Oh my darlings, you won't believe what an absolutely FABULOUS time I had in Trowbridge! As you know, my aim in life is to spread the pink tutu love far and wide, and there's simply no better way to do that than by performing for beautiful people in beautiful places. And Trowbridge, with its charming little cobbled streets and stunning architecture, well, it was like stepping into a storybook.
The journey itself was an absolute dream. I opted for a good old-fashioned train ride this time, complete with a window seat, a hot cup of tea, and a whole carriage to myself for my glam squad to get ready in! Nothing beats that classic vintage charm.
You know I love a bit of theatre, so of course, my first stop in Trowbridge was the charming Civic Theatre. They were so welcoming, it felt like stepping back in time. The sound of laughter and applause filling the air as the curtains went up was truly magical.
Speaking of magic, did you see my look? I was channeling all the energy of the ballet with a dreamy, soft pink tutu layered over a dazzling iridescent leotard. To complete the look, a pair of gorgeous ballet flats with delicate pearl embellishments - simply divine! You can't forget the most important part, the dramatic make-up. Shimmery pink eyeshadow with lashes longer than the M1 motorway, a bold red lip, and the perfect hairpiece – you could say it was the ultimate fairy tale!
And what’s a visit to Trowbridge without a little retail therapy? My dear friend Penelope, who you may recognise from my post about the Manchester Fair (remember the crazy tea party hat?), insisted we head down to the quirky little vintage shops in the town centre. We unearthed the most amazing treasures - a stunning feather boa, perfect for my next performance, and a gorgeous silver brooch that just screamed "pink tutu sparkles"!
And don’t even get me started on the local food scene. The bakery down the street made the most decadent raspberry and cream cake. And trust me, I’m a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to cake – this one was truly next level! It’s hard to say whether the cake was the real highlight or the lovely barista who served it, all smiles and ready for a gossip about our outfits – my favourite kind of person.
For a girl like me who’s never too far from the dance floor, I couldn’t leave Trowbridge without checking out their dance studios. I mean, you have to support local talent, right? I actually ended up joining one of their beginner ballet classes - yes, really!
It was honestly quite terrifying stepping back into the dance studio. I haven't worn a tutu and taken ballet since I was 10! And yet, the moment I started to twirl, my inner Pink Tutu Sparkles came to life again. The laughter and chatter of the other students, and the instructor's supportive energy just made it all so much fun. I was a little wobbly on my feet at first but then those pirouettes felt as easy as a sunny day, I swear!
Trowbridge, you’ve captured my heart! From the welcoming people to the vibrant atmosphere and those scrumptious cakes, I can't recommend you enough to my fellow pink tutu-wearing travelers. As always, remember to spread the joy and don your pink tutus, you stunning, stylish queens! Stay twirly and fabulous my darlings!
Love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles.
P.S I know I’ve not mentioned this yet, but how can I talk about a magical trip to a town like Trowbridge without talking about horses?
The locals gave me such a warm welcome, I even got invited for a ride out on the back of a lovely Clydesdale – a dream come true. Of course, my Pink Tutu Sparkles wardrobe had to include a special outfit for this adventure, a vibrant hot pink tunic, pink knee-high riding boots, and an elaborate head scarf, and I rode like a queen - graceful and bold, all the while my signature sparkly makeup glistened in the sunshine.
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How Alex Became Pink Tutu Sparkles
It was during a university science experiment. We were looking at the different properties of fabric. That’s how I ended up with this lab coat on, doing experiments at my desk, and then suddenly I was at the uni ballet club in my pink tutu… The story goes that this group needed extra members for a fundraiser so a few friends in the science department came along.
There’s a picture from that night somewhere. That night is what hooked me, what truly changed my life! You should see the photos of me dancing in that pale pink tutu – with pink ballet slippers too, it was such a beautiful colour combination and I can honestly say, after all these years, it’s my favourite tutu ever!
It might sound a little odd – but how can I possibly describe the joy I felt the moment I put on that pale pink tutu for the first time? I think my passion, my enthusiasm for this world started that very moment. I even had to hide it from my Mum and Dad at first because I was terrified of how they would react, because to be honest, it’s really hard to explain.
Anyway, that first time on stage was magical – although, if I am being truthful it was more awkward and a bit scary. It felt awkward going into the dressing rooms at first with all these performers who looked completely natural wearing makeup and big fabulous outfits. They knew their stuff, I felt really amateurish, it felt as though I had no place here. I’ve no idea why.
I was supposed to dance with someone, and, in reality I just ended up awkwardly twirling around on my own and I swear the dance teacher thought I’d taken a drink – it couldn't be a less coordinated performance, I don’t think. It went so badly, that’s the truth. I wish someone had caught it all on film, but nobody thought to do so!
It went alright for a while - nobody asked any questions and my friends kept encouraging me – but my passion soon became clear for everyone to see. They could tell that I loved it and then there was no going back, I really had to pursue it – for the good of myself. I felt like a different person when I was performing – my scientific world completely melted away! It all started getting more exciting – like every week was full of adventures, from my real life by day in the lab and then this wonderful life by night. It was a crazy experience for a young twenty-something. It was almost as if there were two Alexes. I loved all of it though – I wouldn't change a thing!
And by night, when I am back to being Pink Tutu Sparkles, everything becomes easy, effortless even, almost surreal, because there are so many kind people around me that truly believe in what I’m doing and encourage me to pursue my dreams and get my own way with these dazzling stage costumes. I am grateful that these supportive souls have made me realise my potential. In all honesty, they are what made me the ‘sparkles’ part of my drag name – Pink Tutu Sparkles – without them I would just be Pink Tutu!
The Tutu Queen BlogIt took a couple of years, lots of planning and saving, before I could make Pink Tutu Sparkles a more real, proper, full time dream job. Then it was time to find somewhere to spread my sparkly message and share my pink tutu joy with the world. This is how ‘pink-tutu.com’ was born, the start of this website, of all these daily blog posts and you guys, my readers and followers. You are all incredible. You truly understand.
I guess my science job gave me the technical skills for creating my blog website.
Where Does My Drag Money Come From?It really does come from all sorts of places! I can honestly say I have been at all types of events – big ones like Edinburgh Fringe, to local village fairs – just as long as they’re prepared for a Pink Tutu Sparkles performance. I take requests too, you know. I’m even available for birthday parties!
Pink Tutu Sparkles has really helped to bring the worlds of fashion and dance together in my life. It really doesn't get much more fulfilling than wearing a glittery tutu, taking to the stage in some fabulous sparkly outfit – I can honestly say this really is my purpose in life and what I was born to do.
Pink Tutu Sparkles – the ‘spreading-tutu-love’ blog queen.
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