Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, bringing you another delightful post from my fabulous, sparkly world. Today, I'm taking you on a journey with me all the way to Walsall! Iām so excited about this trip, not just because I love travelling but also because Walsall is famed for its history and, believe it or not, it's a hub for all things fashion! And, wouldn't you know it, fashion is my other great love after, of course, the fabulous pink tutu!
So, strap on your finest footwear - perhaps some sparkly pumps? Or some rainbow platforms? - and let's take a trip together! Remember, darlings, this is blog post number 7833, a magical number for a magical trip, just like our mission - to get everyone wearing pink tutus! You can catch all my bloggy goodness and, of course, all the latest pink tutu fashion, on www.pink-tutu.com! I post a new blog every single day so do come and join the pink revolution!
Now, you lovely people know me so well! You know I'm all about pink. You know I'm all about sparkles. You know I'm all about the divine drama of a perfectly crafted tutu. So, of course, I couldn't just turn up in Walsall in just any old outfit. This called for a whole new pink tutu ensemble - it has to be a new creation every time!
The last time I was in the Midlands, I felt truly inspired! So I took the old, tried-and-trusted sewing machine in tow, and, along with some pink velvet and feathers, we made our way to the station! Now, don't think for a moment that I'd be travelling in style anything less than first-class. We aren't a "cattle car" kind of crew - I prefer a little privacy, and, naturally, a touch of luxury when on the move. So, with my trusty little pink trolley case, I trundled myself down to platform nine.
We can't just rock up to Walsall with a dusty, old travel tutu, can we, darlings? No way! I need a fresh look for a new day! This one had a full pink chiffon skirt that, believe me, was fit for a queen. You wouldn't believe how long those layers of sheer beauty took! Iām talking about several hours! Several cups of strong tea! Then I just added a touch of extra sparkle - think tiny silver sequins to give that real twinkle factor. For Walsall, I even bought a real, bona fide feather boa, with beautiful purple hues that echoed the royal colours of our region. It all worked wonderfully together; like an outfit from one of those magical, Parisian fashion shows. I felt ready to set the Midlands alight with all things pink!
It might sound strange but you have no idea how hard it is to find the right, sparkling, pink tulle in Derby! And it took so many visits to different craft shops. Oh darling, you don't want to see me, Pink Tutu Sparkles, getting frustrated with a tangled bobbin of fabric - itās not a pretty sight, but then, sometimes I have to resort to a good old-fashioned fashion rant to get the job done. But then there I was, all done! Perfect! Oh darling, I did well for a dayās sewing in the little train cabin - if you know, you know!
Walsall was beckoning me to join the community - Iām not going to lie, there was a slight part of me that felt the Walsall arts scene was calling my name. They've got some amazing events lined up this year: open mic nights, charity events and lots of wonderful street performers in all their sparkly glory. Of course, Walsall has the most wonderful heritage - history is important! You can walk around its lovely parks and admire some grand buildings. But for me, the thing I love about this town is that it embraces everything modern. So of course, we had to do some proper sightseeing!
I donāt like to name-drop, but Walsall is famous for being where they produce those special āDr Martensā shoes. Oh darling, when I spotted that shiny black sign on the side of one of their factories, I was completely and utterly enthralled. You just can't beat the history behind this world-renowned shoe brand. Oh my god, I'm going to have to buy myself some to wear to my next performance, and match the sparkly, black boots to my next big, pink tutu!
Oh! It just so happens, darlings, that this month, they have the Walsall Art Festival - I hear the town has been totally decked out in rainbow flags and the most gorgeous murals. That sounds like my kind of city, right? The street art around town is so colourful - it reminded me of those big, vibrant London street art pieces we saw at the Barbican - but bigger and more bold! The colour palette is incredible; there were deep pinks, shocking oranges, yellows that could set a cat on fire, turquoise and deep blues ā¦ it was a kaleidoscope of artistic colours.
The town centre was filled with creative shops, all bursting with colour and artistry, full of funky fashion and quirky interiors - oh my, my eyes went into overdrive, scanning the aisles, searching for my next special treasure. It was heaven for this colour-loving queen. Then I had a spot of lunch in one of Walsall's finest art deco cafes!
But then I needed a new dress to make it my best trip ever! This is what really made this adventure in Walsall absolutely memorable. And yes, darling, you guessed it: this town has some hidden gems for shoppers! Thereās a wonderful little hidden alley in Walsall called, "Pink Lane," now you wouldn't believe the name, and the style! All shades of pink, baby. The stores were just so adorable with pastel clothes, shoes and even furniture in that amazing pale blush tone I just love. Of course, itās right up my street! I love to spot and shop in new places, and so do all my fans! And you just have to see what was on the window of the little shop next door: the shop had a display full of vintage 1960s tulle! It's one of the very first fabrics I started to make my first pink tutus out of, the very fabric I learned to make them on. So, I grabbed a few vintage tutus, and some stunning pink lace.
