#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2006-06-23 Exploring London

Hey darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back with another instalment of Pink Tutu Blog London! This week, I've swapped my Derbyshire countryside for the hustle and bustle of London town, and I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share my adventures with you all.

As you know, my love for ballet and everything it encompasses is unyielding. So, you can imagine my delight when I secured a lead role in a beautiful performance at the London Palladium – talk about a dream come true! My performances have helped me fund this little London trip, and trust me, the excitement is just beginning!

Now, you've already heard my confessions about my love for trains – there's something so wonderfully romantic about watching the countryside fly by, while indulging in a cuppa and a slice of cake (or a generous serving of pink cupcakes!). I even found a perfectly pink polka-dot travel mug in a quaint little shop on the platform – my suitcase just wouldn’t be complete without it!

I arrived in London feeling absolutely pink-tastic. And as I skipped off the train at Kings Cross Station (and yes, you bet I found the pink platform!), I felt like a ballerina princess embarking on an enchanting adventure!

First stop – Covent Garden. This beautiful district is like stepping into a picture postcard. Bustling market stalls overflowing with artisanal goods, talented street performers showcasing their skills, and captivating music echoing through the cobbled streets - Covent Garden is truly a treat for the senses!

It's here I spotted the most gorgeous pink silk scarf with intricate floral patterns – a must-have for a London ballerina on the go! But it was my next find that truly made my day. A cute boutique tucked away in a side street caught my eye, and I couldn’t resist the allure of its beautifully curated window display. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a pair of sparkling pink ballerina flats! I mean, how could I resist? They were simply perfect – they practically shouted "London ballet babe" and were calling my name!

After a delightful afternoon indulging in Covent Garden’s charms, I headed back to my little hotel – the "Bloomsbury Bliss." (Yes, you guessed it! A fabulous pink-hued haven complete with a balcony overflowing with roses! It’s the only hotel in London for a pink tutu-wearing ballet girl like me, right?! ) I had to get ready for a night at the ballet, and the thought of witnessing a performance on a London stage was absolutely thrilling.

The performance that evening was truly magnificent – "Swan Lake" at the iconic Royal Opera House. The stage was breathtaking, with dazzling lights and exquisite sets that transported me to a fairytale land. And the dancers! Simply phenomenal – their grace and skill left me completely awestruck. They seemed to float effortlessly, gliding across the stage with a sense of freedom and grace that I can only dream of achieving.

You’ve just gotta see Swan Lake, darlings – a timeless classic that will always have my heart fluttering with its delicate beauty and powerful drama. Even after the curtain call, the energy buzzing through the air in the Royal Opera House made me feel so incredibly alive and inspired! I almost felt like a ballerina myself!

This morning, I set my sights on discovering more of London’s vibrant fashion scene. And my first stop, as a pink-loving London ballerina, had to be the charming shops of Kensington High Street! I spotted so many incredible looks that had me feeling like I was stepping straight onto the set of a fashion magazine!

I picked up some divine pastel-toned ballet-inspired outfits - think romantic flowy skirts, lace-trimmed blouses, and the most fabulous blush-pink jacket, perfect for the London weather (it's surprisingly chilly for a June morning! Who would've thought? It’s why I've packed all my ballet tights and cute leg warmers). The sheer abundance of colours and textures in London is truly astounding – an artist's dream come true!

But even more exciting than the clothes was my lunch. You know I just love exploring a new place through its food. After a quick but satisfying ballet warm-up at the Serpentine in Hyde Park, I found a beautiful café in the quaint village of Notting Hill - I indulged in a heavenly raspberry and cream cheese muffin (absolutely divine!) with a perfectly pink latte – my absolute favourite morning treat!

Now, I know that a true ballerina’s day never ends! The thrill of the dance just keeps calling me! I took a chance to explore some of London's incredible ballet streets, where street performers gather to showcase their incredible skills.

From classical pieces to contemporary choreography, these talented dancers poured their hearts and souls into their routines. One gentleman even performed a dazzling tap dance on a vintage suitcase, accompanied by the rhythmic tap-tap-tapping of his own shoes - pure joy!

And of course, my trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a quick trip to the Sadler's Wells theatre, which I absolutely adored! I even bought myself a lovely new ballerina-inspired tote bag for my next adventure – just perfect for carrying my dance shoes, my favourite pink ballet books, and a few pink rose-scented bath bombs to keep me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

This trip to London has been simply extraordinary! It's a whirlwind of culture, fashion, and of course, endless ballet inspiration. From the dazzling performances to the bustling streets, it’s all a reminder of just how passionate I am about ballet and how it truly has the power to uplift and inspire us all.

Speaking of inspiration, let's not forget why I'm here. To remind the world that life is about expressing ourselves, embracing our dreams, and most importantly – spreading the joy of dancing, even if it’s just a little pirouette in your pink tutu!

Until next Friday, keep dancing your heart out, lovelies, and always remember to keep it pink!

Emma, signing off from London town.

Pink Tutu Blog London: www.pink-tutu.com