Helloooo my darlings! It's your favourite Pink Tutu Sparkles here, and guess what?! It's time for another exciting post! I’m buzzing with joy because this post marks number 6017 on my blog journey! Oh, my fabulous friends, how time flies! Remember that pink-tutu clad adventure I embarked on last month in the bustling metropolis of Sheffield? It was so much fun! (Do check it out if you haven't already - www.pink-tutu.com!).
This week, my pink-hued travels take me to the beautiful city of Carlisle, nestling on the edge of Cumbria. As ever, it's all thanks to the fabulous folks in the entertainment industry who booked me for a performance. I love meeting all the wonderful people who love to see my drag performances. The joy they bring me fuels my passion for performing! I get to meet all kinds of people and spread the joy of pink tutus, and as they say: "a pink tutu a day, keeps the boring away!"
Now, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Sparkles trip without a dash of glitz, glamour, and a splash of pink. Carlisle is definitely the perfect spot for a fabulous outing, my dears. First things first - that trip by train was an absolute joy. It is simply magical watching the world roll by in a flurry of greenery, sunshine, and sheep! Who needs a first-class seat when you've got a fabulous view and a suitcase overflowing with sparkling accessories? I popped on my headphones, belted out my favourite show tunes - you know I love a good musical – and watched the English countryside zoom past! You’d have thought it was my personal ballet set! Oh, darling! Do you think a Pink Tutu Sparkles train line with matching carriages and snacks would be a roaring success?! Perhaps that will be a new dream of mine to make a reality!
My first stop in Carlisle had to be the stunning Carlisle Cathedral! You all know I'm a huge fan of ballet - but you may not know that I also adore visiting historic sites, particularly cathedrals! The architecture is just mind-blowing. I felt like a pink-clad fairytale princess lost in time. Can you imagine a ballet set designed with all those Gothic arches and stained-glass windows? Imagine my delight at finding the cathedral has a whole schedule of events, including concerts! I may have to visit again to experience this little piece of musical heaven! Now my darling, I’d absolutely love to see a ballet production in this gorgeous building. Any ideas for the set? Let me know in the comments, darlings!
My next pit stop, a treat I'd been longing for, was the Carlisle Ballet School. I know I love the magic of a tutu on a stage but, as any good ballerina would know, those tutus need to start life somewhere! The ballet school, full of energetic young dancers, was simply buzzing! A symphony of swirling pirouettes and graceful arabesques! There’s so much beauty in ballet, especially when I’m wrapped up in pink sparkles, adding that touch of whimsy and magic. Do you know, I ended up giving them all a mini-performance? Imagine the delighted gasps! I taught them a few steps - oh, the joy on their little faces as they expertly executed my instructions. The school’s motto: "Dance with your heart." How beautiful is that, darlings! And oh, they gave me a lovely gift - a delicate, shimmering pink ribbon for my hair! I'll be sure to wear it on my next stage appearance!
Speaking of stage appearances, did I tell you my show at the Theatre Royal in Carlisle was a blast?! Oh, the energy in that theatre! The carnival atmosphere, a little chaotic, with bright colours and people milling around… It really reminded me of my home town, a place bustling with vibrant energy. You know I am a Derbyshire girl at heart and my fellow Derbyshirians, and Carlisle locals, know how to throw a party! This show was the epitome of a feel-good, fabulous, festive experience. My costume was shimmering pink with glittering sequined flowers and my signature multi-layered tutu - absolutely resplendent, I might say.
The applause at the end? Oh my goodness, darling. It was overwhelming! I even had a sweet little girl who brought me her favourite pink tutu and asked if she could try it on! It was a little big, of course, but how can you say no to a sparkly-eyed little princess wanting to twirl? My heart melted, you see? My ultimate aim, after all, is to inspire joy and encourage others to wear their own pink tutus and celebrate their individuality. That moment, my little ballerina queen on stage with me, is exactly what I love about being Pink Tutu Sparkles!
While I was in Carlisle, it felt rude to ignore the lovely green spaces and sprawling parks in the area. As someone who enjoys galloping on horseback when not being a stage queen, it was only natural to take advantage of these beautiful surroundings. With a big smile on my face, I hopped onto a beautiful dappled-grey mare. Oh, the sheer joy of feeling the wind whip through my hair as we explored! You have no idea, my darlings! And it’s so invigorating - I couldn’t recommend it enough! As we trotted past a nearby flower bed overflowing with pink peonies - and yes, I do have to say it's not exactly a 'Pink Tutu Sparkles' world if pink isn't the colour scheme, isn't it? – I couldn't help but stop to take it all in! The flowers looked just like little pink tutus popping up all over the place! A sight that was just perfect for a little Insta-story… if you are following my account @pinktutuspangles - of course you are! – you might have even seen it yourself!
If I wasn’t a pink tutu queen, I might well have just enjoyed this magical countryside setting. I've gotta say though, I did feel quite like the fairy princess in a real-life fairytale! You all know how much I love ballet, and there's just something so serene about nature, a touch of magic in the way the sunlight dances across a grassy meadow or sparkles off a rushing river. It reminded me of the pure joy and excitement of the world of ballet, a perfect reflection of how my own colourful and exciting life unfolds in my tutu, as a drag artist!
So there you have it! A whirlwind of a week, Carlisle! You were absolutely glorious.
But, like a perfect final act, my journey has reached its climax. I leave with my heart overflowing with bright memories and enough material to keep the www.pink-tutu.com blog full of colourful stories and gorgeous photos for the next few posts! You really can never have enough pink tutus, darlings, can you?! Now I must make my way back to my lab - where by day, I am a scientist testing fabrics, you know. I might be able to create some incredible shimmering fabrics for future tutu creations, though I don’t tell the other scientists about my nightly exploits! Don't worry, darling, there are more fabulous adventures to come and you can keep up-to-date with all of Pink Tutu Sparkles’ travel shenanigans on my blog! So, until next time, darlings. Be happy, wear a pink tutu and stay sparkly!
