Friday, 4th July 2014
Hello my lovely tutu-tastic readers! It's Emma here, reporting live from the fabulous city of London!
The journey up from Derbyshire was, as always, an absolute joy. I just love the feeling of settling into a train carriage, with the gentle rhythm of the tracks beneath me and the anticipation of exciting adventures to come. It’s especially magical in a fluffy pink tutu – everyone smiles, I think they find it a bit surreal and, dare I say, rather charming.
It was a bit of a scramble this morning to get ready! I'd been up late last night after my recital in Chesterfield. We were performing Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake – oh, the romance and the dramatic flair of it! The dress was spectacular - feathers, shimmering sequins, it truly did the dance justice. But then, when do feathers and sequins NOT? Anyway, I'm off topic! So, back to my London escapade…
After packing my favourite pink tutu, of course (the one with the added tulle frills!), a selection of outfits to help me blend in amongst the city’s fashionable masses (oh, it's a difficult job, I know), and my trusty travel ballet shoes, I was finally off.
First Stop: The Victoria & Albert Museum
My first stop was the iconic V&A museum. Now, some of you may be surprised to hear that a pink tutu-clad ballerina would have the V&A on her itinerary, but I'm not just about dance, my darlings! My love for fashion knows no bounds and the V&A houses a phenomenal collection of fashion and design.
I'm not gonna lie, the amount of amazing dresses and gowns was utterly overwhelming! Some were so ornate, covered in elaborate embellishments and fine fabrics that they took my breath away. And then there were the more minimalist pieces – they were no less impactful, in their elegance and simplicity.
But you know what really caught my eye? A collection of early 20th-century ballet costumes! There were some real beauties - shimmering fabrics, dramatic silhouettes and even some lovely tutus, although, I have to admit, nothing quite compared to my own fluffy cloud of pink!
Shopping on Oxford Street!
After a morning of culture and design inspiration, it was time for something else entirely: a spot of shopping on Oxford Street! Now, I can't say it was a tutu-friendly expedition – those crowded streets can be a bit of a squeeze, but I persisted, armed with my most stylish ensemble and a bag full of pink power!
Of course, I just had to pop into Liberty. Those Liberty print fabrics are simply divine and would make for the most magnificent dance costumes. I’m already picturing myself swirling across the stage in a gorgeous print, maybe even in a vibrant coral shade, to bring a bit of the tropics to the ballet!
I ended my afternoon shopping spree at a charming little boutique just off the main thoroughfare. They had the cutest selection of vintage hats and shoes - my tutu-loving heart went pitter-patter!
A Night of Entertainment at the Palladium
No London trip is complete without a little theatrical magic, and tonight was all about "Chicago." This musical, my darlings, is truly something else! I was so impressed by the energy, the humour, the musical numbers, and of course, the incredible dancing. Those showstopping tap sequences gave me a real thrill - just brilliant!
Later, after enjoying a post-show pint at a quaint pub, I headed back to my hotel, ready to reflect on the most extraordinary day.
Why pink tutus are making a comeback…
My little mission in life, as you all know, is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu! Now, I hear some of you chuckle and maybe roll your eyes, thinking it's just a fun and silly ambition. But my friends, I’m dead serious! The power of a pink tutu, its playful energy, and the simple joy it brings - these things are invaluable.
Don’t be afraid to be a little silly, to let your inner child loose! We need a little more lightheartedness in the world, and I truly believe the pink tutu is a wonderful way to achieve it!
What's next?
On my next Pink Tutu Blog adventure, I'm venturing into the fascinating world of London's fashion museums. Get ready for a blog post brimming with inspiration, style, and of course, plenty of pink!
So until next week, keep spreading the tutu-tastic cheer and embrace your inner pink-loving ballerina!
Lots of love, Emma x
