember to spread the pink love, darlings!
With glittery love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
(aka Alex)
