Hello darlings, and welcome back to my fabulous corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! Today, we're venturing to the vibrant heart of Rotherham, and let me tell you, it's a pinktastic experience, even if the journey involved a little more choo-choo than I’d hoped.
It's always such a treat to get out and about, to feel the wind in my feather boa (that's a proper, handmade, luxurious boa, mind you, not the kind they sell at Primark!), and the anticipation bubbling in my chest as I travel to a new venue, especially when it's packed with fellow lovers of all things sparkly and dramatic.
This particular adventure started off in the most British way imaginable - by train! My dear friend (and fellow pink tutu enthusiast) Priscilla, her face a work of art thanks to the local bakery's amazing macarons (must try their pistachio ones, darling, absolutely divine!), decided to accompany me, a delightful change from the usual drag mama entourage I take along with me. Now, I love travelling on the rails - all the excitement of seeing new landscapes while I nibble on a bag of posh Percy Pigs and scroll through Instagram. Of course, I have a special Pink Tutu-themed outfit for travelling (yes, even the handbag matches my shoes, all in glorious, blushing pink!). However, the train ride was more… "rural" than usual. I think Priscilla actually screamed "sheep" at one point. It was quite the performance, frankly. But let's not dwell on the animal encounter. It wasn’t until we reached Rotherham itself that my inner "pink sparkle" really kicked into gear!
This is where my favourite kind of travel begins – the "get to know a new town" exploration, the charming streets and alleyways just begging for an exploration of all their hidden gems! This trip was going to be filled with a whirlwind of shows, a cheeky ballet class, and perhaps even some fashion retail therapy. My trusty feather boa danced and swirled in the wind (it's remarkably good at wind-dancing, actually, like a pink tornado of elegance) as I skipped into the most delightful independent shops – I was charmed by the beautiful handcrafted jewellery, the unique clothing, the antique furniture shops - it's truly inspiring how so much creativity blooms in the unlikeliest of places.
And you know what they say, darling, if a place has fantastic bakeries, the entire world is good! And Rotherham is brimming with them. There’s no way I could go a whole trip without some divine Victoria Sponge and the best cream teas in town – and trust me, you want to make a pilgrimage just for those cakes! As much as I love a dazzling display of tulle, the food is definitely a main attraction!
Later that day, the true essence of my trip kicked in - a private ballet lesson with a local dance company. It's been years since I’ve felt the joy of pirouetting and relevé-ing in a space designed for elegance and movement! They'd even draped the barre in pink satin ribbon – just for me, they said. The instructor (an absolute gem!) was so supportive, encouraging everyone, regardless of skill, to fully immerse in the joy of dance. It’s no wonder these classes are becoming more and more popular in small towns - they're like a dose of pure fun, a celebration of movement and creativity.
I even learned a new move! The "Rotherham Spin" - you don't just twirl; you let the music fill your heart and the joy lift you like a feather on the wind! We giggled, we tripped, and, well, let's just say, some tutus were involved – but more on that later (it involves some spectacular mishaps that thankfully ended with laughter!).
Now, any good trip, particularly in the realm of sparkly gowns and delightful music, MUST include a performance, so that evening, I took to the stage at the local theatre, transforming the humble, provincial hall into my very own pink haven. My opening number, a spectacular interpretation of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" complete with synchronized blinking fairy lights, made them go wild – they lapped it up! Then, the rest of my act: a glorious mashup of classical ballet and theatrical drama. There’s nothing quite like making an audience weep with laughter, and perhaps shed a few tears in the process – they say true art makes you feel all the feels, and I'm here to bring the drama.
The highlight was, of course, my signature "pink tutu" number - an ode to all things fluffy and pink. With a final grand finale, all in sparkly pink with more sequins than you'd find in a mermaid’s purse, I was a vision of joyful, flamboyant spectacle. The cheers were deafening, my audience so appreciative of the energy I put out into the world, a joyful message of accepting ourselves as we are, expressing ourselves with abandon and courage.
And there was an unexpected turn of events: I’d found my new feather boa companion. It had been left backstage! Now, a feather boa doesn't simply become "yours." It's an energy transference. And it decided it wanted to join me!
And that, darling, brings my Rotherham escapade to a close – I'm back in Derbyshire, tucked into my Pink Tutu Headquarters, working on my next performance, writing down my adventures and preparing for my next travel escapade! Remember, darling, pink is more than a color, it’s an attitude - be unapologetically you, don't let anyone dull your shine, and wear pink with pride!
Don't forget to pop over to my site at www.pink-tutu.com, where I share my latest adventures and pink-inspired thoughts on everything from ballet shoes to pink cocktails – and of course, everything else that sparks joy in this amazing, wonderful life!
Until next time, keep shimmering, and spread the pink sparkle, my dears!
