Hello my lovely tutu-loving readers! It's Emma, back from another magical adventure, this time to the bustling city of London! I hopped on a train from my home in Derbyshire, excitement bubbling like champagne as the London skyline rose before me. A little birdie told me London was feeling extra sparkly this time of year, and boy, was it true! It was like stepping into a festive fairytale!
Now, this is London we’re talking about – I needed a truly fabulous outfit to fit in, don’t you think? I pulled out my most extravagant tutu - a gorgeous, pink tulle number, naturally. It had this beautiful, shimmering sparkle woven into the tulle, making it glow under the Christmas lights. To finish it off, I wore my trusty pink beret, a darling little cashmere coat, and a pair of fabulous red platform boots. London, prepare to be dazzled!
First order of business: finding the perfect afternoon tea spot! After all, a little girl needs her sugar! And London, you see, just knows how to spoil a ballerina like me. I found a quaint little cafe called "The Rose & Crown," situated in a beautiful courtyard, surrounded by fairy lights and Christmas trees. The atmosphere was like a dream, with classical music softly playing in the background, a roaring fire keeping us toasty warm, and, of course, the most delightful selection of cakes, pastries, and sandwiches imaginable. Oh, and I must not forget the delicate, fragrant teacups - absolutely charming!
From there, I made my way to the iconic Royal Opera House. Did you know that this is the home to both ballet and opera? How glamorous! As it was December 26th, their holiday performances were just ending. Oh, to have been part of that grand spectacle! Instead, I decided to spend my time indulging in one of London's delights - shopping on Oxford Street! I’ve got to tell you, my dearest readers, the windows were absolutely dazzling. It’s a competition of sorts – who can create the most festive display? There were angels made out of candy, polar bears covered in glitter, and even a Christmas tree made out of toys!
My heart, of course, yearned for the fashion haven of Liberty. You simply can’t come to London without visiting this store. Its gorgeous stained glass windows make it stand out on the bustling Regent Street, like a jeweled box filled with delights! I could spend days inside those walls, lost amongst its beauty, and that I almost did! I snagged myself a beautiful floral print silk scarf, the kind you can use to tie around your neck, wrist, or even wear in your hair. A perfect little addition to my tutu wardrobe!
And speaking of tutu wardrobes…I discovered the most darling boutique, a treasure trove of everything a tutu enthusiast could dream of. Tucked away in a quaint corner of the city, this shop held fluffy, frilly skirts in every shade imaginable! From powder blue to bright emerald, there was a tutu for every ballerina's desire. My pink collection, however, still remains unrivaled! This shop will definitely be my secret weapon for next time.
You see, Friday evening is where London truly comes alive! And this time around, a truly magnificent Christmas light spectacle called “Winter Wonderland” in Hyde Park. What better way to end my day than a delightful stroll through the park? Hundreds of tiny white twinkling lights strung up everywhere - an almost surreal scene, and I was practically skipping with delight, twirling my tutu with every step.
Hyde Park really lives up to its name! It’s so big, it’s more like a forest within the city. Imagine rolling green hills, vast open spaces, sparkling water features, and these beautiful Christmas trees that all sparkle with bright coloured lights. And, if all that wasn't enough, a majestic ice rink! I have to confess, my twirling got a little awkward when my eyes locked with the one and only, Paddington Bear, all wrapped up in a festive hat! How adorable!
Now, every night in London during the holiday season, you just know there are a thousand places to choose from, right? I did, however, pick an incredibly fun pub, called “The Swan,” in the heart of a charming village-like little community. London really does feel like a bunch of villages bundled together. Imagine: twinkling lights, Christmas trees adorned with gingerbread men and reindeer, roaring fires in every corner, the aroma of freshly baked mince pies… Londoners know how to throw a party, darling!
And speaking of throwing a party, how does one keep up with all this delightful activity? The answer, my darling readers, lies in the quintessential English breakfast! With a big glass of milk, fresh juice, and eggs, you just know you’re getting off to a wonderful start! After all, that’s what the Queen does!
Now, as London has to be one of the most walkable cities, my trip took me all around - from Piccadilly Circus to Buckingham Palace, the Tate Gallery, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey. It’s so easy to go everywhere by walking, exploring the side streets and the hidden nooks, discovering a little bit of magic around every corner. The hustle and bustle of London has this delightful charm, with so much going on - theatre shows, live music, buskers playing on the streets… and that's why it’s the perfect place for someone with a playful spirit, like yours truly!
As a true ballet lover, London really had it all! A trip to see the stunning dancers at Sadler's Wells Theatre is a must. You know me – it wouldn't be a trip to London without seeing a beautiful ballet performance. I actually had the absolute pleasure of seeing The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House. A true festive ballet classic - the perfect mix of charm and elegance.
While it may sound a bit mad to wear a pink tutu on my explorations, believe me, it adds a sprinkle of fairy dust to even the most ordinary moment! The funny thing is, after a while, no one even bats an eyelid at a pink-tutu wearing ballerina. I have actually seen others! London seems to accept everyone! And in fact, several people told me how they adored it and loved the cheerful colours. One young boy even exclaimed, “Wow! You look just like a princess!"
Well, after all my explorations, it was time to bid London farewell. Back on the train I was already dreaming of my next trip – London truly is my favorite playground! Remember, my dear tutu lovers, even when I’m not on the train to London, you can find my pink tutu journey right here at www.pink-tutu.com, each and every Friday. Until then, keep on twirling and spreading the joy of the pink tutu!
With a flourish,
Emma
