Pink Tutu Blog London: #718 - A Friday Frolic in the Capital
Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, and this week I'm taking you on a whirl through London! It's been a dream of mine to explore this iconic city, and thanks to a fabulous performance at the Royal Opera House, I’m finally here, ready to sprinkle a bit of pink tutu magic onto the streets of London!
(Disclaimer: This post was written before the recent Tube strikes, but hopefully, if you’re planning your own London adventure, you can use some of the tips and suggestions.)
The train journey down from Derbyshire was an absolute delight, all sunshine and rolling hills. It feels like I’m whisked away to another world – leaving my everyday life behind and diving headfirst into a whimsical world of wonder! Of course, my pink tutu took centre stage – I always like to travel in style. Thankfully, it’s comfy enough for a train journey! You can’t really beat the elegance of a train ride, it makes me feel like I’m starring in my own ballet! I adore the old carriages and the rhythm of the tracks; it makes me think of all the different stories and adventures unfolding around me.
(I have been wearing the same pink tutu since I was about ten – it's so unbelievably comfortable, even when sitting for long periods. Plus, I get compliments on it everywhere I go - everyone thinks I'm so stylish and quirky.)
First Stop: A Touch of FashionAfter checking into my gorgeous hotel - a beautiful Georgian building with a tea room, what's not to love? – I set off on my first London adventure! And naturally, it had to be a trip to Liberty’s, that magnificent emporium of exquisite fabrics, accessories, and oh-so-beautiful things. It’s like walking into a fairytale - an enchanting world where every corner is a delightful surprise. You could wander around for hours and discover a new treasure around every corner! My purse may have felt a little lighter, but my heart was absolutely full after picking up the most adorable pink silk scarf, just perfect for the evening!
Lunch at the Ivy - Feeling Regal!No London trip is complete without indulging in afternoon tea, so naturally, a delicious bite was next on the agenda. You guessed it – the legendary Ivy. Stepping into that charming restaurant was like taking a step back in time. It’s brimming with old-world glamour and has a certain je ne sais quoi that made me feel utterly fabulous. I had a beautifully delicate sandwich, with perfectly creamy Earl Grey tea (you just can't beat English tea in England). I couldn't resist an extra scone too, smothered in clotted cream, of course. Feeling positively royal, I wandered along Covent Garden – I mean, where else would you go after lunch?
A Covent Garden Surprise: Dancing Feet in the Piazza!Ah, Covent Garden. It truly is a magical place, full of bustle and entertainment. There’s music playing, street performers, quirky little shops – and what’s even better – it’s right by the Royal Opera House! It was simply exhilarating to wander through the bustling crowds and see so much creative talent. I even caught a glimpse of some delightful dancers practising right in the Piazza! My toes were practically tapping, and I felt so much inspiration swirling around me. It's like a vibrant, cultural melting pot right in the heart of London!
I'd come across the Royal Ballet School Shop earlier and picked up some new ballet shoes - nothing beats a little shopping before seeing a performance! (After all, who can resist a new pair of shoes?) But the most magical part of the evening had to be the performance of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House! You really get a different perspective from watching a ballet show when you're also dancing! It’s an incredible experience to share the beauty of dance with so many passionate people, it’s simply magical. It’s always uplifting and inspiring to see the sheer skill and talent displayed by the dancers! They make everything look so effortlessly beautiful.
Friday Night Lights – Back to the HotelAfter the performance, it was a case of grabbing a slice of pizza back at the hotel, enjoying a bubble bath, and putting my feet up, ready to conquer tomorrow. A day full of culture, fashion, and a little bit of ballet – what more could a girl ask for? The perfect day out. London always knows how to leave a little twinkle in my heart and, dare I say, in my tutu!
Follow Me on My Pink Tutu AdventuresAs usual, I'll be posting weekly updates on www.pink-tutu.com, sharing my pink tutu escapades and London explorations!
And, just in case you were wondering what’s coming up this week – the weekend in London is going to be all about dancing! On Saturday I’ll be having a ballet masterclass (I love meeting up with other passionate dancers) and on Sunday, I’ll be catching the stunning West End production of ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ I just love getting swept away in a story!
Stay tuned for all my London fun next week and, of course, please leave a comment – let me know where you’ve been or what’s your favourite London ballet, I’d love to hear!
Till next Friday, darlings,
Love and pink tutus, Emma
xxx
(P.S. Have you seen my new website - it's even more colourful and whimsical than my old one. Head over to www.pink-tutu.com and sign up to receive your free printable pink tutu pattern – it’s my gift to you! )
P.P.S: * It's *PinkTutuFriday tomorrow. I'm urging everyone to join in, grab a pink tutu and let your inner ballerina shine! Don't be afraid to make a statement - that’s what I’m all about! I’d love to see your photos - remember to tag #PinkTutuFriday on all your social media posts!