#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2014-10-24 Exploring London

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-touting, ballet-obsessed blogger, back with another London adventure! I'm currently nestled in my little Airbnb flat in Covent Garden, the sound of the city thrumming gently outside my window. My heart's already pounding with excitement for the day ahead – it's London Friday, and as you know, that means it's time to spin, twirl, and explore!

For those of you who haven't been introduced, this blog is all about embracing your inner ballerina, living life in a vibrant pink hue, and finding the magic in every corner of this amazing city. I've been travelling up and down the country performing my heart out – this week, I twirled my way through a whirlwind of charity events in Derby, before hopping on the train to London for a little Friday fun! I'm just so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a living from my passion, especially as it allows me to travel to places like London and fill this blog with inspiration and all sorts of fun adventures for you lovely readers!

This week, my darling readers, I'm all about the dazzling world of the West End, the glorious spectacle of the Royal Opera House, and, of course, shopping! But first, I have to tell you all about my journey!

From the moment I stepped onto the train at Derby, my inner ballerina was ready to take on the city. I settled in, feeling the rhythmic sway of the train as we rolled down the tracks, and I knew it was going to be a magical day. This train journey felt especially magical – maybe it was the sunshine that streamed through the window or the exciting possibilities that unfolded in my mind with each passing station. I sat, tucked into a corner booth with my trusty journal, scribbling down all the day’s musings as they flowed. It's these moments on the train, where my creativity blooms and the ideas for this very blog come alive!

You might think I would only be concerned with finding the most stunning dress to wear in London, but, my dear friends, let’s talk trains! To a girl like me, a train journey is as much a performance as a ballet recital. The platform buzzes with the anticipation of the travellers. Then, the rhythmic roar of the arriving train. Stepping into the carriage and finding a place – a good, pink-toned carriage, naturally, with a seat for a proper girly, tea-sipping moment.

And of course, I don't forget the accessories. I popped on my pearl necklace and matching pink-tinted sunglasses, even in the late afternoon London light, just to ensure that I was making a little ballet-esque statement in a space where you wouldn’t usually see someone rocking a tutu! But hey, it’s London! Who would expect anything less than fabulous from me?

I even indulged in a spot of light entertainment on the way down. I watched my favorite ballerina, Darcey Bussell, perform in a beautiful ballet adaptation of “A Christmas Carol”, on my laptop screen, imagining myself twirling on the stage, making every movement perfect! This was the kind of escapism and daydreaming I'm used to before a performance, a great way to fuel the creative spirit and remind myself to focus on my love for the stage. I love this type of escapism on a train journey - it's the perfect blend of reality and dreams.

By the time the train pulled into King's Cross St. Pancras, I was practically humming Swan Lake tunes under my breath, buzzing with excitement. This beautiful railway station, with its majestic ironwork and grand facade, never fails to make me feel like I've stepped back in time. My ballet heart immediately began to thrum with joy – how was it possible that this stunning Victorian architecture, with its towering clock, could exist in the midst of such a bustling city?

The journey from the station was short, my taxi whisking me through the back streets of London, towards the bright lights and dazzling displays of Covent Garden. There’s something so intoxicating about stepping out of the train station, into a cab, and weaving through the streets of a metropolis like London. You’re no longer bound by the rails of a journey but embarking on a whole new adventure.

My London Friday felt especially exciting. It's hard to top London on a sunny October Friday. It's a feeling unlike any other, where everyone seems a little brighter, more stylish, and more up for embracing all that London has to offer. There’s an electric energy in the air!

After a whirlwind check-in at my cozy flat in Covent Garden, I decided to spend a little time simply soaking up the atmosphere. A walk around Covent Garden, where a hundred colourful market stalls burst with flowers, artisan crafts, and the enticing aromas of food from around the world is an absolute must. A good, long, slow wander, with a pot of Earl Grey tea in my hand. I settled myself down on a vintage stool near a band playing some amazing jazz, watching the people come and go. London’s such a melting pot of life, style, and diversity - so vibrant! A hundred different personalities going about their day, all unique, and yet each contributing to this tapestry of life!

That afternoon, I wandered past the imposing Royal Opera House. This place makes my heart skip a beat every time I walk by. It's a majestic, timeless, piece of London’s architectural history. Just standing outside, taking in the sheer grandeur of its exterior, sets my heart soaring! The stage within, and the dreams, performances, and lives that have unfolded within these walls, fill me with awe and wonder. This, for me, is what dreams are made of – ballet, history, art, and the sheer joy of seeing beautiful art at its most powerful.

It wouldn't be a London Friday without a little retail therapy! The famous, glittering streets around Regent Street were next on my list! My little London shopping list is pretty well established! This week, I was hunting down the perfect accessories for tonight’s show. The key was something glamorous, pink, and perhaps a hint of glitter. It took a while, a lot of pink-hued sequins and some strategically-placed mirrors in shop windows. The moment of triumph finally arrived when I unearthed a pair of the most stunning ballet-pink ballet flats with shimmering sequins, the perfect finishing touch!

And who can resist the tempting window displays in Selfridges? From my favorite brand, Christian Louboutin, to an enticing display of Chanel jackets. It was time to indulge myself in some visual ballet, and the sheer extravagance and imagination that went into the store displays reminded me once again of why I love London! This place doesn't shy away from fashion, glamour, or pure beauty - it embraces them, celebrates them! The joy of a beautifully curated store, like Selfridges or Liberty, never ceases to thrill me. It’s a delight for the senses!

I took a brief but refreshing break at Fortnum and Mason to have a cuppa, before stepping into the magic of the London theatre. Tonight’s performance was an absolutely incredible production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, at the Royal Opera House.

Oh, the glorious music, the swirling, majestic ballerinas, and the elegant choreography. Watching these incredible performers took my breath away. It’s no wonder why ballet draws me in like a moth to a flame. There's nothing like a beautiful performance to transport you to another place, to another time! As I sat amongst the hushed crowd, taking in the magic, my heart was brimming with the pure joy of performance. Every arabesque, every jump, and every pose reminded me why I'm so passionate about this art form! It's simply captivating!

As the curtains came down and the thunderous applause filled the hall, I was utterly spellbound, and my senses were still reeling from the stunning display. That feeling – of watching true talent take centre stage, surrounded by people who appreciate its power, is what keeps me going! I feel so blessed to be able to live my dream – dancing and sharing my love for the stage with others!

There's nothing quite like the magic of the West End. After all that, it’s impossible to leave London without at least one indulgent cocktail – something sparkling pink, perhaps. So I tucked into a luxurious martini at The Savoy, feeling the vibrant atmosphere swirling around me.

London is one of my favorite places on earth. The atmosphere, the architecture, the buzz – it all combines to make the most enchanting city! It’s a place where anything can happen! The moment I stepped into London today, I felt it. It’s the kind of feeling that puts a smile on your face, sparks creativity, and encourages you to dream big!

It's time to head back to my little Airbnb haven for a final twirl and a good night's sleep, before heading back to Derbyshire in the morning.

So until next time, keep those pink tutus spinning, keep chasing your dreams, and stay stylish!

Until next week!

Love, Emma x