#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2005-09-30 Exploring London

Friday, 30th September 2005

Oh, my darlings! I’m finally in London! It feels like forever since I last hopped on the train, and my suitcase is overflowing with tulle and twirling dreams. As always, I’ve chosen a fabulous pink tutu to wear for this exciting adventure – a blush pink number with delicate layers and a sprinkling of diamantés, perfect for a day of exploring London’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks.

It was a crisp autumn morning when I left Derbyshire. The air was fresh, the colours were turning vibrant, and I knew a good time was brewing. There's something about the anticipation of a journey that sets my heart aflutter. And the click-clack of the train on the rails always fills me with a sense of magical adventure. I had the most glorious view – the rolling English countryside painted with golden hues and sleepy villages.

London greeted me with a flurry of energy and that unmistakable London buzz. The air itself seemed to be buzzing with possibility! Stepping off the train, I felt like Alice stepping into Wonderland. But this time, Wonderland is filled with vintage fashion shops, towering architecture, and world-renowned theatre productions!

Speaking of theatre productions, this Friday I'm seeing something truly spectacular! The Royal Ballet is performing Giselle at the Royal Opera House. I can't wait to lose myself in the story and revel in the graceful artistry of the dancers. And who knows, maybe this will inspire my own choreography? My Pink Tutu Performance Co. could use a bit of fairytale magic right now.

But before I head off to the Opera House, let's explore! I'm off on a whirlwind tour of my favourite haunts in London.

First stop - Covent Garden! Always bustling with life and street performers, Covent Garden is a treasure trove for those with a love for the dramatic, the beautiful and, of course, the unique. It's impossible not to feel a twirl in your toes just walking down the cobbled streets. This time I'm on a mission to find the perfect pink ballet flats for my latest choreography – a street ballet routine I've been working on that combines classical ballet with some playful modern twists. I think this would make a fabulous street performance – imagine swirling tutus amongst the London crowds!

Next, I'll be venturing to a few of my favourite vintage clothing shops in Notting Hill. Nothing excites me more than hunting for hidden treasures from the past – and who knows what vintage glamour I might find today. Perhaps a 1950s pink dress for the perfect ballerina ball or a vintage pair of silk ballet slippers?

My final stop, of course, is Liberty's department store! The home of all things luxurious and lovely, Liberty's is my personal wonderland for pink silk scarves, delicate hand-stitched flowers for my hair, and perhaps a new pink tutu or two! I’ve heard that they just restocked their tulle selection and I have a feeling that my inner ballerina is about to squeal with delight.

Today, London is my canvas. I'm going to dance through the city's streets, lose myself in the stories of its past, and let my imagination take me on an enchanting adventure. I hope you'll join me! Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com to read all about my escapades!

Now, off I go to soak in the magic of London, one twirl at a time. Don't forget to wear pink!

With twirling love,

Emma xx

I just emerged from the enchanting world of "Giselle" and my heart is overflowing with emotion. Oh my darlings, I can't begin to describe the pure magic of watching this masterpiece unfold before my very eyes!

The Royal Ballet dancers were absolutely spellbinding, their movements both ethereal and powerful. There was so much artistry and expression in their every step. It was as if they were breathing life into the story, their movements as captivating as the whispers of the forest. I felt like I was transported into the depths of the woodland myself, experiencing the beauty and the heartbreak of Giselle's love.

Seeing such talent so beautifully executed ignited a spark of inspiration within me. There is so much I want to do, so much I want to create. My mind was swirling with new choreography, a longing to dance, to express myself with every flick of the wrist, every point of the toe. It's times like this, when surrounded by such sheer brilliance, that I am reminded of my passion for ballet. It’s in my heart, my soul. It’s the way I connect with the world around me.

Walking back from the theatre, London glittered in the cool autumn air. The twinkling street lights mirrored the glittering of the jewels adorning the many tutus I'd just seen on stage, a reminder of the delicate artistry of these exquisite pieces. My mind was bursting with thoughts of fabric, color, and motion, a concoction of tulle and twinkling lights that wouldn’t stay bottled up for long.

Covent Garden never disappoints, and this visit was no different! My quest for the perfect ballet flats led me to a quaint, hidden-away shop where I discovered the most exquisite pair of pink ballet shoes. They were delicately stitched, with a hint of sparkle on the toe. They fit like a dream and instantly made me feel like a ballerina on pointe!

After a little stroll through the bustling market, a flash of bright pink caught my eye! A street performance had drawn a small crowd of admirers. Two talented dancers, dressed in bold costumes (a shimmering, vibrant purple tutu with feathers, and a black fitted number adorned with intricate silver sequins), were mesmerized the audience with their impressive skills. They weaved a tale of romance, heartache and joy through their movements, their bodies becoming stories spun in motion. The vibrant atmosphere was infectious, and I felt an urge to join them.

And wouldn't you know it? My pink tutu wasn’t going to be kept out of this lively scene for long.

Oh, the magic of vintage clothing! This time, the little shop on Portobello Road was my treasure chest of all things fabulous. As I rummaged through racks bursting with colour and style, I felt a rush of excitement, the promise of a fabulous find tucked somewhere among these old threads.

My hands traced along silky satins, velvet, and lace, envisioning myself in every piece. I discovered a vintage 1950s ballet skirt with tulle flounces in the most delicate shade of baby pink – a piece straight from my ballet dreams. And, tucked away on a hidden shelf, a pair of silver ballet shoes, glistening with time and elegance!

It's funny how something old can be so new, so inspiring. I love finding the history hidden within vintage items. The colours, the patterns, the textures all speak to a time gone by and make me imagine a world of elegance and charm, all adorned with pink tutus and twirling joy!

Liberty’s is always a magical experience, and this trip was no exception! The store is a masterpiece of Victorian design and artistry, an intoxicating symphony of colour, texture, and light.

Oh, the sheer tulle – mountains of it! Delicate and soft, perfect for creating a whirlwind of dreams. There were fabrics of every shade of pink – blush, bubblegum, flamingo, the most glorious and abundant selection!

My fingers grazed the silky ribbons and bows, while my imagination conjured up all manner of pink tutus, elegant and sophisticated, with sparkling embellishments and delicate lace. My mind raced, picturing them twirling on a stage, capturing the spotlight in a symphony of colour and movement.

A sigh escaped my lips as I walked away from the racks, laden with a bundle of inspiration, enough to fill my own Pink Tutu Design studio with new and exciting creations.

Oh my darlings, what a day! From Covent Garden's street performances and Notting Hill's vintage fashion finds, to the ballet at the Opera House, I’m overflowing with inspiration. The vibrant city has awakened a new passion in me.

It’s more than just the love of fashion or the excitement of the stage. It’s the passion for movement, for expression. I want to bring ballet to everyone – from the cobblestone streets of London to the dance studios of Derbyshire. I want to inspire the next generation of ballet dancers, fill the world with a burst of color and a swirl of tulle, and of course, get everyone dancing!

Now I have more to add to my ever-growing list: new shoes, new inspiration, a collection of vintage ballet jewels, and enough pink tulle to create a mini-empire of pink tutus.

London, thank you for being the stage upon which I continue to dream.

Join me again next week for another journey!

Emma xx