Hello darlings, it's your Tutu Queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and boy oh boy, am I absolutely fizzing with excitement! Today marks the 8916th installment of my Pink-Tutu.com blog, and we're going all out, heading straight for the heart of London! Now, you know me, I always love a good travel adventure, and a dash of theatricality. And, my darlings, Hampstead, with its charming villages and bustling streets, is simply screaming for a sprinkle of Pink Tutu Sparkles! ✨
Now, how did a drag queen from the Derbyshire countryside, who also just happens to be a fully-fledged scientist by day, end up in Hampstead? Well, as a proper queen always says, it's a story you'll just have to hear... 🤫
So, as I've said before, I've been utterly besotted with tutus since my uni days. It all started in the university ballet club (which, yes, I was a member of - I’m quite a multi-talented gal!) where we were doing a charity fundraiser. And what did I have to wear for the grand finale? A big, fluffy, beautiful, pink tutu! That’s right, the moment the shimmering tulle settled on my hips, my destiny became clear – I was a tutu queen. And I wouldn’t just wear pink tutus – I would spread the pink tutu gospel across the land. 🙌
Now, if you haven’t seen my Instagram feed (pink-tutu-sparkles for you, honey!), it's essentially a riot of pink tulle, flamboyant outfits, and generally glamorous happenings. And my dear readers, you have absolutely no idea how much it thrills my little scientist heart to get to see people embrace the pink tutu love. From drag shows to theatre stages to even just walking down the street – seeing people take that extra step and rock a tutu just makes my whole being sing. 🤩
Oh, and did I mention my travel style? It’s quite unusual, but so much fun. A galloping good time, some might say. I’m a bit of a hybrid: I love train travel - it’s such a graceful and romantic way to get around, just me, my thoughts, and the wind in my tulle. And, of course, you can always rely on me to find a stable where I can find a graceful steed. 🐴 (It makes it so much easier to carry all my fabulous tutus and accessories!)
So, as a queen never misses a good performance opportunity, I was, of course, headlining a spectacular fundraiser for the Hampstead Ballet Club this evening. And guess what, my darlings? I decided to have a little chat with the locals beforehand to really get into the swing of things. We were chatting about all things tutu (duh!), and there I was, strolling through the quaint shops and boutiques, and suddenly… bam! It hit me! Why, my dears, my heart yearns for an old-fashioned picnic in the lovely, emerald fields of Hampstead Heath! And wouldn’t you know it, it was like the fairies were whispering in my ear - there was a little, independent tea room, nestled perfectly near the rolling green meadows. So, of course, we had to stop in, order a beautiful tea and a little scone, and talk about the joys of twirling. ✨
Now, as the sun sets over Hampstead, casting the fields in a soft pink glow (perfect, really, for a tutu queen like me!), my dear readers, it’s time to wrap up this post. You know the drill – tune in tomorrow for the next chapter! And never forget, darlings, it’s never too late to find your inner pink tutu goddess. Just be brave, have some fun, and let your true, shining self radiate! 💖
Love, Your Tutu Queen,
Pink Tutu Sparkles (Alex)
P.S. Don’t forget, if you’re ever looking for a bit of Tutu Queen glamour in your life, check out my performance schedule at www.pink-tutu.com.
A Pink Tutu Diary 🩰💖The Day in Detail:
12:30 p.m.: I arrived in Hampstead by train (nothing beats a bit of British railway travel, darling!). My suitcase, you ask? Well, I don’t exactly have luggage – it’s more like a pink-hued portable boutique, containing everything you need for a grand performance – enough tutus for an army, feather boas that could reach the sky, sparkly headdresses that would put a crown to shame, and, of course, makeup for days! It's always an adventure getting it all from my flat in Derbyshire, especially when travelling by horse! But I do love to travel and am lucky to have a loving family to look after me!
1:30 p.m. : After I got settled, I decided to give Hampstead’s shops and boutiques a good ol’ fashioned look-see. After all, a queen's gotta shop! The first stop was an independent antique shop – my heart, as you know, belongs to the glamour of days gone by. And then… I just couldn’t help myself… I wandered into the local bakery, tempted by the irresistible scent of freshly baked cakes. That’s how I ended up enjoying a piece of pink velvet cake! Oh my!
3:00 p.m.: A walk through Hampstead Heath was in order. Such an inspiring place – a beautiful expanse of green, all framed by those classic English cottages. A real dream!
3:30 p.m.: Now, this was the real treat. You see, I’m always looking out for something special when I’m travelling. And I had a moment that completely took my breath away – it was at one of the little tea shops by Hampstead Heath. I was enjoying a gorgeous tea service (you know me – a queen always has to indulge!), and while we were chatting, we had the most fabulous view of a majestic pink-tinged sunset across the green fields of Hampstead. It was something out of a ballet! It was truly enchanting, and the little tea room itself was as cosy and sweet as a gingerbread house. And that’s where the magic really started to unfold. 🤩
6:00 p.m.: As we've established, my whole mission in life is to share the joy of tutus, and in Hampstead, that meant getting ready for my fundraising show at the local ballet club! I found myself surrounded by dancers of all ages and levels, their excitement palpable. I could already see the glitter in their eyes, a spark that said they were ready to unleash their inner ballerina. Oh, you just wait for that stunning grand finale - trust me!
8:30 p.m. : Oh my, my darlings! You wouldn’t believe how amazing the show went! I absolutely adored dancing with the kids, and everyone – and I mean everyone - got involved in the "Pink Tutu Boogie” for the final performance. You just have to imagine – hundreds of tutu-clad dancers and me leading the way – pink galore, dazzling smiles and an eruption of joy. And of course, that was the ultimate, satisfying moment – it’s not every day that a queen gets to be surrounded by an orchestra of little dancers in pink tutus!
11:30 p.m.: With the fundraising complete, my evening wrapped up, but with so much gratitude. I couldn't help but reflect on how being a drag artist is the most wonderful adventure - I've learnt that anything can be turned into a pink tutu celebration! But before heading back to the flat (a proper rest after a long day is essential for this Queen!), I’m going to have a little twirl, a quick practice of the grand finale. Oh, how the tutus move and spin! My body, my mind, and soul come together in such perfect, elegant harmony when I wear my tutu.
I can’t wait to see what my Tutu travels have in store for me next week! Will it be a fancy-dress masquerade ball? Maybe a gala ballet at a stately home? Perhaps I’ll find myself performing at a whimsical festival – only time will tell! Keep an eye on pink-tutu.com – we’re about to go on the most magnificent, fabulous, pink adventure yet. 💖