Friday, 2011-09-09
Oh, darlings! Another Friday, another Pink Tutu Blog! This time, I'm fresh from a whirlwind trip to London, my very favourite city in the whole wide world. And trust me, it's always an adventure.
As you all know, I love a good train journey, especially when it's to London. The gentle rhythm of the tracks, the hushed whispers of excited chatter around me, the distant landscape flashing by…it all conjures up the magic of theatre, of journeys, of transformation. And that, my dears, is precisely what I was going for! London always inspires a transformation. A shift into a more sparkly, exciting, flamboyant me.
I’ve been working hard on a few ballet performances this past month, and a few shillings put by in my savings jar were begging to be spent on a proper Pink Tutu extravaganza in the heart of London! This week’s adventure centred around some gorgeous ballet performances and an oh-so-fashionable shopping spree - all, naturally, whilst dressed in my best pink tutus!
The First Stop - A Dance Dream in Covent Garden
Let's face it, the only place a ballerina can start their day in London is at the Royal Opera House, a beautiful and awe-inspiring venue that never ceases to enchant me. As I took the short tube journey down from Derbyshire, I could practically feel the electricity buzzing around the famous theatre. You just know it's been host to countless legends – I mean, it's where Anna Pavlova, Diaghilev, and Nijinsky danced. Oh my!
This time I'd booked seats for "Giselle," a beautiful ballet filled with romance and sorrow. The Covent Garden Orchestra played the most divine score, their music so moving that even my very rigid Derbyshire dance teacher, Mrs. Potts, would have approved.
Now, it’s not just the ballet I adore, but the sheer elegance and opulence of the venue. I took a few extra moments after the show to wander through the corridors, soaking in the history, imagining the grandeur of bygone days.
For lunch, I decided to wander around Covent Garden. This bustling marketplace is just overflowing with things to see. But my eyes were glued to the stalls bursting with colourful fruit, the waft of freshly baked bread and those yummy artisan cupcakes! They’re the most decadent cupcakes in London, believe me! The pink one with white frosting and gold dust definitely caught my eye – not quite a ballerina’s diet but oh, so good!
Finding the Perfect Pink at Liberty's
I couldn't possibly resist the lure of Liberty's. It’s always a must for any pink tutu aficionado. This beautiful store with its distinctive black-and-white striped exterior is always overflowing with enchanting textures and fabrics. The perfect pink tulle for a new creation is bound to be there, somewhere hidden in its many nooks and crannies!
After much excited deliberation (a true challenge, darling, it was!), I selected a shimmering, shimmering shade of pink, something utterly exquisite. It almost had a rose gold shimmer, with subtle little silver threads that twinkled with every movement. Now, this is a tutu with real character!
A Glittering Soiree at The Palladium
But no trip to London is complete without a dose of London’s most iconic shows. I simply adore the classic grandeur of The Palladium! It truly is a dazzling show palace, filled with a kind of Victorian sparkle that sends shivers down your spine. It’s the perfect place to catch the latest musical, complete with an extravagant orchestra and some sensational stage effects!
This time, I saw a stunning show, “A Night in Paris” – an eclectic blend of French cabaret and musical theatre! It felt as though the theatre itself had transported us to another era, a world filled with dancing women in glittering costumes and dazzling dance routines. It was pure magic, and even my inner ballerina could appreciate a performance with such finesse!
Fashion finds at Regent Street
Naturally, with my new tutu fabric in tow, a shopping spree at Regent Street was a must. This bustling, stylish street never fails to impress! It was the perfect chance to discover a few must-have pink items, the ones you absolutely must have for any fashionable ballerina! A new pair of pink-sequinned shoes for a performance? Perhaps some new sparkly pink nail polish? A pretty pink bow for my hair? Oh, I do love a good bargain hunt!
The Final Waltz - Homeward Bound
Back to the railway station, back to Derbyshire, I boarded the train back to my quaint little town. London was still tingling within me, the excitement of the past few days a joyous echo in my heart.
The journey back wasn’t just a trip, it was a moment for reflection, for letting the magic of London settle into my soul. I thought about the beautiful dancing, the opulent theatre experiences, and the fantastic shopping finds.
The weekend was about more than a trip to London – it was a tribute to the enduring spirit of the ballet world and a reminder that every day is an opportunity to embrace the joy and glamour of our shared passion.
I’ll leave you with a little bit of inspiration for your week. Wear pink, wear a tutu, embrace the glamour and dance! Until next week’s Pink Tutu blog!
Your London Ballet Addict,
Emma
