Hello darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, ready to bring a splash of pink and twirls to your day! I'm currently shimmying my way through Bloxwich, a charming little town in the heart of England. And oh my goodness, the people here are lovely! I even had a lady tell me that her great aunt was related to a famous Victorian ballet dancer – how divine is that?!
I know, I know – some of you are probably thinking, "Bloxwich? Seriously, Pink Tutu?" But let me tell you, this is more than just a random pitstop on my glamorous travels. This whole trip was a bit of a whim. See, I’d been getting a bit, well, bored. Too much lab time in Derbyshire lately. The experiments with those fluorescent fabrics were giving me the blues! I needed some sparkle! And what’s more glittery and fab than a little trip across the Midlands?
So I dusted off my sequined suitcase, packed a suitcase full of tutus and some killer glitter eyeshadow (a girl can't travel without it!) and hitched a ride on a rather fetching vintage steam train to Bloxwich. You see, darlings, I truly believe that getting a bit lost can often lead to the most fabulous discoveries.
And Bloxwich hasn't disappointed! Now, don't think I'm just about the glitter, even though, of course, I am obsessed. I'm actually a big fan of the arts in general – opera, ballet, you name it! So when I saw this wonderful old theatre in Bloxwich with a poster advertising a performance by the "Bloxwich Ballet Society," I nearly leapt out of my skin!
I rushed right in, all in a flurry of tulle and tulle, and the whole place was just so charming! Think grand old Victorian decor, stained glass windows, and velvet seats. I felt like I’d stepped back in time – a time when elegance and theatre were the true kings of entertainment!
The performance? Breathtaking! Such grace, precision, and artistry. Honestly, my eyes were practically glued shut, watching each little pirouette and plié. But I was taking mental notes – those twirls and those leg extensions...perfect inspiration for my own drag routine! After the show, I practically accosted the choreographer, demanding secrets and tips (the cheek of me! haha) But hey, I can't help myself! If you're a ballet aficionado like myself, Bloxwich's ballet scene is absolutely worth a trip. Just a little heads-up though – it’s all a bit under the radar so best to call in advance to get those precious ticket.
Of course, no visit to a new town is complete without a bit of retail therapy. I love trawling through vintage clothing stores, and Bloxwich’s antique markets were a treasure trove! I found some incredible velvet coats, shimmering sequins, and even a hat adorned with feathers – I couldn’t resist snatching it up. Who knows how many fabulous performances that hat will see?!
My latest discovery is a vintage clothing store tucked away on a quiet side street. The owner is this wonderful woman with the brightest blue eyes, and she has the best taste in fashion. She’s been in the business for years, and she’s got this little treasure trove of sequins, ruffles, and boas – it’s like stepping into a fairytale wardrobe! She actually gifted me a fabulous sequin bolero – I wore it immediately and posed for a few pics with her, the absolute queen of Bloxwich fashion. It’s so sparkly! You can see it in the picture on my Pink Tutu.com page – what a stunner, right?!
I even met some amazing locals while sipping tea at this cute little cafe, The Teapot, right by the market square. It’s full of chintz, and dainty teacups, perfect for afternoon tea with my posse. We had the most delightful gossip – one of the ladies was even a retired ballet dancer! Turns out Bloxwich has been a hotbed for all sorts of talent, which I find rather exciting, really. I even tried my hand at the local pub quiz, the “Two Flamingos.” My knowledge of musicals and costume design came in quite handy – turns out those little snippets of ballet knowledge did come in useful too!
And of course, it wouldn't be a proper trip to Bloxwich without some good food. Let's face it – a queen like myself needs sustenance! I fell in love with a tiny, independent bakery run by a pair of twins with the brightest smiles. They were so passionate about their sourdough bread and pastries – it truly was a labour of love, not just a shop. It reminded me of a tiny artisan bakery near my family home in Derbyshire, right back before all this drag life went into overdrive! I managed to squeeze in a second trip – they were out of my favourite almond croissants on my first visit, can you imagine?! They make some incredible cheese and onion tarts, a bit more unusual for a bakery, I know, but oh, they are good, seriously! And the twins told me I should come back during Bloxwich's yearly Artisan Market to try the local craft cider – Apparently, it's amazing! Who knew there was so much to love in Bloxwich?
And wouldn't you know it, there’s even a fabulous stables where I spent a morning riding. It was pure magic! It's so wonderfully peaceful out there, just me, a fluffy horse, and the sun on my face. It reminded me of why I love my life so much – always moving forward, finding new places to explore and new experiences to try. I may be a Pink Tutu queen, but even I need a little bit of peace and quiet now and then.
As I head on from Bloxwich, it’s clear to me that I’ll be back soon. Maybe when those artisan ciders are flowing? Maybe when the annual Bloxwich Christmas Market is in full swing, with its sparkly lights, mince pies, and carols – and, of course, plenty of opportunity to wear my glittery tutus.
Remember darlings, never be afraid to explore new corners of the world, whether it's a small town like Bloxwich, or somewhere further afield. You never know what kind of fabulous treasures you might discover. Just be sure to pack your pink tutus and be ready to dance. Until next time, keep shining!
Pink Tutu Sparkles Out!
