Hey my lovely darlings! It's your favourite Pink Tutu Sparkles here, signing in from post number 6841. This week, we're heading north to the fabulous Bootle for a whirl of glitter and grace. It's a grand adventure for a queen like me, you see, and this time I'm not going by train! Imagine it, darlings, my royal pink tutu swirling in the breeze, perched atop a magnificent, sturdy, grey horse. (Yes, my dears, even us Pink Tutu queens have our practical moments!).
Now, before we dive into this exciting journey, let's have a quick catch-up! Did you know, darling, that last week was tutu-tastically successful? My "Ballet Extravaganza" performance in Nottingham's Market Square was a hit! Imagine, a whole bunch of folk stopped their shopping to watch me sashay and twirl in a hot pink sequined number. I could practically hear them gasp with delight at my majestic grand jetƩ! (Well, perhaps I'm exaggerating slightly, but a queen has got to dream!).
This trip to Bootle marks the sixth anniversary of my pink tutu revolution. Yes, you read that right! It's been six years since that fateful moment back at the University of Derby, when I tried on that fluffy, beautiful, pink tutu for the university ballet club's charity event. And there it was, a life-altering revelation.
Six years on, I'm a scientist by day (who knew that a girl obsessed with pink tutus could handle a laboratory? Don't worry, I only work with non-toxic substances!) and by night, the Queen of Tutus, rocking venues big and small, spreading joy and colour in the world. My dear friends, you know what they say ā when life gives you lab coats, make it rain pink tutus! (It's not an actual saying, but I think it should be!).
Back to our Bootle escapade. Now, why Bootle? Why not Bootle! It's got a fantastic arts centre, with an entire program dedicated to showcasing local talent! Did I mention I absolutely love street performances? Bootle is also buzzing with bustling market stalls and independent boutiques! That means a lot of potential for fabulous shopping, which of course, involves the most exquisite, extravagant, tutus I can get my hands on. There's nothing quite like finding a rare gem amongst a pile of brightly coloured fabric!
Bootle isn't just about the artistic and fashionable fun, my dears. It's also brimming with beautiful natural spots. We'll have a visit to the Bootle Water Front, where Iām sure I will discover a fantastic view that deserves to be immortalised with a photo-op featuring a pink tutu, obviously!
Bootle is a wonderland of opportunities for a queen like me. But let me tell you a secret - before every trip, I have to meticulously plan out every aspect of my pink tutu journey.
This journey wouldn't be possible without my team, a fabulous collection of artists and collaborators: First, my magnificent seamstress Jane. Sheās my personal Tutu-tastic stylist. We brainstorm for each performance, she tailors tutus for any event. This time we are going for an extravagant "Tutu Fairy" look - think ethereal layers of pale pink, a sprinkle of glitter and a delicate touch of butterfly wings. Oh my darling, you are not prepared for the sheer brilliance of this outfit. Just picture a dream in pink tulle!
Secondly, the incredible team at The Glam Shack do my makeup. (They also handle my magnificent wig! Trust me, it's important for the perfect bounce and that dazzlingly fluffy finish ). For Bootle, we're going for a glamorous and fairy-like makeup look. Think of vibrant, almost neon shades around my eyes to complement my pink tutu, a generous sweep of shimmering highlighter across my cheeks and of course, a generous coating of bright pink lipstick - the bolder the better!
And last but certainly not least, my beloved dance instructor, Ms. Penelope! We met through the University ballet club, and I owe her a debt of gratitude for being the absolute queen of perfecting my ballerina moves to create the most impressive stage presence. She helps ensure I move with the grace of a real princess (thatās what she tells me, darling!), and her encouragement is a fantastic source of inspiration.
Every journey requires a plan. A trip as elaborate as mine requires a strict schedule, you see. So, let me take you through the next few days, my tutu-loving friends:
Day One: A Magical Journey
We will commence our exciting adventure by riding through the rolling Derbyshire hills. After a heartfelt goodbye to my family and beloved dog (who is convinced he's my best boy!), we will embark upon the beautiful and calming journey by horseback to the charming train station at Ashbourne. This ride through the heart of Derbyshire, gives me ample time to plan out all the delicious things I will be indulging in in Bootle!
Once at the station, I'm whirling around in my beautiful pink tulle gown to create a magnificent impression for the passengers on the train journey to Liverpool! Theyāll be bemused by the glorious tutu extravaganza! The train is always an experience for me! I can never resist a quick change into a bold, dazzling pink outfit for my journey - you never know who Iām going to encounter on the carriage! I also love meeting the wonderful passengers and getting to know all about their stories, dreams and adventures. I might even have time for a quick dance with a fellow passenger. I just know the people of Bootle will love to see this graceful performance!
When we arrive in Liverpool, we will take the charming Merseyrail to Bootle. And Iāve planned the most spectacular performance for our arrival at the train station! We will create a fabulous pink tutu fanfare to announce our arrival with grace and style. Now, a few of you might ask, how am I planning on getting a horse to Liverpool, my dears? Well, don't worry about it! My dear friend, the amazing Emma who is my horse-loving travel companion has got the details sorted - itās a secret she isnāt letting me in on yet! But Emma, being the true pink tutu enthusiast that she is, always has a plan. She loves helping me spread my Tutu-tastic adventures! Emmaās talent lies in her meticulous planning. Just imagine it! Sheās got this entire journey mapped out to the finest detail - from horse travel arrangements to tutu maintenance, to my performance outfit selection!
