Friday, 14th February 2003
Oh, darling readers! The train journey was absolutely delightful, the rhythmic clatter of the rails was like a percussive intro to the most fabulous ballet. London here I come, in my sparkling pink tutu of course! It's Friday, which means it's time for a brand-new Pink Tutu Blog post, this time, straight from the heart of London!
I just had to come to the big smoke for Valentine's Day. There's no better place to be than London on a day dedicated to love, with all the romantic charm, the buzzing energy, and the sheer beauty of this historic city. Not to mention all the fabulous shops and gorgeous ballet performances to see!
Speaking of my London ballet adventures, tonight's treat is a production of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House. I'm absolutely beside myself with excitement! This is the production I've been longing to see ever since I was a little girl, mesmerized by the graceful swans and the tempestuous Odette and Odile. This week, the show will be performed by Darcey Bussell, the UK’s greatest ballerina! It's the kind of moment that truly justifies the entire week of travelling and rehearsals, right?! I'll be sure to share my thoughts and pictures of this majestic show next week.
But let's start from the beginning of my London adventure...
A Pink Tutu Travels by Train
The journey up from Derbyshire was, as usual, a delightful whirl of pink. I managed to secure a window seat and the views of the English countryside were utterly picturesque – rolling hills, snow-capped Cotswolds, and the gentle sunlight dappling through the train window. My travelling ensemble? The classic, of course – a pink fluffy tutu, my signature sparkly pink top, and a fluffy pink scarf to ward off any winter chills. All perfectly paired with my trusty pink leather ballet flats. My trusty headphones played a non-stop playlist of my favourite classical tunes.
Arriving at Euston Station, I was met by a flurry of excitement. London was a kaleidoscope of sounds, colours, and energy. My nose was assaulted with delicious scents of coffee, hot pastries, and the unique blend of aromas only London could offer. The vibrant atmosphere was electric and already I felt myself absorbing all the creative energy this city emanated.
London's Fashion Finds
Now, I just can’t come to London without making a pilgrimage to my favourite department stores, can I? First stop – Liberty! I practically skipped through those glorious doors. Liberty's is pure magic; the delicate floral patterns, the beautiful fabrics, and the elegant clothes – a complete feast for my eyes and soul. It felt like walking into a vintage wonderland with the softest, most intricate lace and the most sumptuous silks imaginable. While the outfits weren't entirely appropriate for my everyday tutus, the inspirational prints and colours gave me some brilliant ideas for my next ballet performance wardrobe!
Next stop was Oxford Street, and a dash of retail therapy for my wardrobe. It’s such a fascinating street – it's all so bustling and brimming with people, each with their own story. The street felt alive, a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and smells. And of course, the shop windows! My personal favourites: the glittering pink windows of Victoria’s Secret, the chic black-and-white window displays at Zara, and the stylish, sophisticated window displays at French Connection. You see, I like my retail therapy with a splash of fashion inspiration!
And to finish off this fabulous fashion afternoon, I indulged in a hot chocolate and a slice of cake at the The Ritz – the quintessential British afternoon tea experience. This afternoon tea was a real treat; fluffy scones, exquisite finger sandwiches, and perfectly brewed tea – a delicious afternoon tea with a royal touch!
The Ballet Life of London
Tonight's performance is something I’ve been looking forward to for months. And I’m not just looking forward to the beautiful dance of Swan Lake, I’m thrilled about the location: the majestic Royal Opera House! This venue, with its rich history and its imposing architecture, always takes my breath away.
The theatre has this incredible aura, like the history of hundreds of incredible performances and brilliant artists has been woven into the very fabric of the building. I love the anticipation of walking through the entrance and down those long corridors. Everything feels so elegant, so grand – you can feel the excitement build in the air!
Tonight's performance promises to be the epitome of grace and emotion. The story of "Swan Lake" always resonates with me; a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, mirrored perfectly in the choreography and the exquisite costumes. And the sheer athleticism and artistry required for such a performance, it truly inspires me to work harder, to reach for new levels of skill and artistry!
Tonight, though, I will set my tutu aside and enjoy the show with my friend Helen, a fellow ballet lover. Helen's also a blogger - a talented writer about fashion and travel with her own online magazine – www.fashion-gal.com - and we both find so much inspiration from each other. We are going to dine in the lavish setting of the Royal Opera House restaurant and bask in the post-show magic. I can't wait to share the details next week!
And that, dear readers, is the whirlwind of my London adventure so far. I am completely smitten with the vibrant energy of this city and everything it has to offer – the shopping, the ballet, and the wonderful, wonderful people. Until next time, remember, there’s a pink tutu out there for everyone – embrace your inner ballerina and dance your heart out!
See you next week with my Swan Lake review and a whole new London experience!
Love, Emma x
