#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2003-01-10 Exploring London

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another thrilling instalment of the Pink Tutu Blog! I'm just about to hop off the train in London, having made my way down from Derbyshire this morning, so prepare yourselves for a whirlwind of London delights. Every Friday, this space is dedicated to my London adventures, and this week promises to be especially spectacular! You can also find all my ballet-related blogs on www.pink-tutu.com! Why not pop by and have a peek at my favourite performances from around the country.

London! It's calling, and as you all know, I can never resist the siren call of a good theatre show, fabulous fashion finds, and of course, a whole lotta ballet! This Friday, I'm aiming to immerse myself in everything London has to offer, and trust me, that includes finding the perfect outfit. You see, every Pink Tutu blogger knows, dressing for London means dressing with panache. It's a city that demands an eye for detail, an understanding of fashion's rhythm, a love for a good colour splash - preferably in the most glorious shade of pink, of course.

Today's train journey from Derbyshire was, as always, a joy! A chance to soak up the English countryside with a lovely, crisp breeze and those fluffy, white clouds dancing across the sky – perfect inspiration for a ballet routine. Don't be surprised if I'm spotted choreographing a little sequence in my seat during my next train trip! I've discovered a new level of excitement for travelling by train lately. It's truly the ultimate form of travel - so stylish, graceful and truly transporting! Just like the graceful movement of a ballerina, each railway carriage takes us from one incredible story to the next! You can always rely on my pink tutu and sparkling ballerina pumps to brighten up the journey, and who knows? Maybe I'll even find someone eager to join me for a impromptu ballet class at the station - who wouldn't want to be a Pink Tutu ambassador on their journey, right?! I think there's a dance school in London that might enjoy a little visit later on - but more on that later.

My arrival in London, as you've probably guessed, means one thing - theatre! This evening, I'm heading to the Piccadilly Theatre to see "Guys and Dolls"! Now, if you've never had the chance to see this fabulous show, do yourselves a favour - go! It's a true New York City gem of a musical. From the sassy song-and-dance numbers to the clever plot twists, the whole production just takes my breath away! I can almost smell the energy, the thrill of the stage and hear the raucous applause from the audience, already! The music and energy just make you want to get up and dance, so naturally, I'll be ready with a performance of my own! This performance reminds me of the incredible "West Side Story" - another show I had the absolute privilege of seeing last month - both musicals with powerful music, stunning visuals, and brilliant dancing that just leaves me buzzing! The West Side Story cast even allowed me a sneak peek at their rehearsals and had a delightful dance-off in the foyer - always up for a little impromptu performance myself!

Before I delve into the theatrical excitement of the evening, a good fashion pilgrimage is a must, of course! It wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu London escapade without a visit to a few of my favourite London spots - oh the joys of vintage fashion in Covent Garden and a peek at the newest designs in Oxford Street! Let's be honest - you never know when you might stumble upon a little gem, whether it's an original vintage dress, or a new pair of ballet shoes that just calls out your name! It’s a kind of magic I find impossible to resist. Even just window-shopping for that perfect pink tutu is a delight. The feeling of endless possibilities of new fabrics, colors and designs just makes me swoon. It's my absolute happy place and what better place to be than a city where dreams come true, even those involving pink tulle!

I'm also in love with the way you can just walk down a cobbled street and find an independent boutique selling stunning designs. Don't even get me started on the vintage markets, it's the place to find the perfect piece to complement a vibrant, playful pink tutu, don’t you think?

London truly is a playground for my pink tutu. From the street fashion, always overflowing with energy and individuality, to the beautifully curated museum collections, this city ignites my love of all things creative and beautiful. Seeing how Londoners dress gives me inspiration - the city’s vibrancy, the confident swagger of every style and every colour, from head-to-toe pinks to bright blues and quirky greens! Londoners embrace the world of fashion, even when it involves bright pink tutus. A simple white t-shirt paired with a pink tutu and sparkling heels, a statement pink dress with vibrant tights, or perhaps a dramatic red gown. Each piece is an individual, just like each one of us, expressing ourselves through fashion - which reminds me to talk about a certain store I’ll visit later...

It is an open invitation, don’t you think? Come out from behind your wardrobe, embrace your inner sparkle and let's all bring a little more colour to the world! After all, the pink tutu symbolizes a celebration of self-expression and joy - it’s just another way of dancing your heart out!

And you know me, no visit to London is complete without a little ballet lesson! I'm planning to slip into a beautiful ballet class in the heart of the city. I absolutely love the way the space transforms from a regular studio to a magical stage. I find my heart always dances to a slightly different tune in London, but even as the world rushes by, I am so lucky to have my favourite pink tutu and this incredible passion to carry with me! There's so much to be discovered in London's vibrant ballet scene, whether you're into traditional ballets at the Royal Opera House or experimental modern dance. I find such joy and inspiration from sharing this passion with my favourite city - where else could I twirl and be surrounded by history and fashion?

It's the perfect time to take in a glimpse of the “Dance” exhibition at the V&A Museum, which focuses on the incredible impact of dance on visual arts throughout history - what a feast for my eyes! It’s a celebration of creativity and artistic excellence - just like the perfect ballerina outfit! It is hard to believe, but today is actually the last day to view the exhibition - so that gives me another fantastic reason to head over.

From Degas' exquisite depictions of ballerinas to the groundbreaking photography of Cartier-Bresson, "Dance" brings together a fascinating array of artwork, all captured in its most graceful form. This incredible collection will show you how movement and style influenced painting, sculpture, and film - such fascinating insights and inspiration - it truly is an opportunity to witness how a seemingly fleeting dance form has become one of the most potent artforms in history. From the early 19th-century ballerinas to the expression of contemporary dancers , you’ll witness a fascinating blend of historical perspectives and modern techniques. It’s hard not to think how these artists capture not only the physicality of the dance but also its powerful emotional expression.

The city is alive with the energy of the weekend - and with my tutu gleaming under London’s lights, I'm about to head off for an unforgettable night out, so buckle up and get ready to sparkle with me!

This Friday, it's all about theatre, shopping and finding inspiration in a city where I am truly at home - London’s dance and theatrical spirit has got me completely swept off my feet. The Pink Tutu is waiting for an exciting night out - will you be joining me? And what would you like to do if you were in London today, dressed in a pink tutu? Let me know in the comments below - it will be lovely to hear from you.

Love,

Emma xoxo