Hello my gorgeous little ballerinas! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing travel enthusiast Emma here, back with another installment of your weekly dose of London delights! I’m thrilled to be writing to you from the heart of the capital – where else would I be on a Friday than exploring the city that never sleeps?
Today’s journey kicked off right here in Derbyshire, and if you’ve read my previous blog posts you know what that means… A beautiful, bright, comfy, speedy, train journey into London town! Honestly, there’s nothing better than sitting on the train with a good book, maybe a little cup of tea, watching the world zoom by as we make our way towards the magical metropolis.
Arriving at Kings Cross Station was an absolute sensory explosion – the hustle and bustle of the city was palpable, but in the best way! I could practically smell the theatre marquees, the fresh perfume counters, the delectable treats on sale at every corner!
Before we dive into today’s adventures, a quick thank you to everyone who has supported my latest ballet performance! Your applause, smiles, and generosity are what makes these incredible London adventures possible. Without the grace and generosity of the stage, there’d be no exploring London’s charming streets, no delicious latte sipping, no fabulous shopping sprees! So thank you! Now, let’s get to it, shall we?
First Stop – Ballet on the Menu!
I was absolutely giddy when I saw the programme for today – “The Nutcracker”! How could I resist?! The Royal Opera House is just oozing history and elegance, and today, it was playing host to a breathtaking performance of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. It was pure enchantment – I was utterly captivated by the delicate choreography, the graceful dancers, and the mesmerizing music that swept me away. The costumes were truly remarkable - shimmering golds, velvety reds, and crisp white tulle – just magnificent.
Now, a little secret - I wasn't the only one sporting a pink tutu in the theatre! It seems my passion is catching! A little girl sat next to me wearing a sparkling pink tutu, complete with matching sparkly ballet shoes – my heart melted! She giggled every time the Sugar Plum Fairy took centre stage and, believe me, it was infectious! It's amazing how the magic of ballet connects everyone.
Next Up – Shopping!
With my ballet fix satisfied, I was ready for a spot of retail therapy. Oh, London, how I love your endless array of shops and boutiques! My first stop was Selfridges, an iconic London department store overflowing with elegance and excitement. I could spend hours exploring its many floors, but I had my eyes set on a particular treasure – a magnificent vintage fur stole in the most delightful shade of blush pink. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, faux fur, of course!
I adore anything vintage - it’s such a thrill to find unique treasures with stories to tell. It wouldn’t be a trip to Selfridges without stopping at their shoe department, which, believe me, is worthy of its own separate blog post! It's like a dreamscape for any shoe lover. It took a lot of willpower to walk away without a pair of stunning pink-tinged heels. Perhaps next time...
London by Night – All the Lights!
No visit to London is complete without soaking in its vibrant nightlife. Now, if you’re a lover of twinkling fairy lights and enchanting landscapes, Covent Garden is simply a must. There's just something truly magical about this part of London at night – it’s like stepping into a fairytale! The cobbled streets were lit with warm lanterns, there were street performers, lively cafes, and of course, the aroma of fresh fruit and pastries drifting through the air – utter perfection!
The theatre was just around the corner, and if you know me you know I just HAD to see what they had on offer! Thankfully, the theatre was hosting a very special musical tonight, which I managed to grab tickets to. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed! I can't say what show it was (Spoiler Alert!) but I'm already looking forward to my next theatre adventure!
Tutu-licious Tidbits
Did You Know…?
Did you know that the very first performance of Swan Lake was in 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow? Talk about a ballet classic! It’s so wonderful to think about how these pieces of art have captivated audiences for decades, even centuries! Ballet truly is timeless.
What’s Trending This Week
I have to say, the new Balletcore fashion trend is HUGE right now. Everywhere you look, people are rocking the delicate silhouettes and feminine details. Think delicate floral prints, satin ballet shoes, and of course, a touch of pink! It’s a modern twist on classic ballerina chic, and I absolutely adore it. Don’t be surprised if I’m rocking some of those trends in my upcoming London outings – because we all know a tutu can pair perfectly with just about anything!
Final Thoughts
Today's journey through London was a magical mix of culture, elegance, and pure bliss. I'm already looking forward to next week's adventures. I'll be posting about our family trip to the Museum of London, and a whole host of London Fashion Week experiences! And yes, I have a brand new pink tutu to unveil – so stay tuned!
As always, thank you for joining me on my adventures, my darlings! If you've got any London travel tips for me, please do share them below! Until next Friday, keep sparkling!
Emma, xoxo
P.S. Remember, everyone can be a ballerina, even if you haven't taken a single class. Put on your favourite pink tutu, twirl, leap, and let your inner ballerina shine!
