#TutuQueen on 2025-01-14 stars in Barking

Hiya darlings! It's your Pink Tutu Sparkles, back with another sizzling update from your favourite tutu-wearing traveller. This week, I'm trading in my dancing shoes for a train ticket to Barking! Yes, the legendary, the vibrant, the tutu-tastic Barking!

Let me tell you, London town, as they say, is full of wonders, and Barking holds a special place in my pink heart. I mean, just the name – it sounds so sparkly, so full of life and energy. Doesn't it? And let's be honest, with all the fab theatres and dance venues this city holds, I'd be missing a beat if I didn't make the journey down to Barking.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Barking? What on earth is there to do in Barking?" But trust your queen, darlings. Barking's got more going on than you might think!

And for you lovely lot who’ve followed my blog from the very beginning, you know it's my mission to spread the joy of tutus all across the globe, one fabulous twirl at a time! So, if there’s one thing I do well, it's researching all things tutu-tastic.

Tutu-ful Exploration in Barking

For starters, the fantastic Barking Town Hall has an incredible program of events - I hear they've got a phenomenal theatre there. This calls for a good ol’fashioned tutu makeover. Maybe I'll pull out my vintage lilac feather tutu – fabulous.

But hold onto your bonnets, darlings, because I've also got my eyes set on the Barkingside Lido, an open-air swimming pool that has an air of vintage glamour! Now, that calls for a chic pink tutu-tastic look. Something modern, something striking, something that’ll get all the lovely people staring (and I always mean this in the nicest way possible).

I wouldn't be true to myself, or the spirit of Barking, if I didn't take a little time to enjoy its stunning scenery. I hear the Abbey Road Open Space is simply divine, especially for someone as enamoured by flowers as me. Can’t wait to catch some beautiful blooms in all their pink glory! You just know that I’ll be strutting my best pink tulle, the wind catching my layers, as I wander through these charming meadows!

Speaking of strutting, darlings, you know I love a good twirl – especially if it’s a street performance. And lucky for us, there's an amazing street performance venue in Barking called The Broadway. Now this sounds right up my alley! This is going to be the perfect excuse to bust out my brand-new flamingo feather boa – it's going to look absolutely mesmerising. I might just go with a classic blush tutu - I'm a bit "Pink Tutu Sparkles", you know? Just a little…sparkle…and I know how much my fans adore it!

And to wrap up a truly splendid day in Barking, there’s only one way I can think to do it - at the Barking Community Arts Centre. The perfect venue for me, because this darling of a centre really embodies the spirit of community, and I love the way this building stands for creativity. And if that's not enough, it just happens to have a theatre space – and you just know that's where I'm going to be performing my own signature blend of cabaret, drag and glitter-infused magic. Think feathers, sparkles, tutus, fabulous lighting and all the right moves! My dream.

Oh! And you know that I'm always on the lookout for new talent! So if you’re a talented performer reading this and you live in the Barking area – get in touch. Let's collaborate on a truly magnificent performance for all of my wonderful followers!

Travel Time!

This week's adventures are set to begin with a very special journey: the train, of course! The trusty train never fails to deliver a charming and romantic atmosphere. I’m really embracing this vintage train trip with all the romantic flair. I just know it’s the ideal setting to showcase my new “Parisian Promenade” tutu - all ruffles, blush tones and soft pastel accents, perfect for sipping my chamomile tea and sketching out plans for my performance!

Don't be fooled by my “scientifically sound” profession – the creative soul lives inside this lab coat, always ready to break out the glitter glue.

So you know I always like to incorporate a little glamour into my daily routine. I can't go out with a boring outfit – my look must match the level of fabulosity of my destinations! It's the very least a Pink Tutu Sparkles can do. After all, as the world’s most glamorous scientist, you simply can't go to a London venue looking like you just rolled out of bed!

My fellow glitter-lovers, get ready for a week full of adventure, creativity, and of course, lots of sparkle!

The Secret Behind the Sparkle

Okay, now I know what you’re all thinking. How on earth does a sassy scientist in a lab coat pay for all of these magical escapades?!

Here’s the thing: I didn't always dream in tutus.

I originally joined university to study science, and I spent my early days experimenting with fabrics, dyeing and textures, testing them in labs for strength and wearability, you know the drill! And it’s not all boring either – working with fabrics really made me appreciate the details of different pieces – their quality and feel.

But here's where the magic began.

As a budding scientist, I had the privilege of attending the annual university fundraiser, all dressed up in the name of charity! For that night, we were tasked with the simple mission of raising funds. It all seemed so simple. We got on with the work!

Then came the moment that completely turned my world upside down - a charity dance with my uni friends. I needed a costume, so I picked out the very first tutu I ever laid eyes on - a bright pink number, oh so grand!

And let’s just say I didn't look back! Wearing a tutu, I suddenly felt an immense amount of freedom! I was spinning, I was twirling, I was completely immersed in a whole new world. And at that point, the Pink Tutu Sparkles legend was born!

You might think that Pink Tutu Sparkles has led a rather glamorous life but, I can tell you, I was pretty clueless about the world of drag! It wasn't until I landed a weekend gig as a dancer at a local pub in my home town in Derbyshire that things truly took off. That pub was a turning point - it’s where I realised the pure joy of performing on a stage. I embraced the energy, the applause, the exhilaration!

I’m not saying that my initial foray into the world of drag was without its hurdles! Finding a good pink tutu took a fair bit of hunting! But I found it - in the dusty back corner of a theatre shop! Once I found it, it became a beacon for my inner sparkle, like a light at the end of the tutu!

Since then, my Pink Tutu Sparkle brand has flourished! I started to use my “scientific approach” to the world of drag – it has allowed me to blend scientific rigour with the pure expression of my artistry. I took my research, my curiosity, my love of colours and textures, and I mixed it with an undeniable love of dance.

I'm not one to boast but I'm proud of how far my passion for tutus has taken me! So what does a glamorous scientist, drag performer, and self-proclaimed tutu ambassador do with all this newfound success? The answer is simple - I help make the world a little brighter, one tutu at a time!

My career in drag has made it possible for me to make a living. This allows me to live life on my terms – from exploring different corners of the world to wearing amazing costumes!

I may not have the world’s biggest fortune but I can honestly say I am wealthy in love!

If you happen to find yourself in Barking this week, be sure to look out for your favourite queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles. I'll be sharing all my sparkle and secrets!

Until next time, darlings. Stay fabulous!

Pink Tutu Sparkles