#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2009-05-08 Exploring London

Hello lovelies! It's Friday again, and that can only mean one thing - it's time for another Pink Tutu Blog post! This week I've been absolutely swooning over my trip to London. As you all know, I'm a massive fan of the city, and this time it was a pure fairytale!

This week I swapped the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the bustling streets of the big smoke. A good old fashioned train journey (something I simply adore, ever since I was little) whisked me into London's embrace. A packed carriage filled with chattering tourists, businesspeople, and families with rosy-cheeked kids, it's always such a joyous, vibrant scene. And with a soundtrack of the "Mamma Mia!" soundtrack blasting from someone's phone, it really felt like I was stepping into a feel-good movie!

Of course, I was in my favourite pink tutu, of course! This time it was a lovely fluffy, candy pink one with sparkling sequins. It just seemed fitting, seeing as I was in the capital of fabulous. You know, just a touch of tutu magic to inject into the day.

First up was a truly iconic London experience: seeing a matinee at the National Theatre. This time I snagged tickets to "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time", a truly heartwarming and captivating story of a boy who experiences the world differently. I swear, there was a bit of a misting up from my end, the story was just that lovely.

The show was as beautiful as it was poignant. The set was so cleverly done, they really made you feel like you were right there alongside the characters. I loved how the play intertwined movement, light and sound, creating such a sensory experience, a little like how ballet weaves together every art form into a complete artistic whole. It's what I truly appreciate about performance and storytelling in general. It’s truly inspiring, and it got me thinking, as a dancer, how I can bring such dynamic storytelling to my own performances.

And to celebrate my wonderful day, I indulged in the very best London experience: afternoon tea! Imagine, a delightful little vintage tea shop with gingham tablecloths, dainty finger sandwiches, delicious scones (with a generous dollop of clotted cream, of course!), and a pot of steaming hot tea. And the best part? My teacup had little pink flowers! You know me and my penchant for anything pink! I'd already taken a few snaps before I even reached for my first strawberry and cream sandwich, haha.

And what’s a visit to London without a good dose of shopping! Now, as you all know, I'm a sucker for finding pretty ballet clothes, especially if they are pink!

I was in a veritable wonderland! This week I discovered a little shop called “Dancing Queen” which was just the ticket! (Sorry, I couldn’t help that one). It was absolutely bursting with bright colours, fun patterns, and everything pink. And the tutus! Oh my gosh, tutus in every shade you could imagine. I felt like a little girl in a candy shop.

And of course, I went home with an array of new clothes. There’s this gorgeous emerald green velvet leotard with a sparkly black tulle tutu… oh, I just had to add that one to my collection.

Talking of ballet, my heart really soared last weekend when I attended a special ballet show. I saw "Swan Lake", which of course is an absolute masterpiece. I just love the sheer power and grace of the dancers as they flit across the stage in their beautiful costumes. There’s truly something magical about how a ballerina can transform herself with a wave of her hand, or a twist of her body. Every move feels so fluid and expressive, a complete embodiment of artistry.

What truly struck me about this particular show was how they were challenging stereotypes, with a diverse cast of dancers. It really highlighted how ballet is becoming so much more inclusive, a representation of the richness of culture that exists within our society.

Speaking of diversity, and stepping away from ballet for a minute, London just exudes diversity. It's the most vibrant and culturally diverse city in the world, which makes every corner a truly thrilling adventure! I absolutely love seeing all the different styles, colours, and sounds of people, especially their vibrant dress and fashion choices! From the perfectly put together fashionistas on Oxford Street to the young artists sporting their outrageous punk street wear, I was simply mesmerized.

Oh! I had such a wonderful moment when I bumped into a busker playing an amazing version of the song "Happy" by Pharrell Williams! I swear I even did a little jig! I always get caught up in the energy of these incredible performers; their passion for their music is so infectious!

London just makes you feel like you're part of something huge and beautiful, a kind of shared experience. Every little moment just feels special!

And yes, you guys, I did find myself dancing in the streets! Well, a little skip, maybe, I can’t resist the allure of the city streets, even in a tutu! And who doesn’t love to twirl and dance every now and then? I love that there is such a joy of self-expression on show throughout the city.

And a little Tutu Travel Tip for all of you:

If you are visiting London for the first time (or even if you’ve been here many times), it is a must to take a ride on the iconic red double-decker bus. Yes, the bus has the standard fare - people reading books, daydreamers looking out of the windows - but you just never know when you will witness a scene or moment that sparks that moment of pure magic that makes a journey truly special.

It’s these unexpected little moments that make London truly unforgettable, don’t you think?

Right, I’m off to find my perfect pink tutu for next week. I am a big believer that a touch of tutu magic can make even the most ordinary day a little more extraordinary. My dream is to get the whole world wearing tutus!

Just think about it: imagine a world where everyone feels the confidence, joy, and liberation that wearing a tutu gives you. That would truly be a world of sparkle! Wouldn’t that be lovely?

Keep twirling, and never forget the magic!

Much love, Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com