#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2015-08-21 Exploring London

Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, here, bringing you another London adventure, straight from the heart of this fabulous city!

As you know, I’m all about living life in pink, and what better way to do that than in London, the city that’s as vibrant and stylish as a well-chosen pair of pink ballet shoes! Today was a day packed full of fun, from the train ride in to a whirlwind of exploring, fashion, and of course, ballet.

This week, I managed to snag a rather glamorous performance opportunity at the Theatre Royal in Derby, twirling for the delightful folks of my hometown. It’s a good thing I have my secret weapon for packing a million costumes into a tiny suitcase: a well-worn ballerina’s bag (complete with sequin pockets – you’d be surprised what a girl can fit in there)!

Speaking of journeys, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to travel to London by train. I know, I know, a train trip might seem rather old fashioned to some of you, but I can't get enough of the rhythmic click-clack of the wheels on the tracks. It's such a wonderfully relaxing way to travel!

It's also the perfect excuse to dress up for the occasion, and for a Friday trip, pink had to be the colour, of course. My outfit was a pastel pink polka dot dress paired with a matching headband and a crisp white cardigan (which, don’t worry, I tossed in my bag as soon as I was off the train!) This whole look was perfectly punctuated with a bright pink, vintage tutu – just a tiny touch of sparkle for the London streets.

I arrived at Euston Station, already buzzing with energy, and instantly, the city started working its magic on me. That delightful London smog (which I wouldn’t recommend to anyone but I find charming) had this lovely smoky pink tinge, creating this almost fairytale-like aura over the whole city.

Now, who am I kidding? I know, I know, some of you may think I'm being a little too romantic. But listen, I'm an old soul who just can't resist the charms of London!

After the train ride, I knew I was in for a delicious day of pink-tastic London adventures. My first stop was the Covent Garden Market, a must-see for every shopper and food lover, and oh, so wonderfully chaotic, too!

From the moment I stepped onto that cobblestone square, I could practically hear the city’s heartbeat. There were all sorts of beautiful street performers - jugglers, magicians, musicians - their performances filling the air with music and laughter. It’s like walking through a living postcard, isn’t it? And as always, I just HAD to join in!

I had a little giggle to myself, I think people were quite amused seeing a girl in a pink tutu twirling with the buskers. Let’s be honest, the London crowd doesn’t bat an eyelid at much, but you can always make a bit of a splash with a well-placed twirl and a smile!

My day in Covent Garden was all about colour and discovering some unique treasures. I got myself a pretty pink handbag and a set of vintage ballet clips - you know, just for the hair, I told the charming shop owner. He winked! I was, of course, browsing the stalls for the perfect vintage pink tutu for a new performance piece – a delicate little lace number for my next ballet.

And yes, I had my pink picnic lunch with a perfectly sculpted strawberry cream cheese sandwich and my special tea blend, lavender and honey. The sun was shining, I was on my feet with a tutu on and London was buzzing, what else did I need?! (Besides a second slice of that cake.)

I took the Tube, which felt oddly thrilling after my train journey, and found myself right by the Royal Opera House, where magic, glitter and pure dancing talent unfold on a daily basis. It is quite simply breathtaking.

While the ticket prices for a performance inside are quite expensive, don’t despair - you can often spot ballet dancers outside, performing right there on the street for the pure joy of dance! It’s something quite magical to experience. It's those impromptu moments of beauty and the artistry on display that just draw me to the heart of the city.

Now, you’d think this city of dreams is packed full of tutu-wearing gals like myself? Well, surprisingly not quite! But as a dancer myself, my life is a testament to finding beauty and adventure in the unexpected. I have to admit that sometimes, I get a tad jealous of the sheer amount of amazing ballet schools you find here in London. They are simply stunning.

I find myself often gazing into the dance studio windows of the Royal Ballet School or the English National Ballet - hoping I could be a fly on the wall just to be able to watch the grace of these amazing dancers, oh the talent, it’s extraordinary. I imagine the conversations the young ballerinas would be having and their future aspirations. The sheer dedication, commitment, and passion that must emanate from the studio is exhilarating.

Perhaps if I had some ballet training when I was younger I would have landed a dream role as one of these ballerinas, perhaps a swan princess or even a sugarplum fairy, my favourite ballet roles. Sigh, how fun would that have been.

However, as the song says “There’s no place like home”. While I’m grateful to my beloved Derbyshire countryside, I still can’t help but feel an attraction to this bustling city, a magical kind of enchantment which only London can evoke.

As evening descends upon the city and the shadows get longer, the city lights twinkle and you can sense a real energy bubbling to the surface. That’s when I head back to Euston to catch my train home. A perfect day of shopping, sightseeing and a dance lesson from the professionals… and oh yes, the excitement of a train ride at the end!

Of course, London, you can be sure, won't see the last of me.

Next Friday, I’ll be sharing a little blog about my travels across Derbyshire for a lovely countryside event, complete with some sparkly tutu magic of course! You know, to make Derbyshire a bit more dazzling.

Till then, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com. And remember, dear reader, wherever you may be, always remember to make a little space in your life for a bit of magic, a little bit of pink, and of course, the very best pink tutu for the occasion.

Happy dancing!

Love,

Emma x