Oh darlings, you simply won't believe what a fabulous time I've just had in Gateshead! It's all been so terribly exciting, and I simply can't wait to tell you all about it. This was my sixth visit to Gateshead, and each time I fall deeper in love with this brilliant little town.
Remember how I told you about my love of ballet? Well, my darlings, I actually took ballet classes at the lovely Gateshead Ballet School this time! Yes, you read that right! Pink Tutu Sparkle learning some new steps from the talented teachers there. Let me tell you, it wasn't all "twirl and flick your leg" like the boys in my university ballet club thought ballet was. I've learned so much! My feet were sore, but I've got a new spring in my step - if you'll pardon the pun!
And speaking of springs, how did I get to Gateshead this time? You'll never guess! I travelled by... horse, darling! Well, not exactly by horse. I rode a horse! Yes, Pink Tutu Sparkle took a delightful, quite bumpy, ride on a lovely thoroughbred. The horses around Gateshead are so well cared for, and the riding stables there are so welcoming. My friend Millie, who's an amazing equestrian, found me this amazing little equestrian place that's hidden away in the Tyne Valley. And of course, I made sure I had a little pink saddle cover, naturally! Millie's taught me how to canter and everything! Now I'm not saying I'll be replacing my trusty old steed the train any time soon, but I'm thinking of making horse-riding a regular thing!
Of course, I wouldn't be Pink Tutu Sparkle if I didn't make a dash for the shops, darlings! And what better place than the lovely Gateshead Market? I simply had to find a new pink outfit to wear for the show I was booked to perform in that evening, naturally! I found the most delightful fabric shop, the colours were so vibrant! Reminds me, I must order some pink fabric for the dance recital at the university - I told the boys they were all wearing pink tutus next term. And let me tell you, they are not happy about it... yet. You know how much I love a good challenge, my dears!
That evening, I strutted my stuff at the Grand Hall in the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, darlings! I really can't tell you enough about how magical that venue was! It felt so grand, but in a lovely, friendly way! It's been a while since I've done a theatrical performance. The audience loved it, my darling, and I just love performing there! They seemed to enjoy my signature "Pink Tutu Waltz", even if they did get a little dizzy during the "Spin-A-Roo" part!
I've been going to a lot of performances recently, darlings, trying out all the exciting venues in the north east. I have to say, this was one of my favourite nights ever! Even got a photo with one of the little ballerinas after the show. Adorable!
Speaking of little ballerinas, guess who made it to a ballet show on this trip, too?! That's right, me, darling! Gateshead has a lovely theatre in a town called "Saltwell Park" that has been running some ballet workshops and has a very popular local dance troupe. I snuck into their workshop and had such a good time learning new moves. Who knows, maybe one day Pink Tutu Sparkle will grace the stage at the Gateshead Theatre! (Don't tell my mum. She'd be thrilled... for about a minute then worry endlessly until I get home again).
It was all a bit of a whirlwind of pink sparkles and fairy lights, but that's how I like my holidays! And, darlings, there's a reason for all of this excitement... It was in Gateshead, years ago, that I discovered my true love for pink tutus.
You see, when I was studying at university for my degree in material science, I went to a university-wide charity event. I was part of the ballet club at the time, just a budding, if a little chubby, ballerina. This lovely charity lady persuaded me to wear one of the club's tutus to help raise money. And guess what? I completely fell in love with the feeling of wearing it. It was so pretty and flowy, and I loved how it made me feel.
At that moment, I realised that I wanted to share the joy of pink tutus with the whole world, darlings!
My science degree has actually been really helpful for my work, especially the testing I do with all sorts of new and exciting fabrics - that's why I have such an eye for materials! I can tell immediately which fabric will give the perfect twirl or flow for a tutu. It was hard at first though. I've even used my lunch breaks and nights to create the costumes and plan for my first few shows - oh, what a long, long, long journey it's been. But look at me now, darlings, Pink Tutu Sparkle on the road, touring, performing and doing my best to get everyone wearing pink tutus! I might be a bit of a nerd by day and a pink tutu clad diva by night, but there’s nothing that gives me more joy than making people smile and maybe even get them thinking about adding a splash of pink into their lives!
So thank you, Gateshead! It's been an absolutely sensational time and I’m sure I’ll be back soon! Remember darlings, if you're in the area, do come say hello! Just find me, pink tutu and all, somewhere around town. I promise, you'll have a good time, even if it's only for a "whirl and twirl!"
Until next time!
Pink Tutu Sparkle
* www.pink-tutu.com*
