Hello my darling darlings, it's your favourite pink-tutu-clad, twinkle-toed traveller, Pink Tutu Sparkles here! 💖✨
Today I'm writing to you from the most magical place imaginable: Bournville! Now, if you're anything like me, the mere mention of that name conjures up images of swirling cocoa, velvety smooth chocolate, and maybe even a cheeky Cadbury's Cream Egg (no judgement here, they're a national treasure!) 😉.
This is post number 7726 on www.pink-tutu.com, and as always, I'm excited to share my adventures with you. And let me tell you, Bournville delivered on all its chocolaty promises (and then some!), but I'm not just talking about the scrumptious treats, darling! This trip was an absolute whirlwind of colourful characters, vibrant dance performances, and, of course, a sprinkle of tutus.
My journey began, as always, in a most theatrical manner – with a dash of whimsy and a whole lot of pink. Now, you know me, I'm all about the dramatic entrance, so naturally, I chose a shimmering pink sequined gown with a tulle train long enough to rival a ballet swan's (not to be outdone by the grace of the swans at Birmingham Royal Ballet, mind you!). I paired this with, you guessed it, a pink tutu. (My life is practically a Shakespearean sonnet dedicated to tutus!) And to ensure I arrived in style, I journeyed to the West Midlands on a quaint, historical steam train, with windows framing picturesque countryside views. It truly was the most delightful, old-fashioned beginning to my weekend, my darlings!
I reached Bournville, that magical cocoa-scented realm, buzzing with anticipation. I had to make the most of every minute! My first stop was a little, local tea shop. They made the most exquisite teacakes – think soft sponge topped with the fluffiest cream. (As someone who absolutely cannot resist anything with a dollop of whipped cream, I'd happily have consumed every single one if allowed!). This little shop had the most enchanting atmosphere, complete with mismatched vintage china, floral wallpaper, and a whole shelf of homemade cakes. Truly a little haven of pure joy!
Next on my agenda: Bournville's historical chocolate factory. Now, I've been lucky enough to visit various chocolate factories all over the country, each a world of delight in itself. But Bournville has a special place in my heart, it's where Cadbury's got its start! (We all have a soft spot for the humble Dairy Milk, right? And Bournville's chocolate deserves a special mention for its decadent, rich flavour!). And you know, as much as I love indulging in their famous creations, I couldn't resist a glimpse behind the scenes. What can I say? I have a thing for getting the most out of a location! Their tour takes you through the very origins of their sweet history. I found it truly fascinating to see where it all began, where Cadbury’s original factory was founded. Imagine, all these years later, those same machines are still churning out delicious chocolate bars! I even got to sample a brand-new, unreleased flavour! I'm sworn to secrecy, of course, but I'll give you a hint - it involves dark chocolate, a surprising fruity twist, and it's oh so decadent! You'll just have to wait and see... (But trust me, you're gonna want to get your hands on this one!).
The heart of my Bournville escapade, however, was undeniably the dance. I just have to confess, darling, there’s a good chance that you'll find me waltzing or pirouetting wherever I go! Ballet, dance, and performing are truly in my soul! And Bournville is a hotbed of talent – especially at the local community centre, which also doubles as a dance studio!
Every night of my visit, the studio pulsed with the energy of a captivating dance performance, a fusion of street dance, ballet, and theatre – it truly took me by surprise! These performers weren’t afraid to showcase their talents with a mix of edgy moves and grace, and the crowd was ecstatic. It was a captivating kaleidoscope of energy, all underscored by the pulsating beat of the music. (Honestly, I'm still reeling from the talent! Imagine a ballet class, only it's full of hip-hop flair!) The atmosphere was utterly electric, with the audience buzzing with excitement, their clapping and cheering ringing in my ears even as I write. It reminded me that creativity can flourish anywhere – from a vibrant city to a small community centre in the heart of the Midlands! It filled my heart with so much inspiration.
Of course, I had to do what any self-respecting drag queen, tutu enthusiast and ballet fan would do, darling – I grabbed my own tutu, pulled on my dancing shoes (bright pink, naturally!), and joined in for a spot of impromptu practice! I felt right at home with my new ballet friends, chatting, twirling, and giggling over silly jokes. Honestly, it was an experience I'll never forget! It truly exemplified the joy of sharing your passion, whether you're performing on a grand stage or having a fun afternoon with new friends.
And here's something that really tickled me – imagine my delight when I discovered that the community centre had its very own 'pink room' dedicated to celebrating creativity, where people gather to craft, paint, and make a splash of colour on canvas. The air crackled with creative energy! And you know what I did? (Because let’s be real, I can’t help myself, darling!). I pulled out my stash of glittery pink paints and sequins (the must-have necessities of any well-equipped Tutu Queen!), and turned that room into a veritable pink wonderland! And let me tell you, my dear friends, there's just something about pink, especially when you’re using it to paint and create. It creates a joyful, playful atmosphere, allowing your inner creativity to blossom!
While my days were full of exploring, indulging in chocolatey delights and dancing till my heart's content, my nights were just as memorable. I discovered a secret little tavern in the heart of Bournville, known for its traditional charm, warm fires, and even warmer hospitality. The locals were thrilled to welcome this quirky tutu-wearing traveller! They treated me like family – we chatted, danced to some local folk tunes, and indulged in delicious traditional food. You know, it's moments like these, simple and authentic, that remind me of why I love travelling!
I bid farewell to Bournville with a mix of sadness and contentment. Sad to be leaving this delightful town and the kind people I met along the way, yet so happy for the adventures, the creativity, and the experiences that filled my days. But I wouldn’t leave without leaving my own pink sparkle!
I hosted a tiny little ‘tutu party’ – a pink, sequin-laden, tutued-up gathering for all the locals. Think cocktails, canapes (with a hint of Cadbury's, naturally!), and even a choreographed tutu-inspired dance performance. (You could say, I went out with a bang, or should I say… a twinkle! ) The highlight of the evening, though, was definitely the grand finale. I, along with all the party-goers, turned my signature pink tutus into little art masterpieces, decorating them with glitter, paint, and sequins, showcasing their unique and dazzling individuality!
As I boarded the steam train back home to Derbyshire, with the setting sun painting the sky in a dazzling blend of colours, I felt a warmth inside – not just from the delightful Cadbury's Cream Egg I was munching on, but from the heart-warming experience of connecting with Bournville, its community, its culture, and, of course, its love for chocolate and its whimsical acceptance of my pink tutu. And as the train rattled through the countryside, I couldn’t help but think: what could be more enchanting than combining chocolate with a touch of sparkle, all wrapped in a fabulous pink tutu?
Until next time, my lovelies! Keep shining your bright lights, wear your colours loud and proud, and, of course, never be afraid to embrace the pink tutu inside you. 💖✨
