#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 1999-07-30 Exploring London

Hello my darlings! It's Friday, the sun is shining, and I'm finally back in London! It's always such a joy to explore this fabulous city, especially with my beloved pink tutu by my side. This week, I decided to take the train from my Derbyshire home – such a lovely way to travel, surrounded by lush green fields and cute little villages. You simply can't beat the charm of a train journey.

I know, you're probably thinking, "Emma, it's summer! Shouldn't you be wearing something more summery than a tutu?" But hear me out, my dears! My pink tutu is truly a versatile garment. I've styled it with a little white lace top and a chic cardigan for the journey, and let me tell you, it was the perfect outfit for a comfortable, stylish adventure.

Arriving in London always fills me with excitement! There's such a buzz in the air, a vibrant energy that electrifies my soul. This week, I’m in for a treat: The Royal Ballet’s production of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House. I've booked a backstage tour, so I’ll be getting a peek at the inner workings of the world-famous ballet company – I simply can't wait! And of course, I’ll be documenting it all for you, my lovely Pink Tutu Blog readers!

But before I get caught up in the magic of the ballet, let's take a look at what else London has to offer.

After settling into my lovely hotel room (it’s always nice to pamper yourself!), I headed straight to Covent Garden, one of my favourite places in the whole world! You simply can’t beat the vibrant energy, the street performers, the bustling market stalls overflowing with goodies, and oh, the street fashion! The colours! It's a visual feast. It's also where I found the perfect accessory to complete my London look - a vibrant pink feather boa, simply divine!

It was simply impossible to resist a detour to Liberty London, that legendary store overflowing with exquisite fabrics and designer delights. The beautifully adorned windows, the warm atmosphere, and the incredible range of textures and colours simply mesmerise. You know how I love pink, so imagine my joy at stumbling upon a whole section dedicated to gorgeous pink fabrics. The soft velvet, the silk satin, the beautiful tulle - I’d like to move into the shop!

Of course, no visit to Liberty is complete without a look in the iconic Pink Parlour. Honestly, it's like a magical pink fairytale! A room with pink-striped walls, and a pink, floral patterned chaise longue? This was just heaven for a pink-loving ballerina.

Next, I went on a mission to discover some must-have fashion finds on Oxford Street. You simply can’t resist browsing the amazing shops there, from high street giants to independent boutiques. This time, I was in search of a new pair of ballerina shoes for my evening at the Royal Opera House. The shoes should have been pink, but they just didn’t catch my eye. Then I saw them! In all their simple, elegant, black glory - a classic pair of pointed toe, patent leather flats. And guess what? They matched my new boa perfectly! A stroke of luck, indeed.

No fashion spree is complete without a good old-fashioned afternoon tea. It’s one of those quintessentially British experiences that always puts a smile on my face. And what’s better than enjoying some delicious pastries with a cup of tea? Doing it in the beautiful surroundings of The Ritz London. Seriously, afternoon tea at The Ritz is an experience every woman should try. It feels incredibly special and posh, a true moment of indulgence. And the dainty sandwiches? Pure deliciousness.

Of course, my main reason for visiting London was the Royal Ballet's production of "Giselle". It’s always a joy to see such an iconic ballet, especially in such a majestic theatre. The dancers were simply sublime! Such grace, such passion, such incredible artistry. They make it look so effortless! The production had an air of haunting beauty that left me completely spellbound.

You guys, if you’re looking for inspiration and to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, head to the theatre. Let yourself be transported to another world, and feel the magic unfold on the stage. I left the theatre feeling so full of energy, creativity, and inspiration - a fantastic experience that will remain with me for days. And, as I mentioned, I got a sneak peek behind the scenes! The dancers' dedication, the costume design, the stage setup - it was absolutely fascinating.

Today, as I am writing this post, I’m finally relaxing in my hotel room after a truly magical Friday night. This evening I decided to go for a performance, but this time not in a traditional theatre, but at a cabaret! It was called, “Pink Champagne and Cabaret”, which had a fabulous cast dressed in all sorts of amazing, colourful outfits! Imagine, a sassy fashion-inspired, glamorous dance production.

My favourite costume was the final outfit – it was a show-stopping silver feathered tutu with glittery details, worn by a dazzling drag queen with bright pink hair. It made me so excited for the future and made me think I should create my own pink feather tutu with some shimmering detail… Hmm, that is a definite project for my “To-Do List!”

And of course, I made sure to snap a few pictures to show off my outfit – you all know that a tutu isn't just an outfit, it’s a statement!

I've gotta go, darlings! I have a big day tomorrow, getting ready for a ballet class. After a whole week in London, a ballet class is just what I need to re-energise my body and mind!

See you all next Friday for more London adventures! Don’t forget to check out my Instagram for some live action photos.

Lots of love, Emma, www.pink-tutu.com

*Don't forget to check out my previous London blog post #151: [Link to Previous Post - this part of the post would be linked to another post on the blog.] *

• The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House: I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be seeing "Giselle", which is on for two more weeks at the Royal Opera House!

• Summer Nights at the South Bank: Enjoy amazing performances under the London sky. See everything from theatre and comedy, to opera and musical productions - this really is something special!

• The Secret Garden: A Botanical Cocktail Adventure: This unique bar is housed in a charming building and offers a wonderful array of bespoke cocktails and botanical delights. This is a must visit if you like the out-of-the-ordinary!

• West End Shows: London’s Theatreland is in full swing with many brilliant shows running. Go see one or two while you are here, it really is magical!

P.S. Have you started your own pink tutu journey yet? I’d love to see pictures, you can tag me on Instagram @pinktutublog