#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2012-03-09 Exploring London

Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma, your Pink Tutu Blogger, and it's Friday! I’m so excited to share another London adventure with you!

It was a rather blustery, but utterly charming morning here in Derbyshire as I packed my suitcase for the trip to London. Let me tell you, travelling by train is an experience, particularly when it involves multiple changes and you’re trying to maneuver through throngs of commuters in your perfectly-pink ensemble. Let’s just say I’m a bit of a "Pink Tutu in a crowded station" phenomenon – you just can't miss me!

But this is all part of the fun, don't you think? A little chaos before a glamorous London adventure – it just adds to the thrill of arriving at Paddington Station, its iconic glass roof a beautiful reminder of London’s historic charm.

Now, my trip was planned meticulously (as any Pink Tutu journey must be!), with a whole list of cultural experiences and fashionable escapades!

My London itinerary for today includes:

1. A visit to the National Portrait Gallery - A quintessential British institution, with stunning portraits of famous faces from history. I always make time for a bit of artistic inspiration before the whirlwind begins.
2. A lunch date in Covent Garden - No trip to London is complete without indulging in the delightful mix of street performers, unique shops and delicious food at this iconic location. Imagine, me, my tutu, and the aroma of freshly-baked pastries in a setting bustling with life!
3. Shopping galore at Liberty London! – I’m practically a regular here – the Liberty prints are my weakness! A dash of beautiful patterns and colors just screams for me to bring them home (or, to the back of my ballet studio for some whimsical dance practice!).
4. Catching "Matilda The Musical" in the West End! – I couldn't resist the allure of this brilliant adaptation of Roald Dahl's masterpiece, and I can't wait to soak up the magic of this fabulous stage production.

Of course, my trip wouldn’t be complete without some delicious afternoon tea – I'm currently deciding between The Savoy and The Ritz. What's a girl to do, right? Both are dripping in grandeur and deliciousness. Hmm, perhaps I'll just do both! I mean, it’s a Friday, so why not go a bit overboard, right? It’s a London adventure, after all, and it needs to be perfect!

Oh, I almost forgot! On Friday 9th March 2012, I just know that all of you, my Pink Tutu Tribe, will be rocking your own tutus with extra sparkle and maybe even a sprinkle of pink for a Friday Fashion Extravaganza!

Speaking of Friday Fashion, what will you be wearing for your own adventure this week? Share your plans with me in the comments below. I’m just about ready to take the plunge into a whirlwind Friday here in London, and I want you to join me in spirit.

*Follow along for my live updates and Pink Tutu musings on my Instagram @pinktutu.blog and Facebook pages. Remember, pink is more than just a color; it’s an attitude, a state of mind, and a whole lot of fun. Now, go and dance the day away! *

Stay fabulous,

Emma x

(Now, time to go pack my sparkly ballet flats!)

The pink-tutu blog - London

My friends, I’ve just emerged from the magical haven of Covent Garden, with my Pink Tutu and a shopping bag overflowing with beautiful things! (And don’t worry, they’re all perfectly pink and ballerina-approved!).

As I mentioned earlier, my London adventure was set to be full of colourful experiences, and Covent Garden, a whimsical blend of artistry and vibrancy, was the perfect place to start. The moment I stepped off the tube and into the square, my heart was filled with the same joyful anticipation that always awaits me at London’s iconic open-air market.

Let’s just say Covent Garden is the most perfect setting to unleash your inner "Pink Tutu girl." And it definitely brought out the playful side in me! You just can’t help but get swept up in the creative energy of this historic space. I swear, I spent at least half an hour captivated by a charming magician's tricks before indulging in a perfectly fluffy croissant and a strong cappuccino, both consumed whilst watching a lively juggling performance right outside the cafe.

Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, there’s a vintage carousel that just oozes London charm. I couldn’t resist a few spins (well, a whole heap of spins actually!).

The fashion scene in Covent Garden is like a whimsical fairyland of inspiration – boutiques bursting with unique finds, independent designers showcasing their creative flair, and vibrant colours dancing everywhere you look. I discovered some of the cutest pink accessories for my ballerina collection, a blush-colored leather handbag that was practically begging to be worn with my tutu, and an eye-catching, sparkling tiara for those nights when only a bit of princess-worthy glamour will do!

A moment of silence, please! A ballet lover can’t get enough art in her life, so the National Portrait Gallery was a natural choice for a morning of artistic exploration. I've long adored portraits – they hold a unique stillness and a sense of history, with an almost invisible string connecting you to the subject’s gaze.

It’s almost as though the paintings are stories waiting to be unraveled – and they were absolutely delightful. I even stumbled upon some stunning paintings by Victorian artist and portrait painter, William Morris – an artist that even has his own floral pattern fabrics called "Morris Prints." And, oh boy, they were delightful! I just knew I needed to add those to my ballet-studio-decorations collection.

I absolutely loved how they captured the essence of each individual – the strength, the vulnerability, the joy and the sadness – all revealed through a single expression or gesture. I spent what felt like hours just looking, soaking up the artistry, and imagining the stories behind each portrait.

After spending some time with some of the greats – the ones you've studied in school – I even ventured into their "Re-Imagine" section – which explored the role of the arts during a crisis in society, such as war or conflict, which got me really thinking about how the world’s experiences translate into creative expression. A perfect reflection of how creative art and a touch of the "Pink Tutu” approach to life can provide a dose of lightness, colour, and hope, even in challenging times.

Speaking of "Re-Imagine" , I felt like I had one of those moments too as I admired these pieces and realized how much they influenced my passion for both ballet and fashion. Maybe a bit of “re-imagination” can create an incredibly special moment - almost like stepping back in time but also leaping forward to create a whole new exciting adventure - all with my pink tutu in tow, of course.

### Theatrical Dreams Come True – "Matilda the Musical" in the West End

So, let's talk about “Matilda The Musical,” in all its brilliance. This production really blew me away, and not just because it involves amazing young performers. From the storytelling to the set designs, this was truly one of the best shows I've seen on the London stage in ages.

For those of you who don't know, "Matilda The Musical" is a dazzling stage adaptation of the iconic Roald Dahl book about a clever and imaginative little girl who uses her extraordinary mind to find her way in a chaotic world.

From the start, I was mesmerized. The dancing, the music – even the sets! – it was a true testament to theatrical brilliance, so imaginative and yet so grounded. It wasn’t just the story; it was the entire spectacle! It felt like it came from another world but in the most wonderful way imaginable.

But it was Matilda herself, played by the incredible (and utterly talented) Lucy Hayes, that truly stole my heart. Watching her performance was like witnessing a star being born! You just know that this little girl is destined for a magical career in the theatre world! And with those twinkling lights and my heart brimming with happiness and a touch of inspiration, my London adventure couldn't have gotten any better!

I'm leaving London feeling truly inspired. Maybe this weekend’s adventure will inspire a new “Pink Tutu dance move” for my next dance class! The way Matilda moves - so confidently and effortlessly – and those amazing costumes...oh, the whimsy, the colour! I could see so many elements that would look spectacular in a pink tutu ballet class. I think it's time to experiment with my choreography a little bit more, bring in a new set of costumes. Oh, I’ve got ideas swirling already!

And now, as I bid adieu to another delightful Friday in the capital, I find myself with the question: What shall I pack in my Pink Tutu suitcase for my next adventure?

So, let's chat! What would you suggest I take with me on my next Pink Tutu escapade? I’m all ears!

Keep shining, darlings!

Emma xx