Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide to all things fabulous and fun. This week, I'm whisking you all away to the heart of London for a day trip packed full of pink, sparkles, and maybe even a spot of pirouette practice.
Now, you all know I adore train travel, the gentle sway of the carriage, the quiet murmur of fellow passengers… it's a calming prelude to any adventure, but today, it felt particularly special. My train journey from Derbyshire was like a mini fairytale. I was wrapped up in my warmest pink knitwear, a vintage, slightly frayed tutu perched precariously atop my backpack (a risk I was willing to take for the sake of style, naturally!), and with the tinkle of my ballet shoes under my coat. It felt like the very essence of Christmas was clinging to me.
I arrived in London King's Cross Station around midday, and a rush of energy coursed through me, like a ballet sequence in triple time. It's that feeling of pure excitement and endless possibilities. My first port of call was, of course, a bit of retail therapy, but not just any old shopping - no, I was determined to find the most perfect Christmas present for my sister, the one who loves vintage jewellery and even more, antique ballet shoes. After a spot of lunch – a hearty bowl of veggie soup and a raspberry cupcake (all pink, obviously!), I hit the cobbled streets of Covent Garden.
The air was alive with the sound of Christmas carols, the smell of mulled cider, and the shimmer of twinkling lights. It was truly magical. I wandered through the bustling stalls, each offering its unique charm: hand-painted jewellery boxes, fluffy lavender wands, and of course, countless trinkets adorned with those oh-so-popular fairy lights! And wouldn't you know it, a stall brimming with antique shoes and jewelry – it felt like destiny.
Now, I'm a firm believer in the power of finding treasures within a tangle of dusty boxes, and I truly felt like an explorer unearthing hidden gems. The thrill of discovery is something I find just as exciting as the stage lights in a packed theatre. And after much rummaging, I found it: a pair of exquisite antique ballet shoes in pale pink leather, their tiny ribbon bows perfectly preserved, a subtle twinkle in their leather that was just asking for a delicate brush of rose gold polish.
A pink tutu-clad ballerina wouldn't be complete without some serious dance inspiration, so naturally, I booked tickets to the Royal Opera House for the evening performance of Swan Lake. The stage was aglow, a magical vision of white and black, the choreography graceful and moving, with every gesture a whispered story of romance, sorrow and triumph. My heart beat in rhythm with the music. Swan Lake always makes me feel like I'm gliding through the air. It's a reminder that ballet is more than just technique, it's pure, beautiful emotion expressed through movement.
After the ballet, I indulged in a celebratory champagne – something bubbly is always de rigueur after an evening at the Opera House, right? - and headed for my favourite London hotel, a cozy little place where the staff always remember my tutu-wearing shenanigans, with a nod of understanding and perhaps a gentle reminder to take off my shoes at the front door! I sunk into my feather-filled bed, still humming Tchaikovsky, with the warm glow of my rose-tinted spectacles - for my spectacles are never dull black but rather, pink, like everything else in my wardrobe, naturally. It had been an absolutely divine day filled with magic and beauty.
The beauty of London is that it holds something for everyone. There's an element of surprise waiting around every corner, from charming vintage shops, tucked away alleys brimming with treasures to world-renowned art galleries and breathtaking theatre performances. Every journey in London is a unique experience. I never travel without my notebook, to capture the snippets of inspiration I find along the way, be it a quirky sign on a cobbled street, the scent of a freshly baked croissant, or a street artist painting a masterpiece with such skill.
However, there's a certain magic in a weekend like this, a weekend fuelled by love of the art form and filled with whimsical adventure. It's that feeling of utter joy, that lightness in your step, that you feel when you're on stage, ready to twirl and dance and bring a smile to those watching, because there's nothing more heartwarming than the sight of someone throwing themselves into a dance with every fibre of their being.
Until next week, keep those tutus twirling and always remember - every day is a chance to embrace your own pink-tinted spectacles!
Stay sparkly,
Emma x
