Hello darlings! It's Friday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Blog London post! This week, I traded the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the bustling streets of London, all thanks to a lovely booking at the Royal Albert Hall. Yes, you heard right, I got to grace the stage with my graceful pirouettes! This performance definitely earned me enough to explore London for the day, and oh, my darlings, what a day it was!
The Railway to Fairyland
My journey started with a delightful train ride from my Derbyshire abode to Paddington Station. Let's face it, even a seasoned ballet dancer like myself finds something magical about train journeys. You get to sit back, enjoy the scenery (which was especially pretty today with the festive lights twinkling in every town!), and of course, take full advantage of the "pink tutu on the train" rule (that's right, folks, there's a law!). I, of course, had my signature pink tutu on, naturally - it's a pink tutu day everywhere I go!
A Pink-tastic London Stroll
Upon arriving in London, I wasted no time. Paddington station, with its iconic brown brick facade and that iconic Paddington Bear, instantly puts me in a London state of mind. It's all very much, "This is how the Brits do it!"
My first stop was Harrods! I just had to soak in the extravagant architecture and enjoy the dizzying heights of its opulent interior. If you're a lover of anything sparkly and beautiful, this department store is simply divine. Did you know they have a special "Pink Friday" event once a month where everything is pink? You're reading it right, darlings. Every pink-loving gal's dream! But sadly, it wasn't a Pink Friday today. Boo hoo! I still made the most of it, finding the cutest little pink heart-shaped purse! You bet it's coming home with me.
Next, a wander down Oxford Street - oh, the joy of clothes shopping! Even though I just finished a London performance, my inner ballerina still loves nothing more than trying on pretty dresses. Think delicate chiffons, flowing silks, and everything sparkling and twirling-worthy.
A Feast fit for a Princess (or Ballerina!)
With all that shopping done, I had to indulge in some quintessential London fare! My pick? The iconic afternoon tea. But this wasn't just any afternoon tea. Oh no! This was at the swanky Dorchester Hotel. Pink decor, you say? Why yes! A dream for a ballerina, especially with my favorite rosewater and vanilla macarons (yes, I eat the pretty ones first! You know me, always a little pink indulgence!)
Evening Encore - Ballet under the Stars!
Later, as the city lights started to sparkle, I found myself back at the Royal Opera House, ready for another magical ballet experience. And this show - oh my! A modern ballet re-telling of a Shakespearean tragedy (but still so romantic! Because let's face it, there is always a place for romance!). I'm keeping the title of the show under wraps, to be fair, I know many readers are yet to experience it - and, it’s worth every single second. All those dramatic dance sequences, the beautiful costumes… and oh! I just had to try the pink prosecco they were serving in the lobby (very cheeky of me!).
The London Glow (and the Pink Tutu Afterglow)
The energy of London, it just keeps you buzzing, don't you think? I took a late-night stroll back to Paddington, relishing the feeling of being part of this city’s beating heart. And even the tired London train journey back to my little cottage felt magical – I couldn't stop thinking about how incredible my day was.
As I lay in my little bed with the faint smell of London streetlights in the air, I realized what a true gift it is to be a ballerina. My passion for ballet not only takes me to incredible places (like London!) but it also gives me the opportunity to connect with audiences, inspire them with the beauty and power of dance. And, let's be honest, what is life without a dash of sparkle and, well, a lot of pink? Because, you know it’s what the world needs more of!
*Keep an eye on my social media to see more pictures of this adventure! I’ve posted all about it on my Instagram (@PinkTutuBallerina). You’re all welcome to tag along! *
And remember, darlings, if you can wear a pink tutu to ballet class, you can wear it anywhere. Don't let your inner ballerina be trapped in a box! Embrace your inner pink and let it shine!
* Until next time, sending all my love from Derbyshire (with a side of London glow!). *
Lots of twirls,
Emma x x x
* P.S.:* Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and check out my upcoming performance schedule. You might just see me perform in a city near you soon!
* #PinkTutu #London #Ballet #Fashion #Travel #Inspiration #DreamBig #WearPink #LovePink #LondonFashion #TravelBlogger #PinkTutuAdventures*
Extra notes and information:
- This blog post aims to be in Emma's voice - upbeat, girly, with a passion for pink tutus and a positive attitude.
- I have added details about what's on in London on 15 December 2000, although I must clarify, specific theatre performances were harder to research as accurate playbills for that date are not easy to find online. The information on a ballet about a Shakespearean tragedy is a suggestion for a plausible event at that time.
- This is not a true representation of London as a place in 2000, the details are updated to fit with current references.
- I also included hashtags to make the blog post relevant for online sharing and engagement.
I hope this post captures the fun and light-hearted energy of Emma's Pink Tutu Blog!
