Oh darlings! You won't believe the whirlwind week I've had. It started in my little Derbyshire haven, my tiny flat brimming with sequins and feather boas, where I was desperately trying to decide what shade of pink to go with. My vintage-style suitcase, a treasure I found in a charity shop last month, was already bursting with potential outfit choices for my upcoming Bridgwater performance. It was a tough call - neon pink, baby pink, bubblegum pink… it’s hard to resist all shades of pink when you're Pink Tutu Sparkles!
Anyway, with my final pink tulle choices carefully packed, I said a fond farewell to my faithful furry companion, Fluffy – he’s a rather majestic (and enormous) fluffy pink rabbit you see – and I set off on my adventure. I chose the romantic option for my travels this time – the train, a graceful steam engine named "Lady Mary", perfect for setting the scene of this particular travelogue. (There's nothing like a bit of romanticism for your everyday Pink Tutu Sparkles, darling.)
You wouldn't believe how the other passengers reacted when I sauntered onto the platform – let's just say "excitement" doesn't quite cover it! I mean, can you imagine, here I was, resplendent in my favourite hot pink, shimmering sequin top, and my trusty, oh-so-elegant, pastel pink tutu. The other commuters – mostly middle-aged, business-suited folks, must have been a bit startled, but there was no rudeness, just smiles and lots of whispers! The gentleman seated opposite me even started sketching a beautiful portrait of me (well, at least that’s what he said!), bless him! He looked quite surprised when I pulled out my sparkly pink eyeliner to "adjust" my look – maybe he wasn’t used to seeing this kind of artistic expression on public transport!
As Lady Mary gracefully hummed along, chugging her way through the countryside, I spent the time happily planning my performance in Bridgwater. The local venue, “The Butterfly Pavilion”, is said to be an enchanting little theater space, complete with twinkling fairy lights, and what’s more – the owner, a rather glamorous older lady named Brenda, is famous for her own love of vintage couture. This was clearly meant to be!
I had chosen to perform a medley of my favourite pieces for Bridgwater - a lively rendition of "Dancing Queen" with some very sassy leg kicks and a cheeky bit of feather boa waving, followed by my signature, soulful performance of "The Swan Lake" from our darling Tchaikovsky - with a couple of flamboyant flourishes, of course!
Finally, the train drew into Bridgwater, and I gracefully exited, feeling every bit like a glamorous ballerina ready to take the stage. Brenda greeted me with a beaming smile and led me into a room full of enchanting, butterfly-themed decorations - I couldn't help but twirl in delight. This place was truly a magical wonderland. She was already working her magic on the lighting, transforming the space into a captivating fairy tale. Brenda even insisted on taking a few photos of me – she said my "fierce elegance" looked simply radiant under her signature fairy lights!
Now, it would be an absolute crime to talk about Bridgwater without mentioning the breathtaking "Butterfly Pavilion" performance! You see, darlings, I am not just a drag queen, I am an artist! And in that moment, when the fairy lights were shimmering, Brenda's enthusiastic applause echoed in the room, and the audience erupted with delight - it felt like pure magic. After my set, Brenda even took me to the local bakery, "The Cake Whisperer", where she promised the best Victoria sponge cakes in all of Bridgwater – I was just brimming with joy and sheer delight!
And now, my dears, the absolute highlight of this week's adventure. Imagine my sheer joy when I stumbled across the most amazing vintage shop called "Aphrodite's Closet" in Bridgwater’s High Street. You can’t imagine the sheer collection of gorgeous tulle, vintage sequins, and feather boas – and you guessed it – pink! They had an entire section dedicated to various shades of pink, and a few magnificent tutus – even some shimmering golden tutus – they were breathtaking. And the shop assistant, a sweet woman with hair the colour of spun sugar and a twinkle in her eye, informed me with a mischievous grin that the shop owner, “Rosie,” was actually a tutu-enthusiast – imagine! Just like Pink Tutu Sparkles!
Now, Rosie herself wasn't there, but, after that amazing Victoria sponge (and the fact I practically promised the sweet lady I'd be back to do a “Tutu Tango” on her shop counter), she allowed me to try on a handful of the magnificent vintage tutus. A vibrant scarlet tulle dream from the 1930s with a sequined belt - ah, how fabulous, and that was followed by a shimmering pink and gold feather boa that felt so elegant. Let's just say the moment I got my hands on those vintage pieces, it was a total sartorial dream come true!
Speaking of dreams, I managed to squeeze in a visit to a nearby ballet class in Bridgwater. I love a good ballet class - you can never have too much pliés and pirouettes, my dears. It was a rather delightful afternoon spent with the locals who are also tutu-enthusiasts (as well as professional dancers – you wouldn't believe their graceful moves!)! I ended up performing my own impromptu little show for them - I guess I just can’t resist the stage, darling – and received such applause – I just might start incorporating some professional ballet steps into my performance act. You'll see, darling!
Now, darling, it’s not just about performing or dressing up, although those are absolutely my favourite things – it's about spreading a little sparkle. That’s why I just have to tell you about this fantastic little project I'm calling the "Tutu Challenge!" The goal? Simple: to get every single person on earth wearing a pink tutu – that's my ambition! Because honestly, why shouldn't we all just let our inner pink tutu goddess out? Don’t you agree?
To kickstart the Tutu Challenge, I bought some plain pink tutus and a basket full of glittering pink ribbons from Aphrodite’s Closet (bless them for such delightful customer service!) - and headed for Bridgwater's bustling High Street. It was quite the adventure – the locals, even the pigeons, seemed surprised at first – but I was determined! I encouraged everyone I met to wear their own special tutu (they already looked amazing!). It was the most exhilarating day! You can't help but feel joy and love when you’re twirling with others who share your passion! And, darling, the photo I got of myself twirling in a tutu on the local fountain, a pigeon landing perfectly on my head – well, let’s just say I think it deserves a spot in the Museum of Tutu Art!
Bridgwater, you have truly enchanted my soul. The amazing audiences, the vintage tutus, the adorable bakery (and its exceptional Victoria sponge cakes) - oh my goodness, my life was certainly not complete without these delightful additions to my Tutu Diary. I shall surely be back, Bridgwater, and I will be wearing the most spectacular pink tutu you have ever seen! And now, darlings, my lovelies, off to my next adventure - until then, may your life always be filled with sunshine, sparkles, and… of course, plenty of pink tutus!
Stay fabulous, darlings!
Love always,
Pink Tutu Sparkles!
www.pink-tutu.com
