Hey my darlings! It's your Pink Tutu Sparkles here, bringing you another installment of my glamorous adventures. Today we’re venturing out from my little Derbyshire haven and taking the train, of course, because nothing screams fabulous quite like a journey aboard a vintage carriage with a window seat and a cup of Earl Grey. This time, the journey's destination? None other than the historic city of Oxford!
Can you even imagine? The dreaming spires, the grand architecture, and the world-renowned academic legacy… well, let's just say I'm absolutely brimming with excitement, my darlings! The minute I heard whispers of the Oxford Shakespeare Company’s production of A Midsummer Night's Dream I just knew I had to get down there and soak up the magic. Plus, what better way to kick off the weekend than by spending a few hours in a theatre, watching Shakespeare and celebrating the power of dramatic art?
This adventure marks a new era for me. My wardrobe’s overflowing with the latest styles (my new shimmering lilac sequins tutu will be a definite winner, you wait and see!) but you see, I’ve recently begun experimenting with new performance styles and, oh my dear readers, there’s nothing more inspiring than taking your art to a brand new location! The opportunity to grace an Oxford stage is, well, quite frankly, just delightful!
As I’ve said before, I'm not one to rest on my laurels! Every new experience is a chance to learn, to grow, to challenge myself and take those glittering, fabulous steps outside of my comfort zone. Plus, who doesn’t love a little travel? Honestly, there's something deeply thrilling about exploring new places, meeting new faces and embracing different cultures!
My little adventure begins at dawn, darling. My little house, the one my Mum always said was full of fairy lights and glitter, is my little haven – a perfect space to practice my pirouettes, prepare my outfits and plan every step of my travels. As a busy scientist by day (who knew a passion for sequins could come hand in hand with a career in textile engineering, eh?) I always try to take time for myself. And my Pink Tutu Sparkles alter ego helps me do exactly that.
While I am truly and madly in love with my life in Derbyshire, a trip away once in a while does me a world of good, don't you think? Plus, travelling as a drag artist, is always a bit of an adventure. Just try explaining your costume when you’re sitting next to a businessman on the train. Or imagine being in the supermarket trying to explain your bag of sequins… I can’t wait to see how they react to a dazzling pink tutu! Oh the chaos and fun!
But of course, all good trips are accompanied by the vital planning! That’s where my fabulously fabulous list comes in - this is how I stay organised and make sure all my adventures happen in the most magical way possible!
*Pink Tutu Sparkles’ Trip Checklist (Oxford Edition) *
1) Dress rehearsals and costumes: Let’s be real, my darlings, you can’t leave home without your most dazzling outfit. And trust me, I have a little something special planned for my Oxford debut. Can I just say... sparkles? Tutus? And more than a touch of magic! The glitter will be out, believe me! And while the Shakespeare Company is renowned for its elegant minimalist costumes, you bet I’ll be standing out from the crowd in a statement of pure, delightful, theatrical colour.
2) Fabulous Accessories: No Pink Tutu Sparkle performance would be complete without the right accessories. A pair of glittering stilettos that catch the light and make a statement? Absolutely essential! Matching earrings, bracelets and a crown? Check, check and check! The key, of course, is all about subtle coordination. Every accessory should blend with the rest of your look without being overbearing. Remember darlings, the aim is to create a total impression of pink tutu magic and fun.
3) Travel Preparations: What's a good fashionista without some fabulous travel essentials, my dear readers? Of course, I can't go on an adventure without my makeup bag (my favorite lipstick, a light and creamy blush and of course, lashings of eye shimmer and glitter… After all, a pink tutu princess can never have too much sparkle!), and my Pink Tutu Sparkles trusty overnight bag - think shimmering pink and an oversized silver sparkly monogram.
4) Packing: Don't forget, darlings, my packing technique is an art in itself. It's a game of balancing practicality, glamour and space-saving prowess, my dears. Packing my sparkly, feather-boa filled life in a bag that fits under the train seat is a personal talent of mine! Don’t think this means sacrificing the pink tutu and the silver tiara though, not at all! This is about meticulous organisation - my wardrobe’s been carefully prepared. Oh yes, and that gorgeous sparkly lilac sequins tutu - oh she’s ready to make Oxford shine!
