Pink Tutu Blog: London Calling! (Post #358)
Friday, 2003-07-11
Good morning darlings! It’s Friday, and you know what that means… London Calling!
This week, I’m trading the rolling Derbyshire hills for the bustling streets of the Big Smoke, my pink tutu in tow, of course! It's a glorious day here in London - the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the air is buzzing with a delightful energy. It’s absolutely perfect for a day of exploring, shopping, and experiencing the magic of this vibrant city. I just love that exciting, vibrant London feeling. London, with its theatres, shops, pubs, museums and gorgeous architecture just never fails to charm me.
And what a week it has been! After a stunning performance at the local Derby Theatre, I've been practicing furiously and am feeling as fit as a fiddle (and ready for a delicious London afternoon tea, to be honest!). Those pirouettes are getting super smooth and my leaps are as graceful as a gazelle. But I must say, the real highlight this week was securing a leading role in a local dance production! The anticipation is bubbling over!
So, pack your sense of adventure, darlings, because it's time for a Pink Tutu journey through the capital! This Friday’s adventures are going to be full of pink, frothy fun!
My Train Adventures:
As always, I’m travelling by train! I just love the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels, and the excitement of watching the countryside whiz by. And honestly, there's something incredibly romantic about a train journey! You see so much of England’s beauty this way! There's the endless fields, cute little villages and the gorgeous Victorian houses as the train rumbles along its tracks. There’s just something undeniably enchanting about train travel. Today, I’ve got my window seat all to myself, my trusty copy of ‘The Ballet Annual’ tucked in my bag, my music pumping (my ultimate train soundtrack? Anything from Tchaikovsky to S Club 7 - you just never know with me!), and I’m ready to be transported!
The journey's been incredibly inspiring, giving me plenty of time to reflect on the latest fashion trends and plan my shopping spree (who needs the internet when you have a Pink Tutu planner?). The shops here are so full of character and whimsy, so prepare to be dazzled, dear readers!
London, Fashion, & Me!
I’ve got to say, it's fantastic to be back in the city where the trends start! You just never know who you’ll bump into in London! On a previous trip I actually bumped into an actress who was starring in one of the West End productions that weekend (so exciting!).
It’s the capital of fashion and trends so you’ll often find me hunting for the best places to find an elegant pair of ballerina flats (flat shoes with a gorgeous feminine detail!) and, naturally, that must-have outfit that oozes Parisian charm.
Oh, darling! If you ever need inspiration for fashion, you need to come to London! I think that’s what drew me here! There’s such a diversity of people - from the chic Soho set with their impeccable tailoring, to the colourful street-style scene of East London with their flamboyant colours and statement outfits. It’s all here. It’s fashion at its best! And to be perfectly honest, pink tutus are definitely on trend! They make a statement!
What’s on this Weekend?
This week's itinerary is a whirlwind of artistic exploration! First on the agenda? “The Nutcracker”! I simply adore Tchaikovsky's magical music, and watching “The Nutcracker” in the London’s magnificent theatres always puts me in such a joyous festive mood. The opulent costumes and sets are just breathtaking. I’ve got my ticket booked for the 7.30pm performance and am planning to soak it all in! I’m picturing a spectacular sugarplum fairy, graceful ballerinas and, of course, that magnificent Waltz of the Flowers! Such dreams!
Speaking of The Nutcracker - wouldn't it be simply adorable to have a whole Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea? With nutcracker figurines dotted around, sugared almond snow flakes on the plates, pink and purple teacups with whimsical gingerbread cookies... oh, the possibilities are endless!
And on that note... tea! My favourite London treat after an exhilarating ballet performance is a spot of afternoon tea. You simply must go to one of London’s beautiful hotels for a divine spread!
After all, afternoon tea is such a timeless London tradition! And besides, with delicious pastries and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, afternoon tea is such a delight!
And after a little tea break I’m on a mission to discover London's vibrant vintage boutiques and treasure trove shops. Oh, the thrill of finding an exquisite pink tutu buried among stacks of dusty vintage treasures… just imagine it! This weekend, I'm determined to unearth some incredible pink fashion finds!
Let’s talk ballet!
One of my most favourite spots in London is the Royal Opera House, with it's elegant façade and imposing presence - it's the embodiment of the magic of ballet. This Friday, the schedule features Giselle, the most stunning tragic story, with beautiful dancing and incredible costumes! To think this is a story of a betrayed maiden, her vengeful lover, and a haunting forest! You wouldn't think that would quite suit my love for tutus and all things pink! But it is such a captivating and powerful story! It’s definitely an experience I can’t wait to witness again! I even have a lovely little pink ballet wrap I bought especially for a night out to the opera! I love how much the theatre transports you into another world, so it always puts me in such a lovely mood! I’m sure the rest of my Pink Tutu adventures will be brimming with pink charm, enchanting elegance, and a dash of London sparkle.
A Message for all of You!
Before I disappear into the London whirl, let's have a moment for a little dose of pink tutu philosophy. I know my passion for pink tutus might seem unusual to some. Some might look at me, twirling in my tutu with my bright pink smile, and think “oh, that’s just too much!” But why is too much ever a bad thing? I’d argue that life is far too short for anything but too much! Too much laughter, too much joy, too much colour! If you ever get caught up in a gloomy rut, I urge you: wear your pink tutu. Dance like no one's watching. Let your light shine.
And let's be honest, darling! If everyone wore pink tutus - wouldn't the world be such a more delightful place?!
Until next week,
Stay glamorous, stay radiant, stay Pink Tutu!
Emma xx