Oh darling, hello! Itās Friday, and that means itās time for a brand new #PinkTutuBlogLondon post! This week Iāve been absolutely buzzing because I took the train down to London for a weekend of tutus, tiaras, and ā naturally ā fabulous shopping.
London is my absolute favourite city, I just canāt get enough of it! The energy is just electrifying, and there's always something going on. And donāt even get me started on the shopping, itās positively intoxicating! š
Before I tell you all about my fabulous Friday, letās start with a quick look back at my week.
My Week in Derbyshire
It's been a busy one in Derbyshire! I kicked things off with a ballet class at the local studio on Tuesday. Itās always such a good workout and such a brilliant way to start the week! Later that day, I got together with my lovely friend Sarah for afternoon tea at the cutest little tea shop on the high street. We spent hours chatting about all things ballet, fashion, and the latest news in our shared world of tutu-mania!
Thursday night was a dream! I danced at the charity fundraising ball at the Derbyshire County Cricket Club, where I performed a beautiful pas de deux with my dance partner, Richard. We were asked to choreograph our own piece, and we were inspired by the gorgeous Georgian Ballroom where the ball was held. We worked on a whimsical and romantic routine set to "Clair de Lune", and we were thrilled with the reaction from the audience. It was such a lovely way to round off the week before my big trip to London.
Travel by Train
Of course, when it comes to London, there's only one way to arrive in style: by train! I simply adore travelling by train ā it's so relaxing, and the scenery is always so beautiful. Especially the Peak District!
This week, I was particularly lucky to get a window seat and the sun was streaming through as I was reading my latest fashion magazine. There was a young couple sat opposite me - they were obviously excited to be heading to London too, chatting about what shows they were going to see, what restaurants they were planning to try and which shops they couldn't wait to browse.
As soon as the train pulled into Kings Cross, I knew I was going to have the most amazing weekend in the capital!
London Friday: A Day for Shopping & Shows!
Now, onto my London Friday. It was the perfect start to a whirlwind weekend!
First, I had to get a quick coffee and croissant to fuel my day. I love those small Parisian-style cafes that seem to be popping up everywhere these days - they're perfect for people watching and soaking up the atmosphere of London's busy streets.
Then, of course, it was time for shopping! It was a bit of a whirlwind of shops and colour. I picked up a new blush pink tulle skirt that's going to look divine with my new silver ballerina shoes. I just couldnāt resist! I also picked up some darling vintage floral hair clips for the weekendās outings - my tutu was just crying out for them!
After a couple of hours of shopping and getting my outfit just right for my eveningās plans, I went to see a matinĆ©e show at the West End. āSinginā In The Rainā - what a classic!
The show was everything I hoped for - the songs, the dancing, the acting were absolutely brilliant! I couldn't help but tap my toes along with Gene Kelly and smile at all the hilarious scenes.
Even the other people in the theatre were so well dressed. There was one lady who was wearing an amazing 50s-inspired dress and heels ā it was such an inspirational outfit!
As I left the theatre, the city was beginning to twinkle with the lights coming on, and it felt like London was really waking up for the evening. There was a beautiful buzz about the place and a real feeling of anticipation. I loved that London felt alive even in the middle of the day!
An Evening of Magic at The Royal Opera House
Now for the highlight of my day. I was going to see "Swan Lake" at The Royal Opera House. You simply cannot get better ballet than at the Royal Opera House, can you?
I wanted to wear something special for the occasion. I settled on a simple white sleeveless dress with a gorgeous silver embellishment that had little swirling patterns, so elegant. I teamed it with a sparkly ballet pink tutu which I felt went perfectly with the silvery tone of my dress and I felt very proud to be carrying my pink tulle tote bag which looked particularly dashing next to the opulent setting of The Royal Opera House.
Oh darling, "Swan Lake" was such a breathtaking experience! The ballet was just beautiful and the costumes were spectacular. The ballerina who played Odette and Odile was so graceful, her every movement so effortless. She seemed to float across the stage as she danced the beautiful movements of Swan Lake, telling the story of the tragic romance. The finale was the perfect crescendo and we were all in a state of joyous astonishment by the time we took our bows!
It was an absolutely enchanting evening - one that will definitely stay with me for a long time. I absolutely adore the way it makes me feel when I get the opportunity to immerse myself in the magic of ballet!
Taking In the Lights of London
After the performance, I took a stroll down the streets of Covent Garden, which was alive with music, lights, and laughter. It was so full of life - there were street performers singing and buskers playing guitar, street food stalls filling the air with mouth-watering aromas, and theatre-goers excitedly leaving the performances that had just finished.
I even bought a beautiful rose for a few pence! It was the perfect addition to my glamorous pink tutu and sparkly white dress.
It truly was the most perfect ending to an incredible London day!
My Top Tips for London:
Well darling, there you have it ā my day of #PinkTutuLondon, Friday 2009-01-16! I hope you enjoyed the journey with me.
If you're planning your own #PinkTutuLondon trip here are a few tips:
Take the train: Thereās no better way to travel to London, especially from the countryside.
Check the shows! See a ballet performance, or head to the West End or go to a theatre for a matinee. Thereās so much to see and do in London.
The magic of Covent Garden: After a great performance in the evening, head down to Covent Garden to be charmed by the magic of the evening and experience its fabulous energy!
Buy a pink tutu, or at least something pink!: London has the best shopping! Get yourself something new to wear to a performance - it always feels magical to dress up for a big occasion!
A Week of Inspiration & Tutu Love!
It was such a whirlwind of an exciting Friday - the perfect way to kickstart my weekend. It was everything a girl in a pink tutu could possibly hope for in a visit to London!
Now, if youāll excuse me, I must off to get ready for a delicious London Saturday breakfast! Iāve already found the cutest cafĆ© in Covent Garden for afternoon tea with my friend, and later this evening I have tickets for an amazing show! But youāll hear all about it in my next #PinkTutuBlogLondon post, which is live next Friday at 8 pm, as always!
Until then, remember, you don't need a reason to wear a pink tutu ā every day is a good day for pink tutus! I am living proof. And if anyone should convince you to go shopping for one, itās me, right?!
Letās fill the world with tutus, ladies!
Love, Emma x
Donāt forget to join me on www.pink-tutu.com every Friday at 8pm! Iāll be posting my blog, pictures from my outings and talking all things fashion and ballet, along with a sprinkling of tutus and sparkle for good measure!