5) Train Fun! No adventure for a pink tutu princess is complete without a few train essentials! As soon as I'm on board, it's a whole world of opportunity - and remember my dears, a fabulous queen is never without a little fun! I'm all about bringing the party along for the ride! Of course, a glass of bubbly is always welcome - nothing beats watching the countryside roll by while indulging in a little bubbly fun. But remember, even a diva like me needs to keep hydrated! That's where the pink reusable water bottle comes in – because a Pink Tutu Sparkle always cares about our planet!
6) Cultural Indulgence: Okay, let’s be real, Oxford is the very heart of British academia, isn't it? So of course, no trip to the dreaming spires would be complete without a spot of literary appreciation. My journey’s going to take me on a grand tour of some of Oxford's most beautiful libraries! Honestly, just thinking about stepping inside those historical walls, smelling the leather-bound volumes and enjoying the peaceful ambience, makes me swoon! Plus, you just never know what incredible finds I might stumble across… Maybe a book full of shimmering magic that inspired Shakespeare, perhaps! I can’t wait to explore!
7) Oxford Performance Power! Here’s the moment I've been waiting for: my Oxford performance! Now, it's not enough to just go to a performance, it’s all about making a real, dazzling splash! This means researching the event beforehand. For instance, it’s only a matter of time before my research on Shakespeare’s writing leads me to a grand old book that whispers about his love of sparkle and the importance of expressing yourself. After all, what is theater and performance but the embodiment of self-expression? A little digging has also revealed the hidden history of performance and art in this great university. Who would have thought there’s a connection to dance? My research reveals the Balliol Ballet Club - another fabulous pink tutu connection, don't you think!
8) Fabulous Oxford Photo Ops! As you all know, documenting my glamorous adventures is an absolute must, darlings. The perfect location for the ultimate Instagram-worthy snaps. After all, no good pink tutu journey is complete without capturing those beautiful moments of colour, drama and fun. Oh, the glorious backdrop for my Oxford photoshoot! The gothic spires, the river Thames, the historic architecture… it’s like stepping right into a scene from one of those glorious Victorian novels. Plus, with a backdrop this grand, it's no wonder I'm a little overwhelmed with excitement about the potential for the most gorgeous, glittering photo-op imaginable!
9) The Oxford Ballet Lesson! A real pink tutu queen never says no to the thrill of dancing, especially when it's at a place like the Royal Ballet School’s Oxford Branch. Learning those iconic steps with such talented professionals… Honestly, it’s going to be like adding extra sprinkle of magic to my trip, right? Can you imagine all the new poses, all the intricate moves… just imagining the perfect plie makes me want to pirouette! You'd be surprised to learn how much studying science can help with precision in ballet - after all, knowing about the science behind textiles has helped me understand the science behind a beautiful pirouette!
10) Food! Food! Food! No matter how glamorous an adventure is, it’s always best accompanied by delicious food. Of course, Oxford is practically a foodie's paradise! I just know the moment I arrive, I’ll be stepping straight into a cafe overflowing with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and steaming cakes, a classic Oxford delight, wouldn’t you agree? You’d think, all that glitter, sparkle and performance requires a pretty fabulous diet wouldn’t it? But honestly, a good old British sausage roll in a cozy cafe is all I’ll be needing after that performance! I think my next adventure will include trying every single pastry in the city! Just the thought makes my heart sparkle!
11) Back to Derbyshire: I may be a globetrotting drag queen but nothing beats the comfort and love of home, darling! That said, when it’s time to return to Derbyshire, my suitcase will be filled with the inspiration from my adventures. After all, a good queen’s home is her stage. It’s in this Derbyshire haven that I prepare, practise and plan those upcoming journeys that lead to experiences just as glittering and fabulous as the last! My next big goal is to have a full year’s worth of bookings - my heart’s set on that pink-tutu covered calendar, all filled with glamorous events across the whole of the UK. Who knows, maybe next I’ll even take to the skies in a hot air balloon!
Remember, darlings, life's too short to not be fabulous, so don't be afraid to embrace your inner queen and step into the spotlight! Wear that tutu with pride, channel that inner sparkle and, of course, remember to make every adventure count. After all, you never know who you're going to inspire along the way. I’m just about to start the countdown until I arrive in Oxford, and I'm bursting with anticipation! Be sure to keep an eye out for the photos from my trip - it’s going to be a glittery masterpiece of pink tutu fun.
Til next time, my lovelies! Stay fabulous!
xoxoPink Tutu Sparkles!
www.pink-tutu.com
