Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous adventure. Today, my dears, we're venturing out of the county, leaving behind my beloved Derbyshire hills for a trip down to the Thames Estuary - Laindon, to be precise!
I've always loved exploring new places, and even though my schedule is jam-packed with rehearsals, photo shoots, and performances, I make it a point to sneak in some travelling whenever I can. This time, a little birdie (or should I say, swan?) whispered that Laindon was a hidden gem of a town, with charming Victorian architecture, quaint little shops, and a buzzing art scene. Plus, a sparkling new ballet school was opening its doors, and my inner prima ballerina was just screaming for a peek!
The journey down to Laindon was as thrilling as a ride in Cinderella's carriage (but, let’s be honest, more stylish! I’m not a fan of that boring blue colour… pink is so much more magical!). I took the train, of course - nothing beats gazing out the window at the changing scenery while sipping a cup of Earl Grey and adjusting my perfectly-pink-feathered fascinator (and admiring the way the sunshine plays on the delicate fabric).
As soon as we arrived, the energy in Laindon was contagious! Everywhere I looked, there were vibrant murals, blooming flower boxes, and friendly faces. It’s not all glitz and glamor, that's for sure, but there’s something very charming about its gritty-but-friendly nature.
Naturally, my first stop was the new ballet school! It was just as grand as I imagined – a beautifully restored Edwardian building, the perfect setting for future prima donnas like myself. And can you believe the dance floor? It felt like floating on clouds – every movement flowed with effortless grace, thanks to the special cushioning (though my shoes made a clickety clack sound like a miniature army on the march... never a good thing! It took quite a bit of pink glitter to fix it!)
The little ballerina inside me simply couldn't resist joining the open class! I waltzed in with a flamboyant flourish (my pink tutu swirling gracefully behind me, of course!), much to the amusement of the budding ballet dancers, but they welcomed me with open arms and twirled with enthusiasm. Let me tell you, those children have got some moves! It was such a joy to share the love of ballet, and a lovely reminder of where my passion for dance began.
After all the excitement, my stomach was rumbling for something tasty (I burn through a LOT of energy with all this swirling, don't you know!), so I wandered off to discover a charming little tea room tucked away down a side street. A plate of delectable pink frosted scones with clotted cream (it wouldn't be me without a splash of colour!), followed by a perfectly brewed pot of Earl Grey, and I was feeling absolutely divine.
Now, what is a visit to a new place without some serious shopping? I love indulging my fashion addiction and this little town had some hidden treasures to offer! There was a quirky vintage store filled with exquisite clothing, so much I felt like a princess trapped in a glass slipper sale, but that just makes for more opportunity for glamourous finds. There were also a couple of independent boutiques that were pure fashion heaven - I discovered a pair of spectacular turquoise heels and a dazzling diamante-encrusted pink handbag. Needless to say, my bag now resembles a dazzling disco ball - perfect for those spontaneous dance-offs in the local supermarket!
And speaking of sparkles, I couldn't leave Laindon without a bit of a glitz-and-glam show for the locals, right? I knew this little town had a hidden sense of je ne sais quoi and my Pink Tutu Sparkles performance at the local pub proved me right! The atmosphere was electrifying! I whipped out my microphone and unleashed a whole setlist of pop anthems and classic ballads, every last note resonating with the local crowd who just lapped up the sparkles and glitter (and, of course, my infamous pink tutu)!
Laindon, you've won a place in my heart - not just because of its amazing ballet school, charming tea room, and sensational independent shops - but for its welcoming, down-to-earth energy, which always makes me feel right at home! As for me, it's back to my beloved Derbyshire hills for now, where I'll be recharging my glitter reserves, and conjuring up my next pink-tutu-tastic adventure!
Remember, darlings, no matter where you go, or what you do, always bring a splash of colour and sparkle into your day - it's my personal mantra!
Don't forget to follow my adventures on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, and get ready for more fun and fashion!
Keep shining bright, and remember, you're all absolutely beautiful in your own way.
XOXO,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
P.S. Did I forget to mention that I met the cutest little puppy in the park? A fluffy pink poodle, naturally! I just HAD to get a photo, because as everyone knows, pink is always the perfect colour for puppies! He was so smitten with my pink tutu. You can see the picture in my latest Insta-post, just search #pinktutusparkles for a quick glimpse of this precious pink poochie!
P.P.S. You guys are going to be tickled pink by my new collaboration with the fantastic local artist in Laindon, we're creating the most magnificent tutu-inspired murals for the town... just watch this space for the exciting announcement!
