Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink-loving ballerina, and I'm back with another fab London escapade, straight from the heart of the city! I hopped on the train from Derbyshire bright and early this morning, clutching my trusty tutu bag and buzzing with excitement for a day of exploring, a sprinkle of theatre magic, and, of course, some serious shopping therapy!
Now, I know some of you might be wondering how a simple ballerina girl from the countryside can afford all these glamorous London trips. Well, my dears, it's all thanks to my love of performing! I fund my adventures with a whirlwind of ballet performances - from intimate studio showcases to dazzling theatre productions - every twirl helps me tick another travel destination off my list!
Today's post is all about a fabulous Friday in London, the 25th of May 2012, which was brimming with fabulous activities, fabulous weather (a touch of sunshine for once!) and of course, plenty of pink!
The First Stop: A Classic Afternoon Tea
As soon as I arrived at my little hotel in Bloomsbury, I couldn't resist donning my cherry blossom pink tutu for a proper dose of afternoon tea, a classic London tradition that never fails to delight. I opted for the "Pink Palace Tea" at The Langham hotel - a beautifully grand affair. You wouldn't believe the selection of dainty finger sandwiches, cakes, scones (with lashings of clotted cream, of course), and the most exquisitely brewed tea. Everything was positively picture perfect, just like a fairytale. And wouldn't you know it, there were even miniature pink macarons!
Ballet Bliss at The Royal Opera House
With my stomach happily full of delectable delights, it was time to head to the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House, a ballet lover's dream come true. Tonight's performance was the beautiful and poignant Giselle, and let me tell you, it was absolutely breathtaking. The dancers were phenomenal, their movements so fluid and graceful it seemed as though they were gliding on air. The costumes, especially Giselle's flowing white gown, were magnificent. After the final curtain call, I practically danced out of the theatre, so moved and inspired.
A Night of Parisian Glamour
A ballerina's gotta eat! After the show, I popped over to a charming French bistro just off Covent Garden, aptly called "La Parisienne", where I indulged in a plate of steak frites, the most divine creme brûlée, and, naturally, a glass of bubbly. I think it's only fair to reward myself for all the twirling I do! Plus, a touch of French elegance never goes amiss, wouldn't you say?
Pink Tutu on Oxford Street
Speaking of elegance, what’s a day in London without a little bit of shopping on Oxford Street? I must say, it was absolute heaven! I found myself lost in the wonderful world of fashion - delicate lace tops, the most gorgeous flowing skirts, and a whole rainbow of gorgeous shoes that screamed, "Wear me, Emma, wear me!". But alas, I managed to control myself and picked up a stunning pink silk scarf, which was simply perfect for the weather - crisp and cool but with a touch of sun.
I'm telling you, there's nothing like walking down Oxford Street, a pink tutu swishing behind me, feeling completely fabulous! I even saw a group of teenagers trying on tutus in one of the shop windows! Perhaps the Tutu Revolution has finally begun, wouldn't that be magical?!
A Final Waltz with the River Thames
As evening descended, I strolled along the beautiful South Bank, my mind replaying Giselle’s final moments - so captivating and poignant. I even spotted a pair of swans gliding gracefully on the Thames, which somehow made me feel as if I was a part of the ballet!
After a long but fabulous day, it was finally time to head back to Derbyshire. As I boarded the train, I felt that familiar pang of “already-wanting-to-be-back-in-London”, but I also knew I had a wonderful week ahead, filled with practice, a little bit of countryside bliss, and a lot of Tutu-inspiration for the next blog post!
Until next Friday, darlings! Remember, never let go of your inner ballerina!
And, as always, don’t forget to embrace the pink tutu lifestyle. Together, let's make the world a brighter and more twirling-ly amazing place!
xx Emma
Outfit Inspiration:
- Cherry blossom pink tutu: A must-have for any ballerina, I picked up this beauty on a recent trip to France!
- Lace camisole: Perfect for a chic but comfortable daytime look.
- Floral printed blazer: A touch of classic elegance with a splash of springtime vibrancy.
- Pink ballet flats: Always my go-to footwear - stylish and comfortable for all-day exploring!
- Pink silk scarf: A simple yet impactful touch, great for layering in cool evenings.
Pink beaded handbag: To add a touch of glamour and practicality to my outfit.
Extra Sparkle for your Weekend:
For a bit of backstage fun, have a look at these ballet documentaries available on Amazon Prime - “Dancing on the Edge” or "The Ballerinas".
- Planning your next ballet performance? Here are a few online resources that can help: www.ballet.co.uk, www.balletnow.co.uk.
- Looking for a unique pink tutu to add to your collection? Try these online shops: www.tutu.com, www.pinktutu.com.
Let's Talk Tutu-ful!:
Tell me your favourite part of today's blog, and what your plans are for the weekend! Don't be shy! Leave me a comment below!
See you next week, my darlings! Keep twirling!
xx Emma
