Hello my fabulous followers! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and welcome to blog post number 9995 on www.pink-tutu.com! Can you believe it?! It's a big milestone! So I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about a fab new place: Whitley Bay! Now, this seaside town in Northumberland, has been whispering its charm to me for ages. With its stunning coastline, charming beach, and historic pier, I just had to pay it a visit!
I arrived at Whitley Bay in a whirl of pink and sparkle, of course. As usual, I travelled by train! Now I love riding trains because they are such a romantic and stylish way to get around. They have such fabulous views, especially when they roll alongside the countryside, which reminds me of how a graceful dancer glides across a stage. Plus, a carriage provides just the right amount of intimate space to allow for a touch of theatrics. I was practically dancing my way onto the platform, my tutu shimmering in the morning sun.
And let me tell you, Whitley Bay did not disappoint! It's the perfect seaside destination! From the moment I stepped onto the train platform, I was whisked away into a whimsical world. I was charmed by the charming beach, the majestic pier stretching out to the ocean, and the friendly, welcoming locals. You just couldn't ask for a more delightful place for a weekend getaway!
And, of course, I had to explore the town's cultural offerings, right? I am a massive theatre buff and ballet nut so naturally, I found myself at Whitley Bay Playhouse. Now, if you love live theatre as much as I do, you must put Whitley Bay Playhouse on your must-visit list. It is the most charming and intimate theatre you can imagine, with just the right amount of history, grandeur and elegance. The show was incredible! They put on such an absolutely beautiful rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream, complete with stunning costumes, a brilliant set design, and some truly fabulous performances. It had me swooning. It’s actually a real shame they’re tearing the playhouse down next year.
After the performance, I was just dying to let off some steam, so I booked myself a private ballet lesson at a local studio. Now, I love my weekly ballet class at the studio back in Derbyshire, and this one was a total treat! My instructor was incredibly kind, and my dance partner for the day, a very tall chap with a thick Geordie accent, turned out to be rather good company. You just never know who you are going to meet! After my session, we both stepped out into the clear evening air with that amazing feeling of having given ourselves a little slice of artistic luxury. That's the joy of ballet, it's all about feeling beautiful and free.
I am not one to miss a great party. The next night, I treated myself to a glamorous trip to the beach to experience a little nightlife at The Beachcomber. Now, The Beachcomber has a fabulous location with beautiful views. And what makes it truly amazing, is it hosts live music, from cabaret, soul and funk to DJs, all through the year, meaning the nights are buzzing, always keeping everyone on their toes! It's certainly not your average seaside bar - The Beachcomber was more like a scene straight out of a glamorous 1920s party!
I got talking with the most fabulous lady in a stunning red sequined dress. I told her about my plans for a "Pink Tutu Party" that I was holding back at my studio on my return. She actually was so impressed by the concept, that she signed me up for the most brilliant drag event in town called “Shed On The Edge”, just down the road! Imagine my surprise when I got to take part in a showcase of other drag artists performing for a sold-out house! I love being able to make new friends wherever I travel to. She promised me a stage, makeup, costumes and more - now that's how you do a favour! She told me I needed a quick make-up check and we headed over to the "Shed" studio. She was really friendly and introduced me to other artists that worked there and said I was “the best kept secret” as she gave me the confidence boost of the century. They were such amazing performers!
So, on a wave of glitter and tulle, I took to the stage. It’s actually the perfect setting - small, intimate, friendly, very little distance to interact with the audience and full of good energy! The crowd was amazing, full of supportive people from all walks of life and of all ages, cheering and laughing. I felt truly at home!
Oh, I should probably tell you about my new outfit! I felt the need for a little "pop" on the stage and opted for a fab new hot pink feathered tutu that I had made for the trip - so extravagant and dramatic! Now, every Pink Tutu Sparkle show includes one thing for sure: it always, always has a sparkly tutu at its centre. There is no show without a tutu. If the show gets cancelled for some strange reason, I blame it on a tutu malfunction! The outfit paired well with some crystal clear stilettos. My pink fluffy boa and feathered cape helped me really shine. But as much as I like these bright clothes and elaborate make-up, it’s the actual stage lights that really set the atmosphere. For that reason, I always carry an emergency back-up LED stage light! They are the most convenient thing to carry around, and mean I can create some real fun effects even in dimly lit venues. My lighting and the sparkly, twirling tutu, make such a perfect contrast!
By the way, it may come as no surprise to you my fabulous followers, that the crowd went wild! After the performance, they loved all of my outfit ideas so much, that we even held a mini-workshop in which they got to try some new glitter tips, try on my favourite accessories and practise a little shimmy, like me.
I can honestly say, the experience left me completely starry-eyed! Whitley Bay is the perfect little escape and an absolute delight for those who appreciate beautiful sights and creative activities.
And now, on that note, I want to challenge you, my fabulous readers. Get out there, put on your own beautiful outfit - pink tutu, of course! - and let your imagination soar! There are so many fantastic experiences and exciting people out there just waiting to meet you. Now I know, I know, some of you might feel nervous or self-conscious. But believe me, all it takes is one tiny spark to set your world ablaze. You might be a baker who makes beautiful, pink cakes, a hairstylist with incredible talent, a hairdresser who makes beautiful, pink, twirly hairdos. Whatever it is that you love, go forth, put your heart and soul into it, and you will shine as brightly as the most radiant star in the sky.
I hope this post has inspired you, and please let me know what you think by leaving a comment! And if you haven't seen my website already, www.pink-tutu.com, please have a look. You’ll find daily updates about my adventures and plenty of fabulous outfit ideas and dance tutorials, guaranteed to spark a little pink tutu magic in your life!
And don't forget - wear a pink tutu!
Catch you on the next blog post, darlings!
?✨Pink Tutu Sparkles ✨?