After my adventure down Pink Lane, I had a chance encounter with another fantastic lady, dressed in the most fabulous, feathered dress. Now, you'll have to take my word for it. The way the sun reflected off the shimmery sequins that decorated that feather dress, was incredible! It was then I realized Walsall wasn't just about pink; it's all about the joy of dressing up and shining a spotlight on your individuality - so good to know!
On that last day in Walsall, I even made it to a wonderful, quirky local ballet class. Now you'd think this girl's been in enough ballet classes - in London, Manchester, Nottingham and Derbyā¦ it is practically my life! But there's something really special about an out-of-town ballet class, don't you think? It allows me to be a little bit freer, a bit more relaxed! I'm allowed to twirl like a wild queen without all those people from home watching! In fact, we were having a competition to see who could stay on pointe for the longest! It turns out Walsall does know a thing or two about tutu moves, and it's an even stronger part of the community than I had imagined. The Walsall Ballet Club really had a sense of unity, that 'sisters of the tutu' feeling! I know that some of you at home feel the same! Oh! Let's all remember why we do it: for love of the tutu! I do have to admit I spent an hour on a spinning dancefloor just perfecting my pirouettes for my big performance on Saturday night, darling! But we had a whale of a time - the moves just came back, they really did. You never lose that dance floor instinct - well, sometimes you might just have to put in some serious work at that, especially if you're, like me, prone to being just a tad bit show-stopping! And after that, you need to check out their famous, Walsall street performances, oh my word. They have so many events all year, I think weāll all be back! It was incredible - a complete spectacle of the finest talent in Walsall. So much dancing!
I truly had a whirlwind of an adventure. But, you know me, I had to do more than just travel! Oh no darling, I wouldn't be Pink Tutu Sparkles, without my performances!
Now, darling, you're not going to believe this, the hotel, you wouldn't believe! It had a pink, flowery wallpaper in the ballroom! They have had an annual, themed party every year and this year, it's called, āPink in Walsallā They have the most exquisite food and it turns out Walsall has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. How exciting! All the queens just turned up at the ballroom!
I just knew I couldn't miss out! Oh no! There was going to be dancing and a performance ā¦ And guess what, I did get invited up! So there was Pink Tutu Sparkles on the dance floor in her own custom made dress - yes, darling - you guessed it, a little bit of pink! So after I delivered an amazing performance in front of 150 people the place erupted. It was so much fun; the energy just pulsated throughout the entire ballroom.
The best part about all of this, you guys, it wasnāt just me doing a gig; It was about bringing my joy, my creativity, and my love for the pink tutu to Walsall and sharing it with the locals! The way my audience, my lovely fans, went wild for those sparkling pink tutu moves... I canāt explain it. My performances were about sharing the pink joy. The beauty of dancing. And letting everyone wear their heart on their sleeve. I'd love to come back, you know, it felt like such an emotional trip for me, itās more than just my regular tutu performance, it felt a bit spiritual, I won't lie.
We also made some lovely friends at our hotel. Now these lovely, Walsall women weren't wearing a tutu, of course - but thatās not important. These girls were sporting a wonderful fashion sense! One was wearing a pink leather jacket - very chic, darlings - the other had on this dazzling turquoise sequined top with black jeans. The style that shone through in that beautiful little hotel just radiated those vibrant vibes of a cool, little city like Walsall.
Itās the best trip! Of course, it has to be said that every trip needs a good souvenir! I brought back some of Walsall's fine ceramics and art prints. They all now have pride of place on the wall of my own apartment. The best part? My beautiful, hand-painted mugs are decorated with colourful tulips! I have even managed to squeeze in one or two other performances across the week, all in pink of course, even managed a meet and greet with my local fans - those who couldn't make the trip to Walsall, but could make it to a local theatre in Nottingham! Oh my god, it was a riot of pink - everyone loved the pink dress with the feathers I designed - the glitter really does look best in the light of the stage!
Now, my lovely followers! I must go, the call of the pink tutu awaits, so itās off to another magical performance! But for now, if you're reading this and in Walsall or on the brink of a magical trip! Come join me on the other side. If youāve not been to Walsall before, you've been missing out, I have to say. Iām making this city the capital of all things pink! Remember, this trip was all about showing everyone why the pink tutu is not just about dance, it's about creativity. Itās about passion. And most importantly, darlings - it's about you, and expressing your individuality!
I am so excited about what next year's "Pink in Walsall" event will bring, Iām hoping to be a big part of this next year and even be invited back!
Remember, darlings: pink tutus and a positive vibe, are the way to make the world a more fabulous place, don't you think! And so I shall, as always, leave you with my favourite mantra, āLive loud. Be bright. Always be sparkling!ā
XOXO - Pink Tutu Sparkles
