Westhoughton: Tutu Dreams and Railway Rides 🩰💖
Hello, darlings! It's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, broadcasting live from post #8513 on the pinkest blog in the whole wide world - www.pink-tutu.com!
This little Sparkles has been bouncing about with excitement for weeks now - it's a grand adventure time in Westhoughton! You know me, I live for the road trip and there's just something about train journeys that really get my feathers fluffed. My train was a beauty too - all gleaming scarlet with windows that framed the Derbyshire hills as if they were painted on canvas. It was just like something out of one of those old romantic films!
I did my best to look like a vision in pink, of course. Nothing less would do for my first visit to this delightful corner of Lancashire. It wouldn't be Pink Tutu Sparkles if I didn't leave a sprinkle of pink glitter on the carriage for my fellow passengers, wouldn't it? After all, I'm on a mission to get everyone wearing a tutu. And trust me, everyone who saw my sparkly little skirt on the train couldn't resist grinning at least once!
It all started so simply, really. Me, a struggling student trying to earn some extra pennies. I had just joined the university ballet club and they were doing a fundraising fashion show. So, I thought "Why not? Let's wear a tutu!" That's where it all began. Next thing you know, I'm spending my free time sewing and dancing, with a closet that's starting to look more like a multi-coloured wonderland than a science student's home. I do love my lab work though! I'm a textiles scientist - by day I test fabrics and by night, well, let's just say that's when the real magic happens! 😉
Before I tell you all about my adventure, I've just got to show you my look. Imagine a vibrant hot pink tutu - but with an edge. I mean, this girl is a science geek, so there has to be some intellectual edge to my ensembles. My skirt, a perfect cascade of fluffy tulle, was held up with a bright red, glittered harness. Oh, I also have a brand-new feather boa. I think it was inspired by the red of my carriage! You might not see a feather boa in my typical "tutus only" life, but honestly, it felt so wonderfully whimsical, it had to be done!
This isn't my first time performing in Westhoughton. You know how much I adore all things ballet! Last year, I took a class at a lovely ballet school and performed at a fabulous fair. They loved my sparkle and energy so they asked me back! I always love discovering new spots with exciting cultural offerings, but it’s always special to return to a place where you feel welcome. This time, I’ll be dancing with the local ballet school's children. What an honour! Just think, it's a great opportunity to pass on a little bit of Pink Tutu Sparkles magic!
Of course, this town has been bursting with vibrant energy. They say Westhoughton is called the “Little Town with a Big Heart,” and they aren't wrong! I've been overwhelmed by the locals' warmth and hospitality - it truly feels like home! It's an old town with cobblestone streets and adorable, tiny little shops crammed full of charming treats.
Yesterday, I decided to indulge in a little bit of retail therapy. You see, there's no such thing as “too much pink” in my book. I bought a cute little pink straw hat at a charming vintage shop. I can see it already: my little pink tutu, bright pink feather boa, bright pink hat and, oh, don't forget those pink platform heels. That's me right there, the epitome of pink!
Speaking of retail, I did have to pick up a few bits and pieces from my favourite charity shop in town - just a few more fluffy, feathery bits for the act, you know! Oh, you wouldn’t believe the beautiful, velvety, almost royal blue jacket I snagged. A bit unexpected, I know! But trust me, you have no idea what I have in mind for that bad boy… (more on that next time!).
You know, being a travelling drag artist is a whirlwind. But, there's no feeling quite like it, no adventure as exhilarating. I always remind myself that "Pink Tutu Sparkles" isn't just about tutus and sparkly make-up. It's about sparkle. It's about that glimmer in your eyes. That joy in your heart. The thrill of performing.
Now, I can't let you go without a quick rundown of what's next in the Sparkles saga. My gig is just around the corner, a fancy affair with some exciting, talented guest artists. You'll just have to wait to see where. I'm already hard at work on my setlist - you know, keeping that audience's hearts racing with every note. Don't worry, darling. There will be plenty of glitz and glamour, some exciting outfits, and, yes, some seriously fantastic ballet moves. Oh, and maybe just a little bit of "tutu love"!
Remember: "We may not all wear tutus, but we can all bring the pink!".
Lots of love and sparkles,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
xx