Hello darlings! It's your favourite Tutu Queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, and I'm bubbling over with excitement about my trip to Barking!
Now, you might be wondering why Barking? Well, dear readers, it’s not the most obvious of destinations, is it? I mean, who ever thinks, “Let's head to Barking, it's gonna be fabulous!” (Don't worry, Barking, I'm gonna turn that frown upside down! 😉) But for a Pink Tutu Queen on the go, anything can be a source of adventure. This journey was sparked by the promise of a dazzling dance performance I simply couldn’t miss – think graceful ballet steps mixed with electrifying street dance vibes – my kind of show!
Getting there in Style (and Pink, of course!)
To get to Barking, I chose the most romantic, eco-friendly, and absolutely gorgeous mode of transport imaginable: The train! Now, I've got to say, the carriage was surprisingly stylish – we’re not talking your average commuting carriage, no sir! They’d decked it out with these vibrant floral prints, it felt like being in a secret garden carriage! I even managed to strike up a chat with a couple of lovely ladies who, once I confessed to my Tutu Queen status, showered me with compliments and even let me have their leftover pink sweets – perfect, isn't it?
The journey wasn’t without its hilarious moments either. At one point, a young lad kept staring at me, probably wondering what in the world a fully dressed drag queen was doing on a Tuesday morning! When our eyes met, I simply gave him a wink and a playful twirl. You know, gotta keep those sparks flying! I’m sure I'll be inspiring him to embrace a little sparkle in his own life.
The Charm of Barking
Speaking of sparks, Barking itself, despite its somewhat less glamorous reputation, totally won me over! Yes, it wasn't as glam as say, Kensington, but it had this unexpected charm. It felt refreshingly real and raw, with its street market buzzing with energy. I couldn’t help but indulge in some cheeky, delicious cheesy pastries from a delightful bakery. Their little, pink and white striped awning, the smell of freshly baked bread, I mean, it was heaven!
Of course, my visit wouldn't be complete without exploring Barking's historical treasures! Let’s just say I got a little lost in the beauty of the Barking Abbey ruins – and yes, you guessed it, there was even a pink wild rose peeking through a crumbling brick! I’m telling you, even the oldest of stones can have a soft spot for a pink Tutu Queen!
Pink Tutu and Ballet Magic
But the highlight of my trip, you ask? That was hands down the show! It was so captivating, so emotional, I almost lost myself in the whirlwind of steps, graceful movements, and expressive bodies. And the best part? It was infused with so much energy, it even made me feel a bit lighter on my own sparkly shoes. It really put my own dance moves into perspective, inspired me to learn some new tricks!
One of the dancers caught my eye. Her eyes glittered with passion as she danced, her limbs reaching for the sky. It was so beautifully performed, so heart-felt, it just made you believe that anyone could be a star! In that moment, the space, all the audience members and performers, it was truly magical. If I was in London longer, I’d definitely be taking more ballet classes myself – and if I do, I’ll let you know where they are in a later post. I might even teach a couple of lessons myself! I’m just too fabulously talented not to!
Embracing the Tutu-licious Life
I hope my Barking escapade reminds you that it’s not about chasing the most glamorous destinations, but about embracing adventure in its unexpected forms. Barking may not have been on your “to-do” list, but maybe it will be now, after reading this. Don’t let your inner Tutu Queen shy away from a place that's “a bit different." It just might turn into one of your favourite adventures! And always, remember to bring your own unique brand of sparkle. Who knows, you might inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a pink tutu, or a dance class, or just an adventure you wouldn't expect!
Love,
Your Pink Tutu Queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles!
P.S. Let me know in the comments what your favourite pink tutus are, or how your life was touched by dance. Let's keep the Pink Tutu Sparkle flowing!
P.P.S Remember, if you're feeling adventurous, you can always catch my next performance! Just head to www.pink-tutu.com to find out when and where I’ll be sparkling next.
