Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where glitter is mandatory and pink tutus are the ultimate fashion statement! Today, we’re taking a trip down the Channel to the charming, historical city of Dover. You know how much I love exploring new places, and Dover has been calling to me for months! I’m especially excited about its connection to the world of dance. Dover's been a port for centuries, with connections to Europe and all that comes with it – from the influx of ideas and culture, to beautiful historical buildings and an appreciation of art! I simply cannot wait to explore it all.
As always, this adventure was powered by pink tutus! You know, I'm still a scientist at heart, and I've got a bit of a method to my pink tutu madness. For instance, the fabric for my latest masterpiece? Well, I had to test it myself in the lab! It’s got a special, luminous quality that really makes it shimmer under the stage lights. That's right, I don't just wear these tutus, I design them too! My lab colleagues are definitely used to the random "pink explosions" happening in our fabric research room.
So, let’s dive right in to this Dover day. The train journey down from Derbyshire was just lovely – there’s something magical about gliding across the countryside on those old, comfy carriages. And honestly, watching the world fly by while sipping tea and dreaming of pink tutus is my absolute favourite way to travel!
My first stop was a beautiful shop called “The Pink Parlour.” My dear reader, it was a dream come true! Rows and rows of exquisite pink clothing, from hats and gloves, to sparkly dresses and of course, tutus! I had to resist the urge to buy the entire shop. Honestly, I think it took a miracle and my bank account screaming in protest to prevent me from carrying the entire stock out. The lovely shop assistant was a dear, she helped me pick out the most perfect pink tulle – the kind that just screams “Diva”! It’s already inspiring me for a new tutu creation. I can practically see myself twirling around the stage, lighting up the night in my Dover creation!
Of course, no trip to Dover would be complete without a visit to the iconic white cliffs! Standing at the edge of the cliffs, feeling the wind whipping through my hair, it just made me want to twirl even more! It’s just breathtaking, with that dramatic, almost fairytale quality to it. It's easy to see how they've inspired artists and storytellers for centuries!
And then, oh dear readers, there was the performance. It took place at the Dover Theatre, a grand old building filled with history and whispers of stage stars gone by. Let’s just say the atmosphere was buzzing! There I was, front and center, in my pink tutu, feeling that sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. It's something I'll never tire of. It's hard to believe, really, that when I started, I was a shy science student who just wanted to make people smile! Now here I am, a drag performer touring the country, with the goal of making everyone wear a pink tutu!
For this show, I decided to pay homage to Dover's maritime history. My opening act was a rousing musical number about sailors, seascapes and adventure! My new pink tutu glittered with silver sequins that looked like stars against the navy blue backdrop I had created, and my stage make up was all shimmery with blue hues. It went down a storm, if I may say so myself! It's surprising what an audience can get into if you set the stage with an imaginative vision.
The most wonderful part was seeing how people were reacting. You know, I'm not just out there performing for myself, it's all about sharing the joy and spreading that sprinkle of magic. Little kids, in awe of my twirling, their faces lit up like Christmas trees – honestly, there is nothing more rewarding than that. But you know, even the older folks, some of them were shy at first, but when I saw them start tapping their toes and swaying to the music – that just made my day. That’s the power of pink, the magic of performance. I saw more than one person, in the audience, twirling in their seats!
Then, I got to experience something truly special. I stumbled upon a street ballet performance on my way to dinner. A group of local dancers were showcasing a graceful choreography inspired by the famous Dover White Cliffs. There they were, effortlessly navigating the streets, telling a story of movement. Honestly, it made my heart sing. My own heart started drumming, I felt my fingers tapping the air in rhythm, I just wanted to join in!
Dover had really stolen a piece of my heart. The town was so vibrant, the people so welcoming and the history so fascinating. And honestly, it felt so good to be spreading my message of self-expression and playful optimism with my trusty pink tutu as my guide.
Before leaving, I did, of course, have a lovely fish and chips dinner – because no trip to the English seaside would be complete without it! And it was right by the harbour. The food was absolutely delicious. I have a secret love of mushy peas! And what do you know, while enjoying the amazing food I had a delightful encounter. I ended up talking with a family whose young daughter absolutely loved my tutu. It’s the highlight of the day – I’m not sure if it was her, or if it was me, but someone got a good cuddle. I'm starting to think maybe it was me who needed the cuddle. She was quite insistent, with all that playful innocence.
Well, darlings, that’s Dover for you. A city where history whispers through the cobblestones, a place where art and nature come together in perfect harmony, and where pink tutus are definitely allowed (and perhaps even encouraged)!
I'll be back again soon, dear reader. I can feel it. The call of the coast and that shimmer of a million sparkling stars is hard to resist.
Until next time, don't be shy to put on your own pink tutu, and let your sparkle shine!
Lots of love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles (Alex, by day!)
xx
