Hello my darlings, and welcome to another fabulous edition of Pink Tutu Sparkles’ world travels! This week has been an absolute whirlwind, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Today I’m buzzing off the success of my gig in Newtownards, a charming little town nestled in Northern Ireland. It felt like a scene straight out of a film, the quaint shops with hanging baskets spilling over with bright flowers, the old stone buildings bathed in golden afternoon sunshine, and the friendly faces – this town embraced me with open arms and it really made me feel right at home.
Now, I know you might be thinking “Pink Tutu Sparkles in Northern Ireland, what a bizarre combo!”, but honestly, this was a dream come true! For starters, who could resist the chance to bring some sparkly pink to the shores of the Irish Sea?
And secondly, my darlings, did you know Newtownards is famed for its connection to the illustrious Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London?! Imagine, that place – a temple of ballet and artistry – it has a deep-rooted tie to this enchanting corner of Ireland. Honestly, when I heard about it, it was a resounding “I'm there!” moment, like when Cinderella hears the Prince’s call.
I started my day bright and early (you’ve gotta get that caffeine boost!), tucking into a hearty Irish breakfast at a quaint little café just a stone’s throw from the station. The warmth of the place, the friendly staff, and the deliciousness of those crispy bacon rashers filled me up, leaving me feeling energised and ready to tackle the town in full sparkly pink glory.
It would be churlish of me not to talk about the journey. As you all know, Pink Tutu Sparkles is a devotee of all things glamorous, so I’d booked a train journey down, just so I could sit back, relax, and allow my mind to be taken away with the rolling green hills and charming towns I passed by. Now, the carriage I found myself on was a little more "grandma's old armchair" than “sleek futuristic design,” but the old-world charm won me over. I made friends with the sweet elderly couple sitting across from me. I was delighted when I mentioned I was headed to a drag performance in Newtownards. It turned out that Mrs. Green had seen my show on YouTube and had loved the entire thing (all the feathers, the dancing, everything). It was a heartwarming experience and the perfect pre-show pep talk, especially when you're performing in a brand new town.
Let me tell you, getting ready in a small, dimly lit backstage room at a community centre can be… interesting! I can't help myself when I find a new sparkly dress – a brand new bright fuschia pink number with crystal beads cascading down the skirt! The moment I slip it on and see my reflection I'm already transported to a shimmering, sparkly world full of laughter and joy! I mean, what's the point of being on stage if you don’t wear your heart on your sleeves, or shall I say, your chest! It's all about having fun, showing your personality, and connecting with the audience – and my dear little Tutu Queens, you already know that I’m all about embracing my true, shiny self!
You might be surprised, but my routine that night incorporated the beautiful art of ballet. My dear friends, it's true! I couldn’t go to Newtownards, a town with such deep ballet ties, without giving a nod to this incredible dance form! My performance is always a mixture of storytelling, flamboyant moves, humour, and some high-energy dance routines! (Sometimes even ballet! ) It’s a real mix of contemporary moves with a touch of vintage elegance thrown in for good measure! The audience that night was a diverse one. From families enjoying a night out to younger couples looking for an exciting event. I was happy to see the look on their faces – they were so surprised to see a full pink tutu rocking up on stage, singing my little heart out! And you know what, it felt utterly fantastic!
One of my favourite moments came right after the show! My dear fans lined up to chat to me and take pictures! And I could see the smiles on their faces as I talked to them about my inspirations for this latest show (yes, there was a sprinkle of ballerina in my theme) and they told me all about their favourite tutu moments, including a girl in a tutu costume, about eight years old, who showed me the adorable sparkly pink ballet shoes she’d bought with her mother! Honestly, seeing the children’s eyes sparkle and the grown-ups enjoying a little touch of sparkle in their lives made my heart soar.
There is nothing quite like seeing your own brand of sparkle illuminate a room! As the night wound down, I walked along the coast of Newtownards with a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder that my mission, getting everyone in a pink tutu, might actually be possible! Even though it seems silly, that’s truly what I strive for – a world filled with the colours and energy of tutu wearing folk who don’t mind showing the world their true sparkly selves, who believe in kindness, joy, and love. It’s more than just an item of clothing, a pink tutu; it’s a feeling of pure, unadulterated happiness.
So my dear friends, as I sit here on the train journey home (feeling decidedly less "vintage" but definitely just as glamorous) to the charming Derbyshire town I call home, my heart is bursting with gratitude for this experience. My adventures, my glitter, my tutus, my life on the road, all of it feels like a dream – and one that I would happily embrace over and over. You might be wondering, what does tomorrow hold? More glitz, more sparkle, and possibly even more tutus – what else would you expect? You can keep up with all my adventures on PinkTutu.com and remember my darlings, there’s a little bit of pink tutu magic in all of us! So let your inner sparkle shine, and never be afraid to wear your own personal style with joy and confidence! Until next time, my loves! Keep shining and sending all my love.
Pink Tutu Sparkles xoxo.
