#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2001-12-21 Exploring London

Hello my lovely readers!

It's Friday again, which means it's time for another London adventure! As always, my trusty pink tutu is packed and ready to twirl. This week I travelled down from Derbyshire by train, the journey itself is always so inspiring. Watching the world fly by from the window makes my creative juices flow and it’s such a delightful way to get into a travelling mood. Plus, you never know what fashion inspiration you’ll see on a train, sometimes even the most unlikely passengers have amazing style!

So, this week's London escapade? It was all about soaking up the atmosphere and discovering hidden gems. A day filled with fashion, culture, and, of course, the best ballet the city has to offer.

Let's start with the pièce de résistance: a performance at the Royal Opera House! If you’re ever in London, don't miss this iconic venue. The Royal Opera House is like stepping into another world; all grand chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and breathtaking architecture. Even if you’re not seeing a ballet, it’s worth a tour just to appreciate the sheer magnificence of it all.

The performance itself was simply exquisite, with dancers gliding across the stage like ethereal creatures. It truly made me feel like I was watching a fairytale unfold, which made my little ballerina heart burst with joy!

Oh, and the music! The soaring strings, the intricate melodies – it was utterly transporting. My whole body wanted to twirl along, even in my trusty pink tutu!

Speaking of which, I think I had a bit of a “pink tutu effect" at the Royal Opera House. As I walked to my seat, a little girl gasped and then pointed, "Mummy, look, that lady’s got a pink tutu!" And then a woman smiled and whispered to her daughter, “That's amazing. See, anyone can wear a pink tutu, you just have to feel good in it." She definitely had a sparkle in her eyes and that feeling of confidence you get when you feel fabulous, you know? I believe the pink tutu is a statement piece of clothing. It tells everyone, “I am going to enjoy this! I’m going to live life to the fullest! This is going to be a good day!” and you know, it seems to spread a little happiness. A few of the other people there gave me knowing nods or a friendly wave as I made my way to my seat, I just love it when my little pink tutu brightens someone else’s day.

Of course, no trip to London is complete without a spot of retail therapy! This time, I ventured into Covent Garden. This is the best place in London for finding the most unique and stylish boutiques!

I must confess, I had a pretty successful shopping trip! I snagged the cutest pair of blush pink ballet flats (naturally, a pink tutu calls for some equally chic footwear). I even picked up a charming hand-painted bag with a delicate ballerina illustration, because what else can a girl ask for, right?

Speaking of ballet-inspired accessories, Covent Garden was also where I stumbled upon an incredible vintage costume shop. This place was an absolute treasure trove of costumes from every era imaginable! There were sequins, feathers, satin, you name it - a dancer’s dream come true. My eyes lit up with ideas for a possible future ballet project.

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any more delightful, I saw an adorable ballet shop - all sorts of pretty shoes and accessories. The shop was pink and fluffy (in the best possible way, of course!) and I just had to try on a sparkly, silver pair of point shoes that made my toes wiggle with glee.

Now, you might be wondering if I left the shop with those dazzling silver pointe shoes in hand! And let's just say, they are safely in my ballerina bag. They were just too much to resist! This time though, I had a vision of the pink tutu and those shimmering silver pointes coming together for a beautiful Instagram picture later. Can you imagine how stunning the contrast will be? It just shouts “chic Parisian ballerina!”

But my adventures weren't confined to shopping or grand theatres. I am also always on the lookout for London's unique and unexpected hidden gems, especially ones connected with ballet!

As I made my way through Leicester Square, guess who I bumped into? A troupe of incredibly talented dancers who were putting on a free performance right there in the heart of the city! I was so amazed at their artistry. They were dancing in a space barely bigger than a stage at the Royal Opera House and it still managed to draw in a massive crowd, including me.

I sat on the edge of the performance area, spellbound, as they moved gracefully and confidently through their routine. Every step, every leap was captivating, making me want to join them!

It’s one thing to watch a ballet in the grand confines of a theatre but something about the raw passion and energy of a performance that happens in the middle of a bustling city square makes you want to applaud with an even louder and longer round of applause.

Later that evening, after I had danced through London's busy streets, it was time for some well-deserved rest and replenishing! I found a quaint little cafe in Covent Garden that served some divine comfort food with all the charm of a Victorian tearoom. The lighting was lovely, and they even had delicate china teacups, so chic and sweet.

After enjoying a plate of homemade fish and chips (my favorite) and a cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows (it’s been such a cold December!), I returned to the station to head back home, feeling inspired and utterly content.

I spent my evening journeying home back to Derbyshire by train, lost in the thoughts of all that I saw and felt. It was such a fulfilling Friday - a whirlwind of dance, fashion, and artistic discovery.

London, you never cease to amaze me.

Don’t forget, you can follow me on www.pink-tutu.com, I’m always eager to share my thoughts, tips, and adventures.

Until next Friday! 💖🩰

*What was on at the Royal Opera House this date?: * This week's show was The Nutcracker. What a delight! The sheer joy of the classic ballet makes me believe that the magic of ballet really is timeless.

*The Pink Tutu effect: A Few Thoughts on Style * The fashion choices I make tell a story - that is how I try to find beauty and meaning in life. Pink, as you probably guessed, is my happy colour and I can’t imagine anything being prettier. Tutus, because, well, what girl doesn't like the idea of spinning and twirling in the ultimate ballerina style? But it isn't all just pink and tutus, you know. I think every girl, woman and person can express themself by making unique fashion choices, and making them work for their own body. You don’t need to dress exactly like someone else or go out and buy an entire wardrobe. Find the one piece you love and feel fabulous in! That is the key to expressing yourself through fashion.