Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, and guess what? I'm off on another adventure! Today's journey takes us to the charming town of Sutton in Ashfield, right here in good old Blighty.
Now, I'm not going to lie, my darling readers, Sutton in Ashfield isn't exactly a bustling metropolis of high fashion. But that's exactly why I love it. It's a bit like a blank canvas – a place where a sprinkle of Pink Tutu Sparkles can make a big, glittery splash.
But let's rewind for a moment, because getting to Sutton in Ashfield was half the fun! I'm all about the grand entrance, and this time, it was all about the train journey. Imagine it – me, in a luscious pink sequined gown with a majestic tutu (obviously) aboard a vintage carriage, a window seat facing the picturesque countryside. Honestly, it was like something out of a classic movie, with a splash of Pink Tutu Sparkles magic!
And oh my, the conversations I had with my fellow passengers. I told you, darling, a Pink Tutu can be a real conversation starter! One lovely lady, a retired school teacher, was so captivated by my dazzling appearance, she told me about her grandchildren who loved ballet and had been to a performance just the week before. She even pulled out pictures of her little darlings twirling around in tutus. Honestly, I could've cried, it was so adorable! I know what you're thinking: what a dream, a grand entrance by train! And it was. And speaking of trains, I'm all about sustainability, you see. It’s such a nice way to see the countryside, and if it's good enough for Princess Margaret in her days, it's good enough for me!
Upon arriving at my destination, I couldn't help but feel a buzz of excitement. Sutton in Ashfield has this beautiful, old-world charm that feels so quintessentially British. It was one of those “you know it’s going to be a good day” kinds of days. I decided to treat myself to a cheeky cup of tea and a scone with clotted cream at a cute little cafe.
Let's be honest, darling, I was hungry, but this was more than just a food stop. This was a crucial reconnaissance mission! I needed to understand the local vibes, get a sense of the fashion landscape, and most importantly, figure out how to spread the pink tutu love. I did manage to talk one of the locals into trying on a little pink tutu, they actually looked quite fab. You should have seen her face, it lit up with joy!
Later, I spent some time wandering around the market, and I found the most amazing collection of vintage hats and scarves, just screaming to be accessorized with a pink tutu. I couldn't resist picking up a few gems - I always like to add a dash of vintage to my ensembles, you know. But honestly, this market felt a little bit "Stepford Wives", lots of perfectly coiffed women all in pastels. Where was the wild? Where was the pink?
Come the evening, I made my way to the performance space, and my darlings, it was buzzing! People had travelled from all over the county. There was an infectious energy, and the stage was set for an evening of fun, fashion and fabulousness.
Now, for those who don't know, I have a rule - when Pink Tutu Sparkles goes to a new place, I try to collaborate with some local talents, it’s about supporting the community and injecting a dose of Pink Tutu Sparkles fun, right? And let me tell you, Sutton in Ashfield didn’t disappoint!
I joined forces with a lovely young performer, who, as fate would have it, is an avid ballet fan. We put together a performance that was both fun and stylish. Think of the grace and elegance of a ballet class with a Pink Tutu twist! Oh my, the costumes were everything! We had feathered boas, sequined leggings, shimmering skirts and, of course, plenty of pink tutus.
And if there's one thing I love more than pink tutus, it's a bit of drama. You see, Sutton in Ashfield, while quaint and lovely, is also a bit traditional. Some of the older locals, the "slightly startled by sparkly things" kind, you know, weren't sure about this whole "Pink Tutu" business.
But I had a plan. It was time to sprinkle a little bit of Pink Tutu magic to get those grumpy faces smiling.
So, after a bit of bubbly and a song or two (did you know I can belt out a mean Whitney Houston? ), I began encouraging audience participation. First, I had my talented young sidekick get everyone doing some ballet moves, everyone giggling at their wobbly pirouettes.
And then, it happened! My final performance involved a surprise, an invitation to join the performance. Suddenly, I'm on stage, the mic's in my hand and I'm belting out "Anything Goes", and BAM, a woman leaps onstage in a fabulously bright pink dress, she joins in the song with my talented young friend. Another woman leaps up, and suddenly, the entire audience is swaying, and giggling! I didn't even need my pink tutu to be a show-stopping queen! It was electric!
Later, back in my hotel room, after a day filled with adventure and sparkles, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pure joy. It wasn't about the dazzling outfits, the spectacular performances or even the glamorous photos I had taken in the "gorgeous but decidedly non-sparkly" train station (which, to be fair, you have to have somewhere to park your gorgeous sparkly outfit in between performances!)
No, my dearest readers, it was about bringing the magic of Pink Tutu Sparkles to Sutton in Ashfield. It was about connecting with people, making them laugh, and reminding them that the world is a better place with a little bit of sparkle in it.
And, perhaps, it was even about convincing them that maybe, just maybe, even the most skeptical souls, would give wearing a pink tutu a try!
So, darlings, here’s my message, straight from Sutton in Ashfield – keep spreading your own brand of magic, be brave, be bold, and never forget that it’s perfectly okay to embrace the glittery, whimsical, and beautiful side of life.
Until next time, remember - life is always better in pink, especially with a little help from your favourite queen.
Much love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
PS Don't forget, darling! Catch me on my blog daily for my daily pinktastic adventures. Follow me, @PinkTutuSparkles, on Instagram for pictures and to learn more about my outfits, especially my glorious tutus.
