#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2012-04-13 Exploring London

Hello my lovely Tutu-Twirling friends! It’s Friday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another installment of Pink Tutu Blog, fresh from the cobbled streets of London!

As I sit here in my hotel room, overlooking the twinkling lights of Piccadilly Circus, the sheer joy of being back in this incredible city washes over me. I’ve been longing for this weekend ever since I booked my tickets – the anticipation has been building for weeks! And for this weekend, I traded in my usual train journeys through Derbyshire countryside for a delightful, fast journey to London, all thanks to a successful run of performances at the local ballet school.

Yes, my lovely tutus are more than just fashion – they are my passport to exciting adventures! Every performance brings me closer to my next travel destination, and I just couldn’t resist the call of the capital this week. London always delivers!

So grab your favourite tea, settle into your most comfortable chair, and join me as I take you on a whirlwind tour of my Friday in London, exploring the delights of this vibrant city through the rose-tinted lens of a pink tutu!

After a satisfying breakfast of scrambled eggs, a large slice of toast, and plenty of tea (you can’t visit London without indulging in a good cuppa!), I headed out to embrace the energy of the city. My first stop? Covent Garden! You simply cannot visit London without a trip to this iconic theatre district. There’s always an amazing energy, a sense of history, and an exciting buzz that I can’t help but soak up.

Stepping onto the cobblestones, I couldn’t resist a little impromptu pirouette, the echoes of my tutu rustling like a whisper on the cool morning breeze. It’s amazing how even the most ordinary moments can become a little bit special when you’re wearing a tutu!

The first thing that struck me was the colour – oh, the colours! Street performers painted their own splashes of joy against the brick facades, the aroma of delicious pastries filled the air, and a chorus of excited chatter filled my ears. The buzz of the market is just so vibrant – a kaleidoscope of life and energy, a stark contrast to my usual life in the countryside!

I wandered through the stalls, the fabric stalls drawing me in with their silk scarves and dazzling displays of embellishments, each one a little jewel box waiting to be discovered. This is the sort of treasure trove that makes London so irresistible – there’s always something new to see, something inspiring to find.

Covent Garden, of course, isn’t just about the shops – it’s the heart of London's theatre scene, a haven for dancers like myself. My mission was simple – a visit to the Royal Opera House, home to some of the most exquisite ballet productions in the world. Just stepping into the majestic foyer filled me with awe; the history in the walls whispered a thousand stories, each one resonating with the passion and artistry that this iconic building has witnessed over the years.

After enjoying a truly decadent cappuccino (one of the finest I’ve ever had – you know you’re in the heart of London when even the coffee is amazing!), I spent a lovely hour admiring the architecture of the building and reading about its rich history, And then, I took advantage of their incredible opportunity to attend a short "dress rehearsal" – essentially a chance to see the company rehearse the choreography before the opening night of the production. I am a true fan of watching how things are put together; the technical rehearsal can be just as inspiring and awe-inspiring as a full show, perhaps even more. Watching those professional dancers move was pure magic; the passion and precision in their every gesture, the effortless grace of their leaps and turns – I simply could not tear my eyes away! It was so inspiring and reminded me that with every pirouette and arabesque, it’s possible to express stories, emotions, and even dreams with every single move.

This experience solidified what I knew in my heart - I truly am living my dream. I may not be a ballerina on the big stage yet, but I get to enjoy the magic of ballet from so many wonderful angles! The energy and dedication of these professional dancers remind me how much joy there is in the art form - from practicing in the small, familiar space of the ballet school in Derbyshire to watching a major company prepare for a big production – that passion is contagious!

The buzz of Covent Garden was drawing me further and further afield – to be surrounded by so much creativity really feeds the soul! I couldn’t resist picking up a tasty sandwich from a charming cafe for lunch; it's all about finding these hidden gems tucked away between the grander venues.

For the afternoon, I was lured by a special offer at a nearby fashion house – a fantastic opportunity for a girl who loves to experiment with colour and texture. A tutu just isn't complete without some interesting attire! London’s got an amazing variety of unique boutiques – vintage, contemporary, and everything in-between! And I confess, my purse is rarely empty after a shopping spree here!

