Hello darlings! Your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen is back with another fabulous travel diary, and this time, I’m shimmering my way through the enchanting streets of Longton! It's my 7977th blog post, so grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's take a spin through a day of glitz, glamour, and (of course!) pink tutus.
Longton's been calling my name for ages. This charming town in Staffordshire, famous for its pottery heritage, has a unique vibe. It’s where I was whisked away on the whimsical journey of a lifetime last weekend! And of course, I had to make my entrance a show-stopper, arriving by train (gotta love the romantic charm of a first-class carriage).
Stepping onto the cobbled streets of Longton was like stepping into a fairytale. My sparkly pink tutu and heels twirled happily in the sunshine, drawing all the eyes. I had planned an afternoon at the Longton Town Hall. They had an exciting new exhibit on the history of local theatre and dance! You wouldn’t believe the gorgeous costumes they’d managed to keep for display, from Victorian panto to classic ballet. It gave me a real appreciation for the legacy of live performance, and for the craft of designing the magnificent tutus that we dance in today!
But before that, it was time for lunch. And I mean, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Sparkles blog post without a little bit of shopping. Now, I am a true believer that every outfit starts with a fabulous accessory! So naturally, I had to find the perfect new pair of gloves to complete my afternoon ensemble. Longton Market didn't disappoint, offering a treasure trove of vintage delights. A quirky little shop tucked away in the corner caught my eye. “The Frock Exchange” is their name, and boy oh boy, is their stock full of glorious gowns and gorgeous accessories! I think I must have tried on a dozen outfits in a dazzling, pink-filled frenzy before finally choosing the perfect pair of pearl-adorned gloves. I felt like a royal princess from the moment I put them on. 💖
With a bag full of happy shopping discoveries and my gloves at the ready, I was eager to head to the Town Hall. A ballet history exhibition was the perfect excuse to explore this stunning building and the art of performance that truly captured my heart from the start! From delicate satin gowns to flowing costumes worthy of a celestial ballet, each piece was a testament to the artistic expression that only dance can bring! The sheer talent that went into each costume blew my mind! And I confess, a few pieces were definitely tutu-esque - but naturally, no competition for mine! They had a display of authentic stage props, from elaborate crowns to even old makeup palettes. I took so many pictures and even tried to recreate some classic ballet poses.
A truly lovely afternoon immersed in a world I adore so much, the world of theatre and dance! It made me reflect upon my journey from a budding ballerina (yes, in my youth I dreamed of leaping and twirling on stage!) to my passion for the artistry of drag. In my heart, both of these are intertwined, both allow me to express myself, explore characters, and create something magical through the magic of costume, makeup, and storytelling.
My evening in Longton was as dazzling as my tutu! I performed a lively show at a local bar - the perfect end to my fairytale trip. The crowd was absolutely lovely, so energetic and welcoming. My pink tutu and I had them all on their feet and dancing along with us! What I loved most, apart from the joy of making everyone smile and laugh, was seeing the sheer glee on their faces when they realised that a real pink tutu was in their midst! My life's goal, you see, is to encourage everyone to find their own inner sparkle and celebrate life with a touch of tutu magic!
Longton is a beautiful town that really knows how to create a buzz. Its friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere makes it feel like home, and it truly captivated my imagination with its vibrant culture and love of art and entertainment! This adventure has just added a lovely chapter to the grand book of Pink Tutu Sparkles! 💖
I hope you all found my little journey as enchanting as I did. And remember darlings, always believe in your sparkle, be courageous, and don't be afraid to twirl your way to your dreams. I'm off to create even more memories. Until next time!
Xoxo, Pink Tutu Sparkles
P.S. Want to learn more about the science behind fabric? Pop on over to the "Behind The Sparkle" section of my website - www.pink-tutu.com where I unveil my day job as a fabric scientist and talk all things tech. Did you know my science background gives me an edge on tutu choice, choosing only the fabrics that will stand up to my spins, leaps and grand jetés?!
P.P.S Don't forget, if you're in the UK and need a fantastic tutu queen to perform at your local fair or event, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m ready to spread my pink tutu magic and sparkle far and wide. 💕
