Hello, my lovely Pink Tutu followers! It’s your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, reporting live from Rochdale! Today’s blog post, number 7271, is all about my adventures in this charming northern town, where I discovered that a pink tutu can truly bring joy to every heart! 💕
Now, I know what you’re thinking - Rochdale? Doesn’t sound exactly like a glamorous drag destination, does it? But believe me, my darlings, even the most unassuming places can hold hidden gems. I just have to sprinkle my own magic and turn them into something dazzling! ✨
As you know, I adore travelling by train. It’s the perfect time to settle into a good book, enjoy a cuppa, and let my imagination run wild with exciting ideas for new outfits. This journey to Rochdale was no different, except it was extra special - a brand new sparkly pink tutu arrived just in time for the trip! I knew the colour would be the perfect contrast against the grey stone buildings I imagined Rochdale to have.
My first stop in Rochdale was the Rochdale Town Hall, a stunning Victorian masterpiece. The building is truly grand with its soaring columns and ornate decorations. I knew right away this would be the perfect spot to strike my first Rochdale pose, and I was right!
I twirled on the steps of the building in my pink tutu, sparkling under the autumn sunshine, while a small group of shoppers gathered to watch. My phone went off with several clicks as they took photos. I struck several poses, my hair falling in graceful curls around my face.
I love bringing a bit of sparkle to unexpected places. Sometimes you need a bit of colour and joy, even on a grey day. And a pink tutu always brightens everyone’s mood. Trust me, those people probably needed a pick-me-up after another mundane Rochdale Monday morning! 🤣
The town hall was followed by a visit to the magnificent Rochdale Art Gallery, a charming building crammed with history. The art inside wasn’t bad either. But that’s another story, which you can read on www.pink-tutu.com if you’re interested in art and tutus (you might be surprised at the connection)! But today’s theme is all about pink tutus!
Rochdale is actually famous for its Victorian textile history and my friend Alex’s passion for the subject was what brought her to visit me. We spent a couple of hours exploring the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. We discovered the humble origins of the co-operative movement in this fascinating museum dedicated to its story. The Rochdale Pioneers played a vital part in social change in Britain. Imagine if they’d all donned pink tutus for the occasion! The history would have been written differently! I must remember to take Alex there the next time she visits and let’s take a few hundred pink tutus with us, a whole pink tutu ensemble! 😉
In the afternoon, I was blessed to be booked at the local arts centre. After the grand architecture of the town hall and museum, the centre was an unexpected modern glass and steel masterpiece, built on an old former mill site. Rochdale is all about change and contrasts! But one thing is constant, and that’s the love for fashion. That’s what makes a Rochdale crowd just as likely to take notice of a pink tutu-wearing drag queen as the residents of London, or any other big city, for that matter.
I loved performing in the bright open space of the centre with the sun streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. My performance brought the centre alive, transforming the place into a giant disco. The music played and the audience joined me in a spectacle of pink tutus, a little unexpected but very much welcomed, because we know, tutustake the stage anywhere, with their infectious fun and undeniable grace. 😉
Speaking of grace, my day wouldn't be complete without some ballet! And to my surprise, Rochdale offered more than just a typical ballet class - I found a truly exceptional dance studio that offers ballet street. Imagine combining the elegance of ballet with the energetic flow of street dance, all while twirling in my dazzling pink tutu. Pure joy! I am thinking this style would make a great performance. If any venues are interested, I am available for bookings! 🤩
But my evening was just starting! We spent it in the pub, a cosy local in a quiet, old part of town where locals chatted, drank beers, and had a sing-along in a mix of traditional Irish folk music, a touch of the eighties, and even a few requests for the theme song of the eighties film Dirty Dancing! What a place! Even though Rochdale might not be the biggest and glitziest city on the map, the locals certainly made it feel that way. They were as warm and welcoming as they were in Derbyshire!
Before leaving the pub, I popped on my bright pink tutu. You’re never fully dressed without it! We stood outside in the fading light, a lovely view over the town with its lights twinkling in the distance. There is something magical about a place like Rochdale. A town with a strong history that’s now home to many talented artists. And when you add a pink tutu to that mix, you create pure magic, that’s the ultimate Rochdale sparkle! 💖
Of course, my journey wouldn’t be complete without some delicious treats! It’s not all sparkly dresses and glitter, you know. It’s also about finding local gems that feed the soul (and the stomach). The pie and mash at The Little Bakehouse were something special! 🥧😋 I mean, who knew Rochdale was such a hidden gem when it comes to food! Every single mouthful was pure bliss, a perfect mix of flavour and texture.
Well, my dearest Pink Tutu fans, that's it for Rochdale! But let me assure you, this was just one stop on my big pink tutu adventure. And believe me, there’s plenty more adventures to come! What’s next on the Pink Tutu tour? Maybe Scotland, Wales, Cornwall or a trip back to the Highlands? I can’t wait to show you the beauty that this little island holds. Stay tuned and remember, wear a pink tutu and share the joy!
See you soon! 😘 💖
Love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles. 💖
