Friday, February 25th, 2005
Hello darlings! It's Friday, which means it's time for another fabulous instalment of Pink Tutu Blog, and this week, I'm bringing you all the excitement of a day spent exploring the wondrous city of London!
My week has been a whirlwind of tutus and tiaras. I had a fantastic performance at the Derby Playhouse last night, playing a delicate Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. I've been feeling quite the ballerinas this week, my heart aflutter with the excitement of heading off on this little London adventure!
As always, I had a delightful journey to the capital. The train journey itself was a visual treat. From the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, I was swept into the vibrant chaos of the city in just two hours. Every station had its own unique character, from the old world charm of Chesterfield to the grand steel and glass of London Kings Cross. Oh, I simply love the atmosphere of train journeys.
I had a particular passion for this train trip because this weekend, my dear friend Chloe and I have planned an evening at the London Palladium. Chloe's a bit of a stage diva herself, and she always knows what's hot in the London theatre scene. And this weekend, we're catching a much anticipated show – "The Phantom of the Opera". I've seen it countless times, but something about the timeless story, the beautiful music, and those jaw-dropping sets just gets me every time. I can't wait for tonight!
Speaking of jaw-dropping sets, London itself is an epic stage! As soon as I stepped off the train, the energy of the city enveloped me. People, buskers, red double-decker buses, colourful taxi cabs - it all blended into a vibrant tableau, like something straight out of a West End musical. I couldn't help but feel my steps were a little lighter as I sashayed through the streets in my bright pink tutu, causing quite a stir.
After finding my digs – a charming little guesthouse in Kensington – I set out to explore. This Friday felt like an extra special occasion as it was the same date in 1964 when the iconic Beatles performed "I Want to Hold Your Hand" on "The Ed Sullivan Show". Even in 2005, there was still a sense of energy, excitement, and yes, maybe just a little bit of rebellion in the air, just like there must have been back then. It made me think, we might be wearing tutus instead of those famous haircuts, but the yearning for creativity, passion, and adventure is timeless!
The shopping in Kensington was divine. I found a delightful little boutique with vintage tutus. One with soft pink satin and sparkling rhinestones is going straight into my collection – how perfect would it be for a performance? I also picked up a few trinkets at Portobello Road Market – a pink-tinged porcelain doll that would be the perfect decoration for my dressing table, and a beautiful vintage hat with a single, oversized pink rose. Now, that's a touch of glamour fit for a queen!
No day in London is complete without a spot of tea. After a delicious high tea at The Ritz, we went on to see a truly captivating ballet performance. "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House never fails to amaze. I was moved by the passion of the dancers, the intricate costumes, and the drama of the story. It felt so elegant, graceful, and, frankly, perfectly inspiring! It's these experiences that fuel my passion for ballet.
Then, of course, no visit to London is complete without a peek at the magnificent Buckingham Palace. Oh, what an absolute gem! I imagined all the elegant parties, royal balls, and historical events that have taken place within its walls. I just hope they've had some brilliant costumes. I tried my best to peek inside, but I’m sure the queen wouldn’t appreciate me in my pink tutu strolling into a royal event, ha!
By this time, I was feeling absolutely buzzing. I spent the rest of the day exploring the museums and soaking up the atmosphere. The National Gallery, Tate Modern – such wonders! We finished the day with a delicious pizza in Covent Garden, watching the street performers and taking in the buzz of the city. London is just bursting with culture, creativity, and life – just like the perfect tutu!
Now, you might be wondering how I fund all these fantastic trips, well it's all thanks to the wonderful ballet performances I give! Every performance allows me to explore a new place, experience a new culture, and share my passion with you, dear readers!
So, my lovely readers, as you settle in for a quiet evening, don’t forget: the world is a stage, and life is a grand ballet. And the best part? We all get to wear our own colourful, whimsical tutus, just like me! Now go out there, dream big, and don’t forget to twirl with a smile on your face!
Until next time,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Be sure to let me know what you think of this post by leaving a comment below! I would also love to hear your thoughts on your own pink tutu experiences! Share your photos with me on Instagram with the hashtag #pinktutublog!
