#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 1996-12-13 Exploring London

Post Number 15: Friday 13th December, 1996

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be back in London!

As you know, I'm a big believer in getting your tutu on and making the most of life, so when the chance came to explore the Big Smoke for a weekend, I hopped on the train with a suitcase full of frocks, a heart full of excitement and a pink tutu for good measure.

It was a gloriously festive Friday, the air crisp with the promise of winter, and the city buzzing with the anticipation of Christmas. From the moment I stepped onto the platform at St. Pancras station, London's vibrant energy wrapped around me like a warm hug.

You can’t really beat train travel in my opinion. That magical clickety-clack of the wheels as the scenery whooshes by… the perfect soundtrack for daydreaming. Of course, my trip had to include a good dose of shopping, and there is no better way to arrive in London than by a train that gives you direct access to the most gorgeous shops – who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy? I mean, I know it's supposed to be bad luck but for me Friday 13th brings only good fortune when it comes to London. And honestly, if there was ever a perfect day to buy an extra tutu, well, this was it!

After settling into my cosy hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury (a definite recommendation for anyone visiting!), my mission was clear - to explore all the wonders this wonderful city had to offer.

First stop – Covent Garden, the heart of London’s theatrical scene! As always, I just had to go and visit the Royal Opera House. The grand architecture, the elegant steps, the hush of anticipation before the show - it’s all a part of that ballet magic I can never resist. Even though I had been many times, this place is like a time warp taking me straight to some fairytale or some historical romantic novel.

As the morning was wearing on I headed off to the Covent Garden Flower Market. Goodness me! A truly lovely and enchanting display of colour and textures! From beautiful bouquets to giant floral displays, it's a truly sensory experience that's definitely worth adding to your itinerary. And, just look at the gorgeous pictures - isn’t that bouquet absolutely delightful?

Later that day, I found myself immersed in the buzzing heart of the West End - theatreland. The streets were brimming with people eager to take in a show and it was just a dream. Just look at the fabulous shops I stumbled across in Leicester Square – they were just a girl's dream!

To complete a day out like this you absolutely have to find some tasty food. And with London being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, where do you even start? Well, it only seemed right to enjoy a good old fashioned Italian Pizza in Covent Garden, of course! The flavours were divine - especially the capers. That’s right, if anyone ever says capers are nasty, give me their contact details because I’ve got a few choice words about how delightful those delicious tiny green gems really are. And yes, of course, I was sporting my pink tutu whilst indulging! You know how much I adore mixing ballet with everyday life, and it wouldn't feel like a trip to London without adding my own touch of pink-tutu magic. After all, if I'm being totally honest, wearing a pink tutu helps me get better service. Isn't that just fabulous?

London fashionista:

If you’re looking for that extra bit of pizzazz, try this vintage-style shop in Covent Garden that's always chock-a-block with dazzling clothes from all eras. Seriously - I just love a bit of old-school fashion mixed with a touch of a little modern-day fun and it really helps me express my style. I am absolutely mad for all things vintage - from bold statement jewellery to eye-catching hats, to stylish dresses from all eras. It's such a great way to inject personality and stand out from the crowd. And as any good ballerina knows, sometimes the best accessory is a pair of fabulous shoes! You've just got to love that quintessential London look - chic yet effortlessly stylish!

As you can tell, I have a real weakness for a good ol’ fashioned shop - who doesn't love browsing for some fabulously cute new threads? It would be criminal for me to visit London without spending at least an hour in a gorgeous little fashion emporium! This particular shop I discovered is an absolute treasure trove - a haven of bold colours, sequins, glitter and fashion in general, perfect for someone with my tastes, of course! I adore shopping in the little nooks and crannies off the beaten track - it's such a good way to discover real treasures - it’s definitely an excellent spot for the vintage fashion lovers out there. I was particularly taken with these adorable little jackets. It really does go to show that some of the best things are often found in unexpected places!

By the end of the day, my suitcase had taken on a new lease of life, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the extra pair of shoes! (No - just kidding!) Honestly, it’s all thanks to the delightful vintage-style dress, the funky handbag and that pair of killer platform shoes, that absolutely scream ‘vintage glamour’. I was definitely living my best life!

That evening, London truly came alive - the city sparkles under the soft glow of the streetlights. The air was crisp, and there was a magic in the air that was hard to ignore. My mission – to experience the best London theatre had to offer! I headed towards the famous Haymarket Theatre, but you can’t miss it really because the building just bursts with Victorian style charm. I loved the whole thing, especially the amazing stained-glass windows - just delightful!

You know what’s fab? Theatre tickets! Because you never really know which show you’re going to see. Sometimes it’s a blockbuster musical, sometimes it's something completely offbeat - and that’s what I love about theatre. It's a true escape!

Sunday, the final day of my adventure. And this had to be a special day too. It had to be! I had some free time to wander around Hyde Park. Now you know, I love green spaces - but nothing beats Hyde Park on a crisp Sunday. It’s always such a calming, peaceful place – perfect for watching the world go by with a cup of coffee or something similar, but also a perfect location to take photos, of course, in your most spectacular tutu. Who doesn't love a tutu and a beautiful park - it really is the perfect combo for any ballet lover like me.

Sunday evenings, it’s always the toughest bit of the journey, when I have to say goodbye to London’s unique charm. But you know I’ll be back. There’s so much more to see and explore - it truly is a city that has everything to offer, from theatre to shopping, from stunning historical architecture to its bustling market stalls, London really does tick every box.

From London, back to my little corner of Derbyshire - I have lots to be getting on with but most importantly it is back to class! I have the best group of ballet students and we are starting our new Winter Term in Derbyshire. And that’s exactly what I’m going to be doing in just a few hours. Now I’ve just got to unbox the fabulous purchases from my London weekend - maybe find an outfit to wear to the studio! The first day back and it is always like catching up with old friends after I’ve been away and who doesn’t love a spot of ballet, even in winter?

And remember ladies - keep dreaming, keep dancing and keep reaching for those twirling pink-tutu dreams, whatever they may be! It’s going to be a glorious week full of ballet - lots of twirls and kicks, lots of laughs, and even a little pink-tutu magic, because we’ve all got a little bit of pink in our hearts, don’t we? And if you do too - why not come and join us at the Studio? We’d love to have you!

As always - remember to subscribe to my website - www.pink-tutu.com, where you’ll find even more ballet adventures!

Remember – stay inspired! Be positive! Be pink!

? Tutu much,

Emma xx