Friday, 2nd March 2012
Hello, my darling Tutu Twirlers! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back from a whirlwind trip to London. Now, I know what you're thinking: London, the city of drizzle, dodgy buskers, and questionable pies. But let me tell you, my dears, this city has got it going on, especially when viewed through rose-tinted... well, pink-tinted specs!
This week, I hopped on a train (because train journeys are so much more elegant than those ghastly aeroplanes) from Derbyshire to London, my suitcase crammed with enough pink tutus to rival a candy floss factory. My mission, you ask? To explore the capital and find out if even London is ready for a Pink Tutu Revolution!
I must admit, I was a little apprehensive. Would Londoners stare? Would they laugh? Would they judge my twirling? But fear not, my sweet little ballerina butterflies, because the moment I stepped off the train and onto the platform, a wave of 'London-is-cool' energy hit me!
My first stop: The Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Oh my stars, this place is simply divine! I had to see a show, and the choices were dizzying! There was Les Misérables, Wicked, Matilda... the list went on! And don't even get me started on the Moulin Rouge poster! Talk about a feast for the eyes, and not just because of all the red velvet and sparkly gold.
After much deliberation, I opted for The Phantom of the Opera, and let me tell you, the sheer drama of it all nearly sent me into a pirouette fit! The singing was exquisite, the story heart-wrenching, and the chandeliers... oh, those chandelier moments! Let's just say, it was perfect material for a ballet-inspired fashion show in my dreams.
Fashion Spotlight: The Phantom of the Opera dress code is quite formal, which was good for my outfit: A blush pink velvet tutu (of course), with a long black satin cape that flowed like a black swan in the night, finished off with pink satin gloves and my signature pink pearl necklace. I looked every bit the ballerina-by-night, ready for the curtain call.
Now, what would a visit to London be without a spot of shopping? We're talking a whirlwind adventure of designer stores, vintage boutiques, and all the pink sparkles your heart could desire! I found myself completely lost in the enchanting labyrinth of Oxford Street, with its vibrant streets and bustling energy. I was surrounded by shops filled with the most incredible creations, and every now and then, I'd get a flash of a pink silk scarf, a cherry red handbag, or a shimmering ruby dress that just had to be mine.
One of my absolute favourite spots for pink loveliness was Liberty London, with its gorgeous, almost fairy-tale vibes. Everything inside felt like a dream, from the beautiful clothes, to the amazing perfumes, to the extra special treats in the tea room. I spent what felt like a lifetime lost in the maze of floral patterns, intricate embroideries, and soft pink silks - absolute heaven!
Speaking of heaven, I simply had to have some proper London afternoon tea. I found the perfect spot nestled away on the cobbled streets near Covent Garden - a charming tea room with plush velvet seating, crystal chandeliers, and, most importantly, the biggest pink finger sandwiches I'd ever seen!
It wouldn't be a real London day without a dose of cultural indulgence. After a light and delicate tea, I embarked on a visit to the Tate Modern. Modern art isn't always my cup of tea (or, should I say, Earl Grey) but I have to admit, the galleries filled with contemporary art gave me an unexpected jolt of inspiration.
The sheer beauty and intensity of those works of art were, to use a very ballet term, utterly en pointe! I even captured a few photos of the installations (don't worry, my tutu twirled gracefully in every shot). My mind was buzzing with ideas for my next ballet piece! Could it be a whimsical dance inspired by the clashing colours and forms of abstract expressionism? Maybe I could design a pink-and-blue ballet inspired by the geometric sculptures... oh, the possibilities!
Speaking of possibilities, I'm absolutely thrilled about my newest ballet idea, which came to me in a flash while gazing up at Big Ben, a London landmark you simply can't miss. It's a breathtaking, poignant ballet about the journey of a pink tutu! The tutu journeys across time and space, meeting amazing people, encountering surprising obstacles, and finally reaching its rightful destination: a dazzling, joyous ballet performance, accompanied by an incredible symphony orchestra, and a chorus of a hundred screaming fans. The finale, of course, is a powerful and emotional pas de deux (that's ballet dance for two, darlings) between the tutu and, well... I haven't quite decided yet. Perhaps a handsome dancer in a pink velvet waistcoat? Or a magnificent plum-coloured ballerina with the most expressive eyes in London?
Yes, I can already picture it all - a truly breathtaking, deeply moving ballet, with me as the star, and every single one of you in the audience, cheering me on! My pink-tutu-wearing ballerina dream!
And as the sun began its golden descent, painting the London skyline in vibrant shades of orange, purple and pink, I knew one thing: my pink tutu journey in London was just beginning.
Stay tuned for next week's post where I explore the delights of Camden Market, London's vintage fashion wonderland. Oh, I can't wait to tell you about all the fabulous, outlandish and totally gorgeous outfits I found! Until then, my dears, twirl on!
www.pink-tutu.com
XOXO Emma
