Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, back with another installment of Pink Tutu Blog London! Today I'm coming to you straight from the heart of the capital – and by 'heart', I mean I'm currently enjoying a particularly decadent afternoon tea at the Dorchester Hotel. How divine is this? You can practically hear the whispers of history within these walls!
As you lovely lot know, I’m on my annual Spring tour to the big smoke, and trust me, my diary is bursting at the seams with ballet, shopping, and all the fashionable delights London has to offer. My dear, I couldn't let Friday pass without sharing the adventures of the last few days!
A Derbyshire Girl In London - By Train of Course
As you know, I absolutely adore travelling by train. There's something utterly romantic about watching the English countryside zip by. It's a chance to be absorbed in a book, write a few entries for my blog (of course!), or just enjoy the scenery and the company of a good book (a ballet novel, perhaps? I do have a weakness for those, and it’s not just for the fluffy costumes, honest!).
My journey down to London this week was particularly blissful. A sunny spring day bathed the fields in gold, the fluffy white clouds drifting across the azure sky, and not a single moment of delay – just pure, unadulterated, glorious train travel. I even had the pleasure of sharing a carriage with a delightful young lady who was as enthusiastic about tutus as I am! I was surprised to find she wasn't quite as taken with the 'pink' bit though. Who knew there were Tutu purists? You'll never guess her favourite colour... well, you know, the opposite of pink, obviously!
Friday Frenzy
Ah, London. I can never resist its alluring pull! I must admit, Friday's in London are always full of surprises. There's an air of expectation, of possibilities. As if everyone's in the mood for some serious fun. And fun, I have been having!
From the Royal Ballet to the Fashionably Unfashionable:
You know I just adore a good ballet, and London is practically overflowing with them. It's such a treat being able to catch several shows a week - so far I've been to the Royal Ballet for a beautiful production of Giselle and an absolutely exquisite interpretation of Swan Lake (all feathers and tulle, darlings! Truly breathtaking).
Speaking of feathers and tulle... (See? My mind always wanders back to ballet - I'm a bit of a featherbrained romantic!) The latest trend I'm absolutely in love with is the "balletcore" fashion aesthetic - imagine, if you will, soft pastel colours, dreamy flowing fabrics, ballet-inspired pieces, like crop tops and leotards, teamed up with some seriously chic street style. I absolutely adore it, and I even popped into the Liberty department store on Regent Street, for some shopping therapy - the ultimate remedy for any wardrobe woes.
Now, I do admit, my little pocketbook wouldn't quite stretch to a bespoke feather-boa or custom-made tutu from Liberty. No, darling, that's for when I'm swimming in that royal ballet pension - but trust me, this trip is definitely leaving me with some inspiration for my future dance wardrobe. I am determined to blend ballet fashion into my daily attire! This is not about practicality or logic, darlings, it's about living your dreams and bringing that magic to every street corner, every corner of your life.
Oh My Goodness! The Covent Garden Market!
Just outside the Royal Opera House is a place I simply had to visit: Covent Garden. It’s a bustling market teeming with life, a whirlwind of vibrant stalls, tantalising scents, and fascinating finds. It was a veritable treasure trove for a pink tutu enthusiast!
First off, the flowers! Imagine the most stunning arrangements of lilies, roses, orchids... all in colours I would have never dreamed possible - my pink heart almost burst with delight.
Then, the food stalls. The aroma of fresh pastries, perfectly roasted meats, juicy fruits... Oh my! I couldn't resist grabbing some dainty finger sandwiches (they make the cutest finger sandwiches here, truly! And they actually match my pink tutus!). I just couldn't leave without a box of divine macarons from a little stall nestled amongst the market stalls - divine. Truly. The perfect balance of pink sweetness and decadent, sugar-coated loveliness!
And the people! Such a vibrant, diverse, and enthusiastic bunch! Everyone seems to have a story to tell, a hidden talent, a unique perspective on life. Covent Garden is a true melting pot of London, a vibrant example of the city's spirit. It felt like being swept into the heart of a lively play. A touch of the theatrical in every step - I love the theatricality of life, it's what keeps things fun, exciting.
To London's Cultural Scene!
For this visit, I made sure I scheduled in a visit to some of London’s renowned museums and cultural attractions. What a treat, darling! The Victoria & Albert Museum is a wonderland of history, beauty, and design! Every single room held a different story, a glimpse into the past. The sheer magnificence of the displays left me absolutely speechless. It is like walking through an exhibition of your favourite ballet - and a few centuries worth of theatre shows too, to boot! I spent several hours getting lost in the exquisite world of costume design, delving into the history of dance and fashion. Oh my, some of the outfits are utterly spectacular! You could say, they definitely spark inspiration for my own unique style, a little piece of inspiration I take home with me after each London trip.
But London's cultural attractions are not confined to the walls of a museum, dear readers! This city is a canvas for expression, a stage for stories to unfold. Every street corner offers a different experience, a unique insight into London's soul. A bustling busker entertaining crowds with their vibrant tunes, a talented street performer displaying their unique artistry, a breathtaking view from a bridge - it's all so wonderfully enchanting! London's true magic lies in the stories of its people, its streets, its hidden corners.
And this evening, I'm heading to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane! Yes, you heard that right! My ballet classmates have promised me tickets for an unforgettable evening of showmanship and extravagance. The famous panto season, I hear! The only thing I know for sure: The costumes must be amazing - the costumes are always the best, wouldn't you agree?
And for all you fabulous, tutu-loving Londoners (or visitors - I don't discriminate!) - feel free to find me! I will be sporting a particularly lovely blush-pink tutu at the theatre, with an array of sparkling embellishments, of course! Who knows, we may even share a piece of those macarons!
Until next time, dear readers, stay vibrant and bright!
Your London-loving, tutu-wearing, pink-obsessed ballerina,
Emma xoxo.
* www.pink-tutu.com *
