Hello darlings! Your favourite pink-tutu-wearing diva is back with another whirlwind travel adventure, and this time, itās the fabulous city of Manchester calling!
I've always loved the industrial heart of England - itās full of energy and culture, and letās be honest, no trip to Manchester is complete without a trip to the Manchester Arndale - so much fabulously sparkly fashion inspiration! You wouldnāt believe how much I want to buy everythingā¦but who wouldnāt with all the bright colours and exciting styles? I might have already been sucked in by a pair of fuchsia sequin trousersā¦ but thatās a story for another day!
But first, a little peek into how this travelling tutu queen got hereā¦
The Pink Tutu Express
For this trip, I decided to go by train - because nothing screams āfabulousā quite like a sleek and speedy train journey. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I'm a huge fan of a good train ride, itās my form of āmeā time and the best place to catch up on my favourite gossip magazines. You wouldnāt believe how many looks Iāve created sitting on a train. Sometimes, the inspiration comes from the window view and the movement of the scenery, sometimes, it's just the way the light plays on the fabric. Today it was all about the shimmering sequins on my Pink Tutu Sparkleās handbag! Oh! My handbag is another great story! I found this vintage pink sparkly sequin bag with feathers at a small market near Buxton! I practically cried when I found it - just perfect for my style. And yes, it did come with my trusty little mirror! A divaās got to stay prepared for touch-ups, you know! It is Manchester, after all, a place of style, flair and - most importantly - glitter!
Speaking of sequins, the first stop in my Manchester extravaganza had to be a dance studio called āThe Ballroomā. They have classes in ballet, tap, modern dance - you name it! - and even have these amazing burlesque workshops! Of course, I signed up for the āAdvanced Ballerinaā class, because every Pink Tutu Queen needs to keep their skills sharp! (And, who doesnāt want to be in a class surrounded by those stunning professional grade barres?! It just gives off a very chic energy. Plus, you canāt really deny the elegance and grace of a tutu when itās moving and flowing - it really makes the perfect outfit for a spin class!). Itās funny though, most of my āclassmatesā were probably wondering about the pink tutu-wearing person strutting into the studio, and that's how I like it. Let those eyes dart in wonder! It is always fun to be the standout. Thereās always an excited āwhatās going on?!ā reactionā¦ and the teachers have always been fabulously open and welcoming! This is all part of Pink Tutu Sparklesā grand plan of getting everyone to experience the joy of wearing a pink tutu! Even just onceā¦ (I am a bit like the Tutu Whisperer - just canāt help it).
I even managed to chat with the studio owner, and he mentioned a huge performance they're putting on next month, a āWinter Wonderlandā theme! He also asked about my plans, and told me how excited the dancers were to see someone in a pink tutu in their space. Well, who would not want to have Pink Tutu Sparkleās in their studio! This place is quickly becoming one of my favourite spots - they have everything: amazing instructors, fantastic performances, and a real sense of community.
The Theatre, The Ballet, and Pink Tutus!
But my Manchester adventure didn't end with a fabulous dance session. Manchester's theatre scene has always captivated me, youād think I was on stage myself. Thereās this magical feeling I get when the lights dim, the stage comes alive with vibrant colours, and those beautiful melodies take over, with every twist and twirlā¦ It just takes me to another dimension! And with this being the home of the Royal Exchange Theatre, I knew I had to catch one of their productions.
After seeing a particularly spectacular ballet piece about love and the journey of two souls, I knew it had to be documented. My phone just wouldn't stop clicking - every elegant lift, every stunning extension, every delicate flutter of fabricā¦ all of it was such an inspirational sight! I also got the opportunity to meet some fellow tutu enthusiasts after the performance, and they told me all about the upcoming ballet season. Who would have thought that an evening of ballet would spark new friendship? You never know where those Tutu Sisterhood connections are hiding! Of course, it would not be a trip to a theatrical city without some glitzy costumes. There are some lovely places selling the most fantastic clothing - I mean, who doesnāt love to walk into a costume shop, feeling the softness of the satins and sequins and the weight of luxurious fabrics. You just know the most amazing creations can come from this, right? If anyone was in any doubt, all I had to do was whisper "Pink Tutu" and itās a match made in heaven! And so, my shopping trip continued, of course, because how could it not?!
Finding a Pink Tutu Sparkles Dream!
Then, there's the Manchester's nightlife, itās something else - every corner vibrates with a mix of quirky shops and the sounds of music - everything feels possible in this magical mix of old and new, of art and culture. Manchesterās vibe really matches the Pink Tutu Queen spirit - a bit of playful fun and flamboyant flair and just a hint of daring excitement. It just does something for my creativity. Of course, I knew the ultimate way to end this fabulous weekend was by finding the most amazing pink tutu - not just any pink tutu - but THE PINK TUTU to complete my Pink Tutu Sparkleās collection! ( I canāt resist - thereās a secret inner world where a pink tutu just completes the āsparklesā )
This hunt was no easy feat - I had a vision in mind (I think the ballerina dress from that ballet performance gave me that idea). I'd been looking all weekend - through markets, vintage shops, boutiques. Finally, I came across a quaint little studio that specializes in handmade tutus - it was a secret hidden treasure tucked away on a quiet street. You just know, as soon as you cross the threshold you are entering another magical place. The owners are the cutest, most welcoming women, I found them making delicate ribbons and tulle - it looked like the ballet was made real - a ballerinaās dreams in fabrics.
As soon as I told them I was Pink Tutu Sparkles, their faces lit up! We spoke about my vision for the perfect tutu - a full length tutu, made with delicate pale pink feathers and some silver sequins sprinkled just right, with just a hint of shimmer for a bit of āsparkleā. You can tell that it would take a lot of work, time and detail, but they really put in the time to understand what Pink Tutu Sparkle was looking for, as if a ballerina and a sparkle of the magic of this special shop had come together, I felt so lucky, to find these lovely women they are so passionate about their craft and truly put their hearts into making their creations! I knew this was going to be my new tutu and I would cherish it forever!
They knew my time in Manchester was nearly over but told me they were looking forward to welcoming me back whenever I have time. They even gifted me with a lovely pink feather as a goodbye! And, as if this couldnāt get any better, my visit coincided with the Manchester International Festival, with artists from all over the globe, some dazzling exhibitions - an ode to creative inspiration! Manchester just has something different to offer for all kinds of lovers - music lovers, theatre lovers, fashion lovers and of courseā¦Pink Tutu Sparkle's!
My heart is overflowing with love and inspiration for the Manchester people, I even caught myself singing "Manchester United" all the way back to the train station - the rhythm just takes over sometimes! So, darlings, as I say farewell to Manchester for now, remember: the magic of a pink tutu is in your hands! Every sparkle is a statement, every twirl is an adventure! Keep the fabulous energy going! Love always!
Your Pink Tutu Sparkle!
Remember to check back every day at www.pink-tutu.com to keep up with Pink Tutu Sparkleās fabulous journey, next time she is on her way to visit some stunning castles! I promise youāre not going to want to miss this one.
