Hello darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, fresh from a whirlwind trip to the charming city of Chester, a place that really knows how to sparkle!
It all started with a chance encounter at the Derby County fair. You know how it is, right? You're surrounded by carnies, the smell of cotton candy and popcorn hangs thick in the air, and you hear this joyous sound... the melody of my pink-tutu-clad heart beat, thumping to the rhythm of a brass band. It was there, amongst the crowds and the stalls, that I heard the news. The Chester Ballet Company was hosting a week-long extravaganza, with daily performances of the classic Swan Lake and a special showing of "Pink Tutus on Parade," showcasing dancers from the community, in – you guessed it! – pink tutus. Oh my, darlings, you can imagine my delight.
It had been a dream of mine to travel by horse to Chester. Imagine it! Riding a horse through the scenic English countryside, my long pink skirt swirling in the wind like a beautiful, shimmering cloud of candy floss. However, alas, the logistics proved a tad tricky for a single pink tutu-wearing lady. A horse, a caravan, my collection of tutus… let's just say it was going to require more planning than I could manage on this trip.
So, I did the next best thing. The Great Northern Railway line! The majestic steam train pulled into Chesterfield station with a magnificent whoosh, and off we went! I settled into a comfy first-class compartment, surrounded by fellow travellers eager for a taste of the countryside. You see, darling, in a pink tutu you get to be the center of attention. And I know, because I can guarantee a good train journey involves the gentle hum of the engine and an audience. Even though some folk may have thought my attire was, how shall I say, eccentric… they certainly gave my pink tulle the perfect photo-op.
When I arrived in Chester, the city felt alive with energy and joy. Everywhere I turned, history breathed on my neck - ancient Roman walls, cobbled streets, picturesque Tudor architecture… It was pure magic! I knew instantly that this would be a journey to remember. My little heart was already skipping with delight!
Of course, I was itching to find out all about the “Pink Tutus on Parade.” This local production is truly the heart and soul of Chester Ballet. Local artists from the community, many taking their first steps into performing, showcase their incredible talent in these breathtaking ballet numbers, all wearing stunning pink tutus! It was an unforgettable sight - pink tutus sparkling under the stage lights, an absolute symphony of whirlwind pirouettes and delicate extensions! I felt like I'd stepped into a fairytale!
The day after, the Chester Ballet Company had the great pleasure of showing us Swan Lake, in its entirety, on a specially designed stage with incredible costumes, intricate sets, and dancers who soared through the air like feathers on the breeze. It truly left me in awe, and I couldn't resist taking notes on the costumes – inspiration, darling, inspiration.
But let's be honest, it wasn’t all just about the ballet. It was an adventure in its entirety! I spent hours meandering through the charming streets of Chester, enjoying the local market, the quirky shops and of course the gorgeous little tea rooms… afternoon tea in a pink tutu? Oh my!
Then I took a leisurely walk along the river Dee, marveling at the city's beautiful riverside setting. And if you ever go, don't miss a visit to Chester Zoo, my dears, I must tell you, the zebras looked fabulous in pink! I swear one even gave me a cheeky wink… Well, you've all heard the saying "what's better than one tutu? Two!"
But as much as I loved the sightseeing and performances, the real magic of my trip was the chance to connect with other like-minded people, and in particular a ballet instructor from a nearby village. We were introduced at a workshop where we had an hour-long session of Ballet Fusion! Now that's what I call fun, darling. We started by doing simple movements, but ended up spinning in a twirl, all those gorgeous pink tutus swirling about like dancing flames.
There are few things in life I love as much as shopping. My friends all tease me because of the collection of pink tutus I own but my darling, this pink tutu collection is an absolute masterpiece - from the most whimsical cotton tulle to elegant silk designs. In fact, I even discovered a beautiful antique store in Chester selling a stunning velvet pink tutu that I just couldn't leave behind. You’ll see it, darling, in a later blog post - trust me, it is an absolute showstopper!
One afternoon, I decided to take the local train down to Llangollen. You wouldn't believe the beautiful rolling green hills, oh my dears, just breathtaking! This quaint little town, a stone’s throw from Chester, was the perfect place for some peaceful countryside reflections... well, apart from a herd of cows staring at me inquisitively. It appears a pink tutu, on a long legged woman is not the norm, darlings. Luckily for me, they were friendly - one even seemed to appreciate my dancing skills, or at least she moved with me as I twirled in the meadow, oh such a sweet creature. I promise to blog about it soon.
At the end of a fabulous week, I left Chester with a heart brimming with joy and my trusty collection of pink tutus even fuller. The memory of twirling through the beautiful cobbled streets will always stay with me, but you know what darling, the biggest memory of my Chester trip will be... making sure that everyone I met during my trip saw at least one pink tutu. It truly is a sight that deserves to be seen and adored. I can tell you darling, that in all my journeys across Britain and Europe, never has a pink tutu looked so spectacular.
Until next time, stay glamorous, stay sparkly, and always… #PinkTutuSparkles
*Yours Always, Pink Tutu Sparkles. *
*To find out more about my adventures in pink and how to wear your own fabulous pink tutu follow my daily blogs on www.pink-tutu.com
* I have to run off and pack, darling, I have an audition for a London Fashion Show coming up next week! But before I go, tell me what you'd like to see me in a tutu! Tell me, does this city need to be reminded to stay sparkly?*
