#TutuQueen on 2021-05-05 stars in Rayleigh

Helloooo my darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, ready to whisk you away on a whirlwind tour of fabulousness! This is post number 7796 on www.pink-tutu.com and you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s gonna be pink, it’s gonna be fabulous, and it’s gonna be totally “Tutu Queen!”

Today’s adventure is all about Rayleigh, a charming town in Essex with a lovely little Victorian theatre that has my heart absolutely pirouetting with excitement! I just can't resist a good dose of theatrical enchantment and, with my pink tutu packed and ready to go, I’m setting off on the most magical journey by… wait for it… train! Yep, that’s right, I'm living my best life on those glorious carriages, waving to the world and sending shimmering pink tutu vibes to all!

Before we dive into the glitz and glam of my latest performance, I have to confess something - the colour pink has always been my weakness. From the time I was just a little tyke, my eyes would gravitate to those shades of pale blossom and sugary cotton candy. There’s just something so dreamy and whimsical about pink, don’t you think? And then there are tutus… Oh, how I love tutus! I swear, they are the embodiment of ethereal beauty and whimsical grace, twirling and twirling until you lose yourself in their graceful ballet.

It was during my university days, when I was a budding scientist in Derbyshire and a passionate member of the ballet club, that the love affair began. We were raising money for a charity event and someone dared me to try on a tutu for a laugh. One glimpse in the mirror and I knew - this was destiny! From that moment on, the world changed for me and my journey as Pink Tutu Sparkles was born.

Speaking of my day job… by day, I'm a dedicated scientist testing fabric at the lab. There’s a lot of science behind getting that perfect shimmer on your favorite sequined number. Who knew science and sequins were so intricately entwined?! But once the lab coat comes off, it’s time for Pink Tutu Sparkles to take the stage.

But, enough about me! This trip is all about sharing the magic of Rayleigh with you! So, put on your favourite pink ensemble, get your tea brewing, and join me as I embark on this magical journey...

The Victorian Theatre was positively stunning! A real blast from the past, complete with velvet curtains, gilded detailing and balconies overlooking the stage. It felt like stepping back in time, to a world of gaslights, grand operas, and a touch of the magical.

As always, I made sure to channel the vintage vibe in my performance outfit, combining a delicate pink tutu with a beautiful floral brocade bodice and a touch of feathery glam in my pink feather boa. You could almost hear a whisper of history as I sashayed across the stage, a kaleidoscope of light dancing around me, while the audience cheered. It was truly breathtaking.

But the true highlight? It was during my finale. As I twirled in a symphony of pink and glitter, I saw a young girl, maybe five years old, looking up at me with pure awe. She had a tiny pink tutu on and a smile as wide as the stage. For that moment, we were all bathed in pink light, connected by a shared love of the sparkly, the fabulous, and the pure joy of dancing. It was a moment I'll never forget.

Of course, no visit to Rayleigh is complete without a spot of ballet! And the best part? It didn’t break the bank! Turns out, there’s a local dance academy offering beginner's ballet classes - perfect for channeling those graceful movements even if you’re a little rusty. And yes, I did join in.

I'm all about getting those pink tutu vibes out there, inspiring everyone to embrace their inner dancer! We all deserve a little twinkle in our lives, right? And honestly, how can you resist a dance class in a pink tutu? It's pure magic. The class itself was a blast, all graceful stretches and flowing movements.

You know me, I'm always eager to spread the love, so I ended up teaching the class a little routine using our "pink tutus" (a mix of ballet skirts, sparkly leggings, and some fabulous feather boas!). Honestly, we all ended up looking like a swarm of joyful, twirling butterflies. You couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces (and mine!), it was just delightful!

Of course, no adventure is complete without indulging in local treats! Let’s face it, you can't truly live the pink tutu lifestyle without nourishing the inner queen with delicious food. Rayleigh had no shortage of cute little cafes and tea shops bursting with scrumptiousness!

Imagine a symphony of aromas - freshly baked scones, steaming cups of tea, the sweet scent of freshly whipped cream… It’s enough to make you spin with delight! And yes, I tried the Victoria sponge cake (it’s a must!). I swear it was made in heaven with a dusting of pink sugar and love. You could tell they poured their hearts (and perhaps a little bit of extra sugar!) into every slice.

But let's not forget my favourite spot in any town - the market. Rayleigh’s was full of vibrant colour and local treats - from artisanal cheeses and chutneys to colourful fruits and vegetables, it was a sensory feast! The freshest strawberries and blueberries were begging to be incorporated into a Pink Tutu Sparkle-approved smoothie (with an extra splash of pink food coloring, of course!).

My final hurrah in Rayleigh was a glorious sunset horse ride along the coast! As I gracefully sat upon my steed (in my pink tutu, naturally!), with the salty air on my face and the sun setting into a vibrant canvas of orange, pink and purple hues… well, it was truly a dream.

Horseback riding, just like the stage and my pink tutu, allows you to express yourself, to let go, and to just be! As we cantered along the coast, I felt like I was literally embodying my drag persona. It was an experience I wouldn't trade for the world!

So, if you’re ever feeling like you need a little more pink, a little more tutu, a little more magic in your life… Well, my dears, grab your sparkle and head to Rayleigh! This place will make you believe in dreams and twirl your worries away. You won't regret it!

*Till next time my lovely darlings, may your day be full of pink and joy! *

Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com daily for all my adventures in pink and glamorous shenanigans.

XOXO, Pink Tutu Sparkles