#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 1999-07-02 Exploring London

Oh, darling readers, you wouldn't believe the day I've had! London, oh London! This city never fails to spark a little something in my heart, and this time was no different. As the familiar clickety-clack of the train carriage vibrated against my pink-tuted bottom (a beautiful shade of Flamingo Pink, by the way - I got it from Liberty’s - pure indulgence!) I knew it was going to be a fantastic day. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and my trusty tutu was ready to twirl its way through the streets of London.

You see, London's not just about cobblestones and quaint pubs. It’s a swirling vortex of theatre, dance, fashion, and life – all intertwined into this magnificent, ever-evolving beast of a city. I love it with my whole being, my every pink tutu-clad cell! It’s where I come to feed my soul.

For those of you who are new to Pink Tutu Blog (and where have you been?!), let me explain. My name is Emma, I'm a ballerina from Derbyshire. I believe in a life filled with pirouettes and sparkles - and most importantly, pink tutus. (Okay, you don't have to wear them, but please, I'm trying to spread the joy, the pink joy!) Each week I travel to London, fuelled by my love for the city and my performances on stage, to explore its secrets, find its hidden gems, and to share it all with you.

I am not just a dancer; I'm a dreamer, a fashionista, a lover of all things vintage, and a devoted devotee of the theatre. My favourite things in the world are: pink, tutus (of course!), beautiful ballet shows, clothes shopping, street performances, ballet productions, the theatre, and London - oh and did I mention travelling by train? It’s the most wonderful way to travel, truly! It’s where I do my best thinking!

So, what was this Friday about, you ask? Well, darling readers, let me take you on a little whirlwind journey. It was, after all, a Friday fit for a princess - with the royal stamp of approval. Let's begin...

Oh, how I adore the Royal Opera House! Every time I step into its glorious marble hall, a sense of awe takes over me. I find it simply magical. The way the light pours through those arched windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. And then the smell, that hint of history, of years of ballet, music, and theatre mingling in the air. It's simply intoxicating. Today’s matinee was Swan Lake, and the ballet was absolutely spellbinding. The dancers moved with such grace and beauty - the elegance was almost otherworldly. The lead dancer, darling, her moves were so graceful and delicate. It made me want to don my pink tutu and jump right onto that stage.

Dress Code: Chic Ballerina

Now, what could be more suitable for a day at the opera than a sleek and sophisticated balletcore outfit? I donned a lovely ivory tulle skirt (a must-have, truly!), paired with a silk camisole in blush pink (it had these delicate pearl buttons!). Of course, my little tutu bag was essential - carrying all my little ballet essentials, including a travel sized pink-tinted lip balm.

Once the curtain came down, my stomach was grumbling and I was yearning for a little London glamour. My tummy craved The Ivy, the quintessentially charming, quintessentially London restaurant. My friend, Chloe (who, to her shame, still insists on wearing her tutus in a vibrant fuchsia), and I tucked into delicious pastries, coffee, and the most beautiful salads. It was all so perfect - just as my Instagram pictures later confirmed! Oh, don't you know the magic of London's café culture?

The Dress Code: Fashionable Flower Power

As the sun peeked through the cafe windows, we had a fabulous chat over tea and cakes, and then decided to swap our tutu looks for some more summery attire. I changed into a darling little vintage floral print dress (my mother’s favourite, really! So cute! And with tiny pink polka dots on the collar, just like my pink tutu - don’t you just adore how things match sometimes!) Oh, this outfit made me feel like I'd just stepped out of a whimsical storybook.

Oh, the joys of a girly shopping day. There’s a certain charm in strolling around the streets of Covent Garden – with all those stalls and shops and little independent boutiques overflowing with treasures just waiting to be discovered. The vibrant colours, the scent of flowers (who doesn't love a fragrant market?), the bustling atmosphere, the sounds of music… I could walk around for hours, a veritable shopping spree! Today, I bought myself a pair of sparkling crystal ballet shoes, (in pink, of course!) a lovely pastel pink feathered headpiece for my ballet classes - a very pretty pink tutu for dancing at home (who knew?!) And of course, more tulle! You can never have too much tulle.

The Dress Code: Effortless Summer Chic

My day in Covent Garden was pure girly delight - think frilly blouses and airy skirts! My skirt was a beautiful cream color with delicate floral embroidery, perfect for swishing through the streets as I happily collected more lovely things! And oh, this pink hat was such a treat - it was in this adorable blush shade of pink! You wouldn’t believe the compliments I got from all the boys – such lovely chaps in their sharp, perfectly tailored suits, trying to impress, thinking that the pretty, fashionable young lady with the hat was just looking for a dapper gentleman to take her out! Haha. The London life can be such a blast!

Evenings in London mean heading off for a bit of culture - I always say a bit of historical inspiration is a fantastic way to kick-start the evening - don’t you agree? I went to the British Museum. Let me tell you, those ancient artifacts and carvings! The intricate designs, the tales whispered in the marble of those statues… and it's so interesting to learn how dance evolved in different cultures. This city has such an amazing historical aura and its museums do an excellent job of revealing those stories in a fascinating and captivating way. It's no wonder so many people are inspired to dance after visiting London's museums.

The Dress Code: Sophisticated Muse

The British Museum deserves a special outfit - think artfully layered pieces, sophisticated touches of pink, and just the right amount of bohemian flair! I donned a deep blush-pink scarf over a cream vintage blouse and a dark blue, pencil skirt (which swished delightfully as I moved amongst the sculptures). My tiny ballet bag hung beautifully from my shoulder, adding the final touch.

Oh, London theatres! I couldn't leave London without experiencing the magic of "The Phantom of the Opera." I absolutely love this iconic show - the glorious set design, the soaring music, the breathtaking choreography - it’s a masterpiece. The performance left me absolutely speechless, mesmerized by the drama and the incredible talents of the performers. Oh, the story of unrequited love, the mask, the chandelier, it all feels so glamorous and romantic – what's not to love?! London is really quite spectacular for shows – I highly recommend that every reader experience the enchantment of this truly beautiful production!

Dress Code: Elegant Theatre Glamour

I always make sure I look my best for the theatre. A lovely burgundy velvet dress with lace detailing (from a vintage boutique in Camden, naturally!) added just the right touch of romance for the occasion. I did, of course, make sure my little pink tutu bag was well equipped - and don’t forget a bottle of bubbly, it wouldn't be a theatre experience without a glass of bubbly, darling! I just adore how a sip of bubbly before a show always adds that little touch of glitz and glamour.

Pink Tutu Reflections

This London trip has been absolute magic. It's been a delightful blur of pink tutus, twinkling chandeliers, historical adventures, shopping escapades, and endless joy. And just remember, ladies, wear a pink tutu every day! Oh, if we can create an world where the beauty of a twirling ballerina graces our streets, can you imagine how wonderful life would be?! Be bold, darling! You can do anything, be anything, and most importantly - twirl through life in a lovely shade of pink! I can't wait to see where next week's adventures will take me, darling readers! Stay tuned!

Yours truly, Emma - pink-tutu.com