Hello lovelies! It’s Friday and it’s time for another #PinkTutuBlogLondon adventure, this time from the bustling heart of the capital itself! This week’s train journey from my quaint little home in Derbyshire was a total dream. It always feels so exciting pulling into Euston station, all the bustling crowds, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and that whiff of the theatre... It's truly magical.
I'm Emma, your pink tutu wearing, ballet-obsessed travel buddy and it's been another whirlwind week of rehearsals and performances. But today, it's all about exploring London and soaking up the vibrant energy of this fantastic city!
The Ballet That Fuelled My Trip
Speaking of that whirlwind week, I managed to squeeze in a couple of performances that not only helped fund this amazing trip but also fuelled my creative spirit.
Firstly, I danced in a rather heartwarming ballet adaptation of The Snow Queen at the lovely Buxton Opera House, a beautiful venue right on my doorstep. There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing the magic of ballet with a delighted audience, especially young ones seeing the magic of it all for the first time.
But that wasn't all! I even had the privilege of performing in a contemporary ballet production called "In Between" at a smaller venue in Matlock. It was a smaller, more intimate setting, but it gave me a chance to delve into a more expressive and nuanced side of ballet that I truly adore. I’ve realised that this type of modern performance allows me to connect with the audience in a new way. Maybe I’ll even find a way to bring some of these contemporary moves to my street performance repertoire - it might be a bit less "Pink Tutu" and a bit more "Modern Emma". The world of ballet is ever-evolving and I want to be right in the centre of that change.
Pink Tutus and Fashion in the Big Smoke
Of course, no trip to London is complete without some fabulous shopping. Let's face it, I simply cannot resist the call of the fabulous fashion emporiums of London! My current obsession? Pink tutus with a little extra sparkle. The glitter, the feather trim... Oh, the drama! But I'm not just looking for pink tutus, although that's always on the list. I'm on the hunt for an exciting new pair of dancing shoes. My old ones have been worn in a little too well. They deserve to retire to the tutu museum with their stories to tell of all my incredible adventures.
Onward to Theatreland!
My afternoon was all about taking in a show in London's famous theatreland. Today was a bit special - it was the first anniversary of "Matilda" on the West End! Can you believe it's been a year since this truly incredible show opened? There’s nothing quite like the magic of musical theatre in this historic city. I saw the original West End production of "Wicked", back in 2006, and even bought one of those very glittery, oversized green "Wicked" t-shirts which has aged rather well I must say!
Exploring The Capital: My Pink Tutu Tour of London
Friday was my day to really enjoy this city! I love finding charming cafes for a cup of tea and a scone, discovering the little hidden nooks and corners that are sprinkled throughout London. Oh! Did I mention that Londoners have a charming knack for creating the most adorable cafes and restaurants! I really love the English “chintzy” look and can’t wait to add a touch of that to my own little cottage in Derbyshire.
It was such a fun-filled day, starting in Trafalgar Square and soaking up the street performer vibes, the famous red double-decker buses bustling about, and the colourful murals dotted throughout this artistic hub.
Of course, I couldn't resist snapping some photos in my pink tutu for the gram, (how could I!), especially outside the majestic National Gallery, surrounded by art that just screams inspiration. I'm actually thinking of planning a themed street performance here… just imagine the reactions! I bet there will be plenty of happy onlookers.
Food & Fashion in London's Borough Market
Who wouldn't love Borough Market? A haven of vibrant smells, diverse flavours, and bustling energy, it’s a foodie paradise that never disappoints. The sheer variety is mind-blowing – fresh produce from every corner of the world, the sweetest-smelling artisanal breads, artisan cheeses – you name it! It's a total treat for the senses, and of course, my Instagram feed got an update with a delicious picture of a plate piled high with berries and artisan cheese.
And did I mention that my favourite pink tutu got lots of attention? Some people think pink is only for girls, but I reckon pink is a colour everyone can enjoy and wear if they feel confident about it. Maybe I can start a trend of people wearing pink tutus as they go about their daily business. I bet there's someone, somewhere, who feels as strongly about the colour pink as I do.
The energy at Borough Market is contagious. I caught myself twirling as I admired a vibrant stall showcasing some beautifully-made clothes and a wonderful assortment of pink flowers, and yes, there was more than a few pink tutus there! I bet the vendor even has me down as “that pink tutu girl.” It is just so amazing how every stall has something so unique and individual about it. Oh, how I love Borough Market!
The Big Wheel, a Pink Tutu, and the Iconic Eye
My journey continued by train up the Thames to take in the breathtaking view of the iconic London Eye from a perspective most never get to experience - a pink tutu wearing ballerina with the Big Wheel as her backdrop! It was totally surreal! It's not every day you get to dance beneath this landmark. I felt like I was living a dream sequence and that my pink tutu was actually making the journey over London in a magic flying bubble. The views were mind-blowing. Seeing London's skyline at sunset with a warm golden glow just added to the magic of it all! It's amazing how a little bit of whimsy can make any experience more memorable, even a simple trip on the train to Battersea Park. That was an image that will stay with me forever.
Final Thoughts and Tutu-rific Inspiration
London, you always have a way of leaving me inspired. I adore its charm, the mix of the old and the new, the street performers, the fabulous shops. Every visit is an adventure, and I can't wait for the next one! My inspiration for my latest tutu design comes directly from today's experience. There’s something really amazing about imagining all those colours and patterns of Borough Market mixed into the graceful movements of ballet, with a backdrop of London's skyline. Imagine, that pink tutu really did get in the big wheel bubble... that would be some magic!
Oh! I had such a lovely experience, not only because of the places I went but because I met so many interesting people, including a gentleman named Richard, who asked me for a twirl. I have to confess that he reminded me of a real-life Prince Charming, with those sparkling blue eyes and his delightful personality!
Oh, how much I love these magical little moments, sharing joy, a pink tutu, and a twinkle in the eye... I even shared with him the message that inspires me everyday, “A pink tutu is a magic key to unlock joy!” And I think Richard did just that.
As always, I leave you with a sprinkle of pink and some lovely advice - don’t be afraid to explore new places, chase your dreams, and bring some extra flair to everyday life.
Love,
Emma xxx
Stay tuned for my next adventure on www.pink-tutu.com next Friday!