And then, itās time to check into the lovely hotel - my personal stylist and I are staying in the delightful āBallet Rose" room! Itās a quaint little corner suite overlooking Bootleās idyllic Water Front.
As always, Emma is my fabulous right-hand queen. Sheās always up for the latest adventures. And yes, you guessed it, Emma, a huge fan of my work, wears her very own fabulous pink tutu during our adventures. This year we will be taking on the "Two Tutu Tour".
Day Two: The Show Must Go On!
You know what time it is, my dear followers? The big day has finally arrived! Itās performance day at the Bootle Arts Center, and this will be extra special. The āBallet Extravaganzaā show will include my stunning dance numbers, all of which showcase the beauty of the pink tutu.
After my āQueenāsā breakfast in the "Ballet Rose" room, itās off to the Arts Centre. Iām going for a gorgeous, classic ballet-inspired pink tutu look for my opening performance. It will be a classic en pointe ballet performance, showcasing my ballet technique that I've learned from Miss Penelope, the best ballet instructor this side of the English Channel. We've perfected every detail, every movement. And oh the exquisite music, we're going to dance to Tchaikovsky! Oh, the glamour and grace! It's going to be a delight for the audiences!
Following this stunning ballet performance it's onto the āBallet and Tutusā show! Imagine, darling, the auditorium will be full of people eager to be wowed by the beauty and allure of pink tutus. Iām doing two dance numbers, āQueen of the Tutusā and the ever popular āPink Paradiseā. These are sure to leave the crowd speechless, darling!
For āQueen of the Tutusā I plan on showing off my flamboyant personality, while āPink Paradiseā, the tutu-loving favourite, is a tribute to all the beautiful, kind and brave people in this world. We will dance a dance of love and friendship! I'll be sporting a pink, tulle skirt tutu - just picture the flowing fabric. Itās gorgeous, and perfect for swirling on the stage. It's going to be a whirlwind of sparkles, colour and a dash of pure pink perfection!
And don't even get me started on the costume for āQueen of the Tutus.ā Oh darling, Iām imagining something big and bold - the tutu will be a combination of multiple pink layers, perfectly placed so that I can do my signature sashays. This look is all about showing off my fierce, sassy and dazzling persona! I have a bright pink glittery bodysuit beneath my flaming pink tutu - just imagine it, darlings! The look is designed to wow! Itās going to be an explosive mix of fun, confidence, a touch of drama, and all in a hot pink tulle package, naturally. Iām going to dazzle with the grace of a pink tutu queen!
Day Three: A Celebration of Pink!
I cannot resist an adventure in the Bootle Markets! Imagine, a day full of browsing for hidden gems! Who knows what beautiful pink things I'll find for my next big performance. Bootle has always held a special place in my heart as a treasure trove for fashion and style!
The "Tutu Bazaar" is my new creation. It will show a showcase of all things pink tutu! Itās a collection of some of my favorite, most cherished tutu pieces. It will be like stepping into my personal wardrobe filled with the most exquisite tutus. And donāt worry darlings, I have been practicing some new posees in the mirror for my new photo op.
Emma is a wonder when it comes to making sure everything runs like clockwork. You see Emma always makes sure my photoshoot has the perfect backdrop and light. For my Bootle shoot we will be using the picturesque backdrop of the Bootle Water Front! Oh, Emma knows exactly where the best lighting for those amazing pink tutu photos are. Just imagine it - me, with my dazzling pink tutus in front of the Bootle waterfront. Itās a picture of a perfect photo op, darling!
But the journey continues. We will take a delightful evening stroll around the beautiful Bootle Town centre. A fabulous pink tutu can take on so many looks. For this evening stroll, I've chosen a casual but stunning pink and glitter tulle outfit with a chic jacket. Just picture it, darling - a dazzling mix of pink tutu fun and elegance!
Day Four: A Heartfelt Farewell.
On the last day of my visit, we will be visiting the Bootle local ballet school and then a visit to a lovely charity for the terminally ill. I believe that my message of love, joy and compassion for life is important, my dears, and these two venues are an excellent chance to make a difference in this wonderful community.
Finally, itās time for my pink-tutu journey back to Ashbourne! A heartfelt farewell to Bootle - itās always a joy and pleasure to meet the people here. But first, I must thank the incredible Emma for a brilliant trip. It was, without doubt, one of the best experiences weāve had on our Tutu-tastic journey! The pink tutus are ready for their next adventure.
You see my darling readers, itās not about how many places Iāve been to, it's about the impact a pink tutu can have on the world. With every performance, I want to make the world a little bit more sparkling and a little more joyful. Now thatās the message Iād like to leave with you, my darlings! Keep the sparkle alive and never ever forget to twirl in your very own pink tutu. And, as always, my darlings, you have a lovely day!
I will see you all on www.pink-tutu.com tomorrow!
With love and tutus,
Pink Tutu Sparkles. šāØ
