#PinkTutuBlogLondon: London Calling! (Post #550)
Hello darlings!
It's Friday, the sun is shining, and I'm back in London for a whirlwind weekend of twirling and exploring! You know how much I love this city, it's like a magical land of glittery lights and vibrant energy ā perfect for a little Pink Tutu girl like myself.
I took the train up this morning from my little corner of Derbyshire. You know I always try and avoid flying unless absolutely necessary, the train is so much more romantic, don't you think? The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels against the track, the calming scenery passing by the window... it's the perfect way to prepare myself for a weekend of pink, tulle, and dazzling adventures.
Speaking of dazzling adventures, I just had the most incredible afternoon! You know I always try to incorporate a little bit of ballet into my travels, itās the best way to unwind and reconnect with my inner prima ballerina, even if the street I'm twirling down isn't quite as glamorous as the stage of the Royal Opera House! I ended up at a lovely little ballet studio near Covent Garden ā a charming, dusty, wood-floored space tucked away in a cobbled side street, a haven of barre work, pliĆ©s, and elegant leaps. I love how ballet can take you anywhere!
London's Fashion Wonderland
And now, a confession... after all that hard work (and let's be honest, a bit of a post-ballet stretch!), my sweet tooth was screaming. I know this is a big ask butā¦ I had to treat myself to some afternoon tea! Luckily, I had picked the perfect place. Oh darling, you must visit the gorgeous Liberty department store in Regent Street, the home of elegant fabrics, incredible craftsmanship, and exquisite floral tea blends, not to mention a beautiful, very pink, afternoon tea service. I know, I'm just spoiling you with detail. But isn't it the best when everything feels so stylish, especially a tea service?
London's Theatrical Delights
Letās talk about the theatre scene here. I adore a good musical! And this weekend, I am not missing "Matilda!" My favorite show in London right now. I actually went and saw it again a few weeks ago. This was not planned but when I saw they had tickets and had the time to pop in, it felt magical, very me (pink tutu approved). It's so well-produced, so heartwarming, and those adorable young stars, wow! I love it. And I hear thereās some amazing original music in it, thatāll be fun for this music fanatic.
Now, Iām not saying I go and see the show every time Iām in London, it's just such a lucky coincidence it happens to be on again tonight! It's great fun catching a good performance with my ballet troupe friends. Theyāre going with me, and we are all so excited, I can hardly stand it. I do, however, always go to Covent Garden for some window shopping at The Royal Opera House every single trip I do here, there are the most spectacular tutus and outfits, perfect for inspiring my next dance-wear design.
Tutus & Twirling
Oh, speaking of tutus! There's no better way to end the day than with a whirl or two. It might be hard to believe butā¦ you donāt always see ballerinas doing their moves on cobblestone streets and under railway arches. Now I know what youāre thinkingā¦ why? Thatās because I actually have some friends here who have the same love of dancing and tutus. There's a street performance going on just outside Borough Market, and, you guessed it, we are off there now, with the twirliest, spunkiest pink tutus. And to add to the extra dose of fun this evening, I might be popping by an underground dance class. I love learning a new move or two to spice up my ballet routine!
Travel by Train - Itās All a Part of the Journey!
Don't think I've forgotten about the train journeys. Oh no, darling! I even enjoy the getting-there. Sometimes more than the destination itself. As my ballet instructor always says, "itās not always about reaching the final destination; it's the journey, the hard work, the struggles, and, of course, the twirls that matter most.ā I love how a train ride offers that sense of calm. It's such a serene setting to think, to dream and, of course, plan the next fabulous London adventure. You wouldnāt catch me in anything less than my pink tulle, with its sparkle-trimmed accents, in my usual "ready to explore" mode, all in a flurry of soft pink and swirling tutus, heading back to Derbyshire tomorrow.
*So, rememberā¦ *
*If you want to visit London on a budget, consider travelling by train and make your trip an opportunity to explore different boroughs and experiences ā just like I do. *
* You donāt need to wear a pink tutuā¦ but why wouldnāt you! If youāre heading to the theatre, you can really make an impression. *
Well darlings, that's all for this week, itās time for this pink-loving tutu enthusiast to head out and soak up a bit more of this vibrant city. Catch you next Friday, and don't forget to let me know if you're joining the Pink Tutu movement! You can join me at my online forum on www.pink-tutu.com and connect with thousands of fellow pink tutu wearers all over the world. Until next time, twirl and shine!
Love, Emma
** www.pink-tutu.com **