#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2003-09-12 Exploring London

Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, it's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad explorer! Today's blog post is extra special as I'm writing it straight from the heart of London, the city that never sleeps (or, at least, sleeps far later than Derbyshire does). It's Friday, which means it's time for another glorious edition of "Pink Tutu Blog London," and this week's adventure is all about exploring the capital in style, of course! This is post number 367, just a little reminder of how long we've been sharing these tutu-tastic adventures!

Now, you all know I love my ballet, and it’s through the magic of dance that I get to travel the world. This week I had a particularly delightful performance in Nottingham, all twirls and pirouettes, and guess what? I had an absolute corker of a time, and thanks to my fabulous performance, I was able to rake in enough pennies to treat myself to a little trip to London!

I packed my suitcase with the biggest and most beautiful tutu I could find – the one with all the sparkly pink layers. It was a very grand affair! And of course, I threw in my favourite blush-pink blazer, a perfect accessory for a day of exploring the city. This morning, I hopped onto the train and embarked on my adventure. As usual, I had my headphones on, enjoying some delightful tunes while taking in the English countryside scenery through the window – always so calming and inspiring. You know I love a train journey! Nothing beats the chugging of an engine and watching the world whizz by, feeling like I'm about to be in for the most wonderful adventure!

Now, London always welcomes me with open arms (well, I don't know if the arms are actually open or not, but you know what I mean!), and this time it was a beautiful, sunny Friday. Perfect weather for exploring and shopping! As soon as I got off the train, I hopped into a taxi, and with the words "take me to the most fabulous pink place in London, driver," I knew my adventure was about to start.

You'll never guess where the taxi driver took me! I know you're thinking Liberty London, with its gorgeous floral wallpaper and iconic art deco style. But nope! Today's stop was something a bit more... avant-garde. It's a hidden gem, one that truly captures the vibrancy and creativity of this extraordinary city: "Pink Parlour"

Let's just say, it's an absolute must-see for any pink-loving aficionado like myself. Forget the standard, predictable pink boutiques, this place was like stepping into a pink wonderland. Everything from sequined tutus and glittering feather boas to delicate rose-patterned silk scarves, sparkly pink umbrellas and shimmering shoes – I practically fell in love with everything in the shop.

They had a section dedicated entirely to pink, a shade that makes my heart skip a beat every time. Oh, darling! You simply can't miss it. I even snagged a fabulous pink-sequinned beret and the cutest tiny pink bag to hold all my treasures, my inner fashionista screaming with glee!

The afternoon called for something extra special. I mean, I was in London! What better place than the heart of London theatre, at the Royal Opera House itself, to indulge in a little afternoon tea.

I always try to take in a show or a ballet performance whenever I visit the capital. This time, however, I was on a little mission - a mission to gather inspiration! The opera house buzzed with excitement, and I loved the feeling of anticipation in the air. I was surrounded by artists, dancers, performers, and of course, other fans dressed up to the nines. I spotted a delightful feather boa on a young lady, a very stylish fedora on a gentleman, and some rather dramatic platform heels. It all felt incredibly glamorous. Londoners have such a knack for style.

Before heading into the gorgeous lobby, I grabbed myself a scrumptious afternoon tea set - tiny sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a generous helping of my favourite, strawberry jam, all served with freshly brewed tea. It was delicious and the perfect pick-me-up for a long day.

The afternoon tea came with complimentary tickets for a performance that evening - The Sleeping Beauty! How could I resist!

When the lights dimmed, and the curtain rose on a fairy-tale setting, the audience gasped in delight. The magic was immediate, and I felt myself transported to another world. The dancers were spectacular, their movements as graceful and fluid as butterflies in flight. I couldn't tear my eyes away from their every pirouette, every leap, every graceful step. The Sleeping Beauty truly embodied all the romance and whimsical charm of classic ballet.

There was a sense of sheer wonder, of something truly timeless, that made my heart soar. The music, the costumes, the storytelling – it was all so perfect. And to be surrounded by so many people who loved and appreciated ballet as much as I did, made it all the more special.

Later that evening, I found myself completely captivated by the ballerina's breathtaking portrayal of the beautiful sleeping princess. Her elegance, precision, and effortless artistry simply blew me away. I swear I felt a little pang of envy. There was just something about the way she twirled, and then landed gracefully, that made me want to lace up my ballet shoes and join her on stage.

When the curtains closed for the final time, I couldn't help but applaud with the rest of the crowd. I had to try and get hold of the ballerina. I had to let her know how inspiring she was. However, she vanished almost immediately after the finale. But not before I was able to get a close-up shot of her dazzling performance outfit. I couldn’t wait to share it on my Instagram - after all, you lot need to see how beautifully sparkly her tutu was!

I was left with a smile on my face and a heart full of inspiration. It's these kind of moments that remind me why I'm so passionate about ballet. It's not just a hobby, or a form of exercise - it's a gateway to beauty, elegance, and storytelling. It's a timeless art that truly captures the spirit of artistry and elegance. You can't deny the captivating power of dance.

Back on the streets, I found myself walking around Covent Garden, the hub of London's arts scene, my trusty ballet shoes feeling a little heavier after my long day. The bustling market square was full of lively stalls selling all kinds of crafts, artwork, and, of course, lots and lots of street food - everything from cheese to crêpes, oh my! My favourite? It has to be the homemade pies with cheesy fillings and thick, buttery crusts. I picked one up from the vendor that sold them every Friday afternoon and I couldn’t resist munching on a large juicy wedge whilst gazing up at the majestic, glass and steel structure that houses the Royal Opera House - another dazzling reminder of the incredible creative spirit that lives and breathes in this city. I'm sure the locals think this all fairly ordinary - a bit like what we in Derbyshire would call, "the usual Thursday evening". For me though - this kind of extraordinary is utterly unforgettable.

There are some days when London just knows how to take your breath away, I thought to myself. I sat on a bench and simply observed the world going by. There were artists selling their artwork, street performers showcasing their skills, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and countless tourists from all over the world taking photos of this iconic London location. It’s like you’re caught in the eye of the city’s pulse. There’s always something happening, someone to see. It was truly captivating.

I strolled towards the Covent Garden station to grab my train back to Derbyshire - an emotional goodbye to the dazzling city lights and a promise to myself to return very soon.

The train journey home was a chance for me to reflect on everything I had experienced in London - the magnificent ballet, the shopping spree in the Pink Parlour, the enchanting The Sleeping Beauty, and the feeling of wonder that this magical city never fails to provide.

As I watched the countryside blur past the window, a new idea began to bloom. It's a big dream, but something I'm feeling particularly passionate about… it's to host my very own Pink Tutu Tea Party, a gathering of fellow ballet lovers and pink-obsessed souls. We can have cake and tea, a fashion show of our best pink tutus and even have a live dance performance!

What do you think?

Leave a comment below, let me know! It would be fantastic to hear what you're all thinking. I'm always eager for suggestions and would love to create a pink-tutu extravaganza that’s truly memorable.

And, don't forget to share this blog post with all your fellow pink-tutu aficionados and those who appreciate the power of ballet and beauty! And to those who don't, maybe it's time to spread some joy and encourage them to wear their inner pink tutu with pride!

Until next Friday, darlings! Stay glamorous!

Lots of pink love, Emma xxx

P.S: Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for more blog posts, fashion tips, and dance inspiration. See you soon!