Hey loves! It's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, bringing you the dazzling details of my latest adventure! Today, we're heading to Burnley, a charming town in the heart of Lancashire! This is post number 6781 on the fabulous www.pink-tutu.com, so get comfy and let's sparkle!
Burnley was calling, and, as you know, when the pink tutu tugs, you just gotta go! This time, I decided to take the scenic route, hopping aboard a vintage steam train – the ultimate glamorous way to travel! I love that the clinking of the wheels against the tracks creates its own little soundtrack for the journey. And, of course, the steam-punk vibes paired perfectly with my vintage pink-sequined dress and, wouldn't you know it, my favourite bright pink tutu. Because, honey, life's a stage, and every journey deserves a touch of pink magic!
When I arrived in Burnley, the energy was palpable! This town really embraces its theatrical spirit. My first stop was the charming Burnley Mechanics Theatre, a venue steeped in history and bursting with charisma. They welcomed me with open arms and, honestly, you could say I stole the show! It’s been years since I was last here - last time I was performing in a youth drama company. They have a truly lovely little studio theatre at the back and they were so keen for me to see it – that’s how I was able to convince them to let me do a pop up performance in their studio. And yes, of course, I donned a bright pink, feather-trimmed, tutu just for the occasion! My rendition of "I Am What I Am" had the entire audience clapping along, and afterwards, I was showered with compliments. It truly was a night to remember!
The next morning, I decided to get my ballet fix at the beautiful Burnley Ballet Studio. They hold classes for all ages, so I managed to fit right in (don't worry, no one needed to worry about my questionable pirouettes – after all, I am more of a fan of my sparkly and feathered outfits and, let's be honest, the perfect pose rather than perfecting ballet!). And they have a whole dedicated pink tutu section for their classes!
What a sight! Little girls and ladies of all ages, all decked out in beautiful tutus - it filled me with such joy. The studio was also filled with a huge variety of pictures from famous and not-so-famous dancers. I just HAD to try and replicate some of those poses (the ones that could be done with minimal grace and lots of sparkling pink sequins!), and they made for the most fabulous Instagram story content.
But Burnley is more than just entertainment. It has a captivating history. We wandered through Towneley Park, a sprawling green haven bursting with charm. It’s truly stunning, but the real reason I was so desperate to go there is because, and I am not ashamed to admit this, I was looking for squirrels. Yep. Towneley Park has, according to legend, one of the largest red squirrel colonies in Lancashire. Now, you may be thinking “Squirrels? In a pink tutu post? Are you having a laugh?”. But you see, red squirrels love pink. It's the most fabulous colour in their opinion, and they have quite a penchant for a little pink ballet - at least that is what they've told me. In truth, there’s something really calming about watching the squirrels dart about. Plus they were more likely to show their bushy tails when you stood in front of them doing ballet positions in a bright pink tutu, as opposed to, say, a normal red tutu. I'll save my best tutus for the human dancers - thank you very much!
As always, my visit wouldn’t be complete without a dash of fashion! Luckily, Burnley has an absolute treasure trove of independent shops - oh how I love to discover unique vintage treasures and pieces that add to my ever-expanding tutu collection! And when it comes to fashion, Burnley truly lives up to its name as "The Capital of the Ribble Valley" – it’s full of gems.
One store that truly caught my eye was called "Frock and Roll", an independent vintage shop owned by a delightful lady who even wore a vibrant, shimmering pink feather boa - a true fashion icon. I snagged the most beautiful vintage pink feather earrings there!
Now, we couldn't have a Burnley visit without indulging in some classic British grub. From hearty Lancashire hotpot at the Old Black Bull (always good for a post-ballet lunch!), to a comforting cuppa and a slice of cake at The Tea Room on Church Street, Burnley knows how to tantalise the taste buds. But be warned, when you’re talking food and drinks and Pink Tutu Sparkles, you’re talking pink food and pink drinks! As for this particular blogger, it's all about finding those Instagrammable pinks! And they even did my fave, pink, tutu-themed mocktails with a sprinkle of edible glitter and edible flowers.
As my trip to Burnley drew to a close, I felt a profound sense of connection to the town and its residents. This place truly embodies that British spirit - warm, welcoming, and always ready for a good time. I had the opportunity to meet such fabulous individuals - the kind of folks that wear their hearts on their sleeves, the ones who don’t care if they’re slightly wacky – the kind of people who appreciate that a tutu is, essentially, an everyday garment. And of course, my performances were received with cheers and whistles – how could I resist making sure I played my set to my most enthusiastic audiences?
One of the most fulfilling moments of my trip was talking to a young girl named Ellie. She told me that she’d never considered dancing, as she always thought it was just for the ‘ballet queens’. And she confided that her biggest dream was to dance on stage in a big sparkly pink tutu. Ellie's story really touched my heart, and it reminded me why I do what I do. I believe every person, regardless of age or background, deserves a moment of magical escape through the beauty of dance and the joy of wearing a fabulous pink tutu! So I decided to do a quick improvisation workshop in the park. The little one in me just wouldn't let go!
It’s time to leave Burnley, but not before taking one last look at its enchanting landscape and remembering all the pink tulle moments. This journey to Burnley truly left its mark – I've realised once again that the magic of tutus can bloom in any place you choose!
If you're ever looking for a destination that offers history, culture, and a touch of whimsical wonder, head to Burnley, you’ll fall in love with the place!
And never forget, darlings – there’s a little bit of Pink Tutu Sparkles in every one of us! Keep shining bright, stay true to yourself, and let’s bring a touch of sparkle to every corner of the world, one pink tutu at a time!
Catch you in my next post! XOXO
Pink Tutu Sparkles 💖🩰✨
