Hello, darlings! It's Friday, which means it's time for another #PinkTutuBlogLondon post! I'm absolutely bursting with excitement, as you'll soon see, because today marks the beginning of my latest London adventure. And what's more exciting than a trip to the capital, you ask? Well, I'll tell you, it's a trip to the capital in my pink tutu, of course!
Let me rewind a bit and share my story... I'm Emma, a tutu-wearing ballerina from the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire. You can find my little corner of the world on the internet at www.pink-tutu.com. My mission is simple: spread the love for tutus (particularly pink ones) and inspire everyone to embrace their inner ballerina! My life, you could say, revolves around pirouettes and performances. And I fund my passion for ballet (and those wonderful pink tutus!) through my gigs performing in theatres and at various events across the country.
This week, London called! It beckoned me with the promise of captivating ballet performances, enchanting fashion finds, and, of course, the delicious buzz of the city. My trusty pink tutu was, as always, packed in my ballet bag (yes, I have a special pink one!), along with my trusty pair of ballet shoes and a handful of blush-coloured lipstick tubes - never underestimate the power of a good lipstick to perk up a ballerina's mood, my dears!
London, we're here! The train journey was magical, as always. I love the rhythmic clack of the train wheels on the tracks, the murmur of conversation around me, and the occasional peek at picturesque English countryside whizzing past. It feels like a little dance of its own.
My heart thumped a bit as the train finally pulled into King's Cross Station. This place always takes me back to Harry Potter - I can't help but feel a twinge of magic when I step onto the platform. And wouldn't you know it, they even had a Harry Potter exhibit! How could I resist? I might have just treated myself to a Hogwarts Express-inspired scarf for the trip (it's the perfect pink!).
After a little detour into the wizarding world (couldn't resist a magical picture with a life-size replica of the Sorting Hat!), I was back to my mission: conquering London in pink! First order of business: a pit stop at the enchanting Liberty London department store. I knew this would be my first stop. This is the store where you find treasures you wouldn't even think to dream of! I got hopelessly lost in a maze of beautiful silk scarves, delicate lace tops, and sparkling crystal earrings. I did, of course, end up finding the perfect pale pink silk shawl to add to my ever-growing collection (you know, for that 'extra' layer of pink in my ensemble).
From Liberty, it was on to Covent Garden, a little haven of street performers and charming shops. The scent of freshly baked bread and sweet candy filled the air as I walked down the bustling streets, mesmerised by the acrobats and jugglers entertaining the crowds. It felt like stepping onto a stage myself, and I must admit, my feet were practically itching to join them! The best part, though? I stumbled upon the cutest little bakery tucked away on a cobbled street. Imagine my joy when I discovered the most delicious pink macarons I had ever tasted! Naturally, I had to have a few (and by a few, I mean a dozen. What can I say, pink and macarons go hand-in-hand!).
The day was whizzing by in a delightful blur, and I decided it was time to take in some theatrical magic. On the list tonight? A must-see ballet performance at the Royal Opera House! I was especially excited for this one. The ballet, 'Sleeping Beauty,' was a childhood favourite, and the costumes are simply breathtaking. (There's nothing quite like a pink and lavender princess costume, if you ask me.) I took my time getting ready, making sure everything was perfectly pink (from my ballerina bun to my delicate rose-gold jewelry) for my little night out.
The performance itself was spectacular! The graceful movements, the enchanting music, the vibrant costumes - it all came together in a dazzling whirlwind of art and emotion. The prima ballerinaās pirouettes were utterly flawless, leaving me breathless. I was lucky enough to grab a picture with her after the show, her smile as bright as the spotlight.
After a quick post-ballet pit stop for a pink (and very much deserved!) gin and tonic at the theatre's bar, it was time to call it a night. My heart was filled with a mix of exhaustion and excitement, that afterglow that comes after a perfect day spent exploring my love for the arts and all things beautiful.
Pinktastic London! Today was a true whirlwind of tutus, teacups, and theatre. But this is just the beginning of my London adventure. There are more ballerina classes, more dazzling fashion finds, and more magical shows on the horizon.
So, stay tuned for my next #PinkTutuBlogLondon post! Iāll be sharing more of my discoveries (and, of course, some extra pink!), so don't forget to subscribe to my website www.pink-tutu.com. See you soon!
Hugs and tutus, Emma
P.S. What are some of your favourite things to do in London? Share your pinkest finds and ballet-inspired adventures in the comments below!
And for the lovely folks reading this on the Pink Tutu blog, a little extra treatā¦Fashion Spotlight
This trip to London was all about finding a new statement piece. The latest addition to my wardrobe: a beautiful, delicate silk scarf with a charming paisley print. I chose it in the most luscious pink hue with a dash of silver that adds just the right amount of glitz! I canāt wait to pair it with a simple white T-shirt and my go-to ballet flats for a relaxed but stylish look.
Londonās Secret Pink Treasures
Here are some of the little pink delights I stumbled upon today:
- The Rose Bakery in Covent Garden is an absolute delight. With its charming dĆ©cor, yummy rose-themed pastries, and the most delicious cup of tea, itās like a little pink paradise! I recommend their āPink Rose Cream Teaā.
- For a fashion-forward find, be sure to visit Beyond Retro. I picked up a super stylish, pre-loved pink floral dress there that will definitely make a statement!
- Pink gin anyone? Head to The Distillery, tucked away in a hidden alleyway, for some of the best cocktails in the city. Iād suggest their "Pink Flamingo". Donāt tell the bartenders, but my āpink flamingoā may have also had an extra dash of ginā¦ Oops!
- Pink is my favourite colour, and Iām convinced it's a perfect fit for the Victorian era. The Victoria & Albert Museum (the V&A for short) has an incredible collection of fashion from this time, with a wonderful display of delicate pinks in dresses, bonnets, and fabrics. It truly made me wish I could be a pink-clad Victorian ballerina for a day!
To keep the pink vibe alive, Iām even sharing my ballet schedule for this weekend so you can come and say hello (or take a pink-inspired picture or two) if you're in the London area!
Friday: 7:30 PM, 'Swan Lake' at the Sadler's Wells Theatre - Join me for a graceful evening of classical ballet. Saturday: 10:30 AM, Ballerina's Brunch at The Mayfair Hotel - Grab a delicious bite and chat about all things pink and pirouette with fellow ballerina enthusiasts. Sunday: 4:00 PM, Ballet Workshop at The Pineapple Dance Studios - I'll be teaching a special "pink tutu" session for beginners and advanced dancers alike. Let's spread the love of ballet together!
See you in the dance studio or around London, darling!
Emma