London's fashion is both avant-garde and elegant – a melting pot of creative expressions, from bold, artistic designs to subtle sophistication. I found myself drawn to a selection of delicate pink lace and shimmering brocade, both perfect additions to my ballet wardrobe. My little pink purse was screaming with excitement, and, of course, I couldn’t resist adding a delicate piece of vintage jewelry, just because! It’s the details that really make the difference, isn’t it? It’s no surprise I've developed quite the eye for accessorizing! A hint of bling never hurts!

But even with all the exciting shopping, it’s always ballet that keeps me grounded, inspires me, and brings me pure joy.

My evening highlight was, of course, attending the National Theatre production of “Swan Lake”, a ballet that always manages to fill my heart with awe. I simply adore the story, the contrasting grace of the white swans and the powerful movements of the black swans – there is a richness in the interpretation of these different characters that keeps drawing me back. It’s not a coincidence that this production was one of my childhood favourites; I have been obsessed with this classical masterpiece ever since seeing my first performance of "Swan Lake." The sheer grandeur of the theatre was mesmerising, and it was fascinating to witness a performance of this story on such a unique and powerful stage! The set design and costume design was absolutely stunning, and I just loved how the use of space on such a big stage highlighted every graceful movement of the dancers, like the world was literally focused on them and the power of their performances.

Every pirouette was a masterpiece, every arabesque an elegant expression of artistry. Each swirl and twirl on the stage was imbued with so much energy and precision – the heart of dance, beautifully showcased. I find it so incredible that humans can achieve such levels of perfection and express such poignant emotions through just their bodies!

Even the most inspiring evening comes to an end eventually – which just meant that I was heading into the most enchanting part of my London day! The city by night!

I spent the latter half of the evening simply exploring. After enjoying a delicious takeaway supper (I do love a London street corner pizza!) in the hotel lobby, I decided to wander through London’s dazzlingly lit streets. There’s something magical about a London evening!

The buildings and monuments are simply breathtaking under the warm glow of the street lights; every landmark is transformed, each facade becoming its own piece of art. I just had to admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in all their glory; there’s so much power in these old buildings, and history in every single stone, It felt like a lifetime was encapsulated within them! I could spend hours exploring London’s rich architectural legacy.

Of course, it wasn’t long until I felt the call of London's thriving cabaret scene! This was an absolute must-see. After a recommendation from a lovely lady at the hotel front desk, I ventured into a cosy pub for a wonderful evening of music and laughter. London’s pubs always have that friendly feel – the kind of places where you could get chatting to complete strangers and find out all sorts of interesting stories.

After a truly wonderful night, it was back to my room to put on my pajamas – of course, pink, because every detail counts! It had been a magical day full of inspiration and colour, laughter, and grace.

London always manages to pull at my heartstrings. It is truly an inspiring city for ballet and art, full of passion and history.

And I couldn’t help but think - my next London adventure wouldn’t be too far away – because London is definitely a place I will return to time and time again!

I wouldn’t be true to my blog if I didn’t talk about my fashion! Here’s a breakdown of my London look:

Day Time - A beautiful floral-print silk maxi dress - perfect for exploring Covent Garden and the market - just look for the girl twirling among the colourful stalls! - My signature bright pink ballet shoes (of course!) – they always add a little bit of sparkle to my every step!
- My favourite pale pink blazer – adds an air of sophistication (because a girl needs a blazer when she’s wearing a tutu!). - My blush-coloured vintage clutch bag – just the right size for a day out and a must-have for a bit of extra vintage style.

Evening

• A stunning black satin halter neck dress – this adds a bit of classic elegance for an evening at the theatre.
• My blush-pink cashmere shawl – a delicate, but wonderfully warming piece for cool London nights! (Always a must for an elegant theatre performance!).
• And my glittering, pearl-studded pink tutu, worn over a black ballet leotard, of course, – this ensemble added a splash of magical flair for my evening!

Don't forget to check out my Instagram for even more fashion finds from my adventures, and don't hesitate to tag me with pictures of your own favourite ballet fashion – maybe you're even in a pink tutu too! Let’s all bring back the elegance of ballet fashion together. I’d love to see!

And that, my dearest Tutu Twirlers, brings my London adventure to an end for this week!

What did you think of this London visit? Have any thoughts on "Swan Lake?" Or perhaps, my outfit?

What are your favourite London things to see and do? Let me know in the comments below! And I’ll see you next week, as we continue to explore the world, one tutu-clad adventure at a time!

Love, Emma!

www.pink-tutu.com