Hello darlings! 👋 It's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, reporting in for #TutuQueen Blog post number 7317, and I'm positively overflowing with excitement to share my latest adventure with you. Buckle up buttercups, this one's a whopper!
Now, you know me, I love a good train journey, especially when it means a chance to sashay my way into a new city. Walsall, oh Walsall, you've been beckoning me for ages, and this week I finally answered the call. I packed my biggest, poofiest pink tutu (it practically had a life of its own), my favourite fuchsia heels (gotta make a grand entrance!), and a whole heap of glittery fabulousness. This time, though, I had an extra special item in my luggage - a gorgeous vintage lace shawl. I'd found it in a dusty antique shop in Buxton on a recent day trip, and knew it would be perfect for adding a touch of old-world glamour to my Walsall performance.
The journey was, as usual, a whirlwind of fabulousness. I bumped into a lovely group of ladies on the train who were on their way to the Birmingham Hippodrome to see the Royal Ballet perform "Swan Lake". Naturally, the conversation quickly turned to ballet, and my excitement for my performance later that evening in Walsall. You can’t tell me those tutus don't inspire an impromptu twirl in your own living room! We had such a wonderful chat and, true to form, I managed to convince one of them to wear a pink tutu for our next encounter (stay tuned for photos, darlings!).
Upon arrival in Walsall, my first mission, of course, was to find the perfect spot for a #TutuQueen photo op. I opted for the town square, because what better place to spread a message of joy, positivity, and the power of a pink tutu than in the heart of a bustling town centre? My fellow townspeople looked on in amusement, some with bewildered curiosity, and others with pure delight. A little girl, no older than six, even ran up to me and shouted, “You look like a real-life princess!”. Honestly, my heart melted! You just can't beat that pure, innocent excitement. It truly makes all the glitter and sparkles worthwhile.
My next stop was the enchanting Walsall Arboretum, a sprawling haven of tranquility right in the heart of town. The setting was breathtaking, a blend of romantic Victorian architecture, verdant pathways, and peaceful lakes, just begging for a ballerina's grace. So, I let out my inner Swan Queen and danced amidst the flowers, the sun glinting off my sequins as I twirled with the joy of a child in a playground. The whole place was positively enchanted, I'd have spent hours just exploring, but the day was quickly flying by!
Dinner time arrived and my stomach rumbled (it’s not always glamorous!), so I found the cosiest little café nestled away on a charming cobblestone street, and enjoyed the most delightful afternoon tea. The cakes were utterly delicious (and the scones, oh my, so fluffy!). There is something so satisfying about sipping tea and indulging in a truly British afternoon delight while taking in the beauty of your surroundings, particularly when those surroundings are adorned with vibrant hues of pink!
That night was the night I'd been waiting for - showtime! The venue, The Grand Theatre Walsall, was buzzing with anticipation, a palpable air of excitement hung heavy in the air. I changed into my full drag glory in the dressing room, feeling every ounce of the confident and playful persona I'd created. My dazzling ensemble, complete with the vintage lace shawl I'd purchased earlier, was ready to light up the stage. As the music started, I took my bow and, with the grace and charisma of a seasoned performer, delivered a routine that captivated the audience.
There were some amazing dancers there that night, it's always an inspiration seeing talented people pushing boundaries and celebrating artistry. But you know me, my favourite part of the evening wasn't my performance, or the stunning choreography, it was the moments when I could see the smiles on the audience’s faces. Seeing children giggling in their seats, adults swaying along to the music, and couples laughing together, that’s what it’s all about, my loves.
After the final bows, I took some time to chat with fans, share a laugh, and take some photographs (it's the least I can do for all those gorgeous outfits!) A kind man, a former professional dancer himself, even complimented my ballet technique. It was so heartwarming to receive that kind of acknowledgment from someone with real expertise. My cheeks flushed pink, not only from the lights, but from the joy of connecting with so many lovely people who had come out to enjoy the show.
The following day, I wandered through the charming streets of Walsall, my pink tutu swishing in my wake, taking in the local atmosphere and soaking up the vibrancy of the place. I visited the Walsall Museum, discovered its hidden treasures, and discovered the remarkable legacy of the town. Honestly, I learnt so much! I mean, who knew the world's largest collection of Japanese Samurai Armour was kept in Walsall?! I even stumbled across a shop called ‘The Pink Ribbon’, which had the most delightful collection of pink ribbons (obvs I had to purchase one for my own pink tutu collection). The whole day was just bursting with quirky charm.
Now, no trip is complete without a delicious feast, and Walsall delivered in spades. I discovered a delightful café tucked away in a quiet corner of town called "The Pink Peppercorn" that had the most fabulous cakes. And believe me, it wasn't just the name that got my attention, the cakes themselves were a visual treat and absolutely divine in taste! It was the perfect place to reflect on the memories of my Walsall adventures.
My journey through Walsall, my loves, has been filled with warmth, joy, and inspiration, it's left a lasting mark on my heart and reminded me just how amazing life can be, when we dare to embrace our inner sparkle. From the laughter shared with fellow tutu lovers on the train, to the breathtaking dance routines on stage, and the joyous moments shared with strangers and new friends, it’s the experiences, not the destinations, that make a trip unforgettable. But really, can you blame a girl for getting giddy about Walsall, a town bursting with character and vibrant history?
As for my final message, darlings: don’t ever forget the power of a pink tutu! It's not just a piece of clothing, it’s a statement, a symbol of confidence, joy, and self-expression. Whether you're in a town square, a grand theatre, or a ballet studio, wear that tutu loud and proud! It will never fail to bring a smile to your face and sparkle in your step.
Keep those pink tutus twirling and let's paint the world with joy one pink tutu at a time! 💖 Until next time, darlings.
Much love and glitter,
Your #TutuQueen 👑
Pink Tutu Sparkles
(Don’t forget to check out Pink Tutu Sparkle's website, www.pink-tutu.com for all your daily pink tutu and drag related adventures. Remember, if you love pink, you love tutus! And if you love tutus, well, you're already part of the #TutuQueen family.)*
