#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2016-05-06 Exploring London

Hello my lovely tutu-loving readers! It's Emma here, and I'm thrilled to be back in the heart of London, for the first time since last summer! I can already tell it's going to be a fantastic trip. My Derbyshire heart is skipping a beat at the thought of exploring the streets, taking in the atmosphere and seeing a show or two (and perhaps a little retail therapy...because, let's face it, who can resist a little retail therapy in London?!).

You know the drill - I'm fuelled by the magic of dance, funding this whirlwind weekend getaway by sharing my passion for ballet through stunning performances in Derbyshire. This week, I was whisking audiences away to the mystical world of 'The Nutcracker,' bringing the story to life with my vibrant, expressive dance. The magic of performing was buzzing in my veins, giving me the energy and joy to plan this London adventure.

As always, it was a glorious journey to London on the train. There's just something special about leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Derbyshire and embarking on a train journey through the beautiful English countryside. It's the perfect time for reflection, a bit of people-watching, and – of course – catching up on some Instagram. Oh, and there's something so delightfully old-world and glamorous about arriving in London by train - a feeling that whisks me back to a bygone era, where elegance was paramount.

But let's fast forward to today! It's a gloriously sunny Friday, and London is radiating with life. It's like the whole city is ready to waltz, twirl, and take a bow! The streets are bursting with colour and excitement.

My morning kicked off with a breakfast that was worthy of a true London princess: fluffy scones, clotted cream, jam, and a cup of perfectly brewed tea (I always order it "builder's," just like the locals!).

I spent the early afternoon browsing the shops in Covent Garden. It's a truly enchanting place – the cobblestone streets, the colourful stalls overflowing with gifts, and the sound of buskers filling the air. Honestly, I could spend an entire day just wandering around this vibrant little corner of London! It's the perfect spot to find unique fashion pieces – I found the most adorable pink tutu accessory today! It's a dainty little tutu keychain for my handbag, and it just screams "Pink Tutu Blog"!

But it wouldn't be a London trip without a dose of theatre magic. My heart was soaring with anticipation for tonight's ballet performance. It's "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House, one of the most breathtaking and captivating ballets ever. I can't wait to be swept away by the emotional intensity, the ethereal grace, and the sheer beauty of the dancing.

London has a way of making you feel utterly inspired! Whether you're lost in the enchanting beauty of a ballet, admiring the colourful street performers, or browsing the quirky stalls in Covent Garden, it's an endless source of inspiration. And that, my dear readers, is the magic of London!

Until next Friday, keep twirling, keep smiling, and remember... life is a stage, and we're all in our pink tutus!

But, I know you love a bit more detail. So let's take a closer look at my day in London, starting with those delicious scones...

There's something about starting the day with a leisurely English breakfast, and in London, there's simply no better spot than the stunning Covent Garden Hotel. Imagine yourself stepping into a timeless, elegant world, filled with crystal chandeliers, delicate floral arrangements, and the aroma of freshly brewed tea. It's a dream for any ballerina at heart, and it definitely set the tone for the day.

My scones were simply divine - perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth fluffy on the inside. The dollop of clotted cream and a generous helping of strawberry jam – heaven in a little white plate. It was the perfect way to start the day in such a charming spot!

The cobblestone streets of Covent Garden have always held a special place in my heart. There's a certain energy here, a bustling sense of excitement, which makes it the perfect place to find those one-of-a-kind items you simply can't find anywhere else. And with a love of all things pink, it was a tutu-tastic time to explore the market.

The street performers, talented musicians and acrobats alike, added to the charming atmosphere. One moment you'll find yourself charmed by a captivating violin solo, the next you'll be mesmerized by the artistry of a contortionist. Covent Garden has the magic of capturing the human spirit at its most captivating.

No London trip is complete without a little retail therapy! My favourite shops for discovering gorgeous feminine attire? There's the ever-charming Liberty London. Its whimsical building is as enchanting as its selection. There's an eclectic blend of timeless elegance and contemporary chic, filled with dresses that would make any ballerina's heart flutter! They have the most incredible array of silk, velvet and lace. Of course, I couldn't resist trying on a few pink creations - because let's face it, life is always a little bit more colourful when you wear pink!

And let's not forget the magic of Selfridges. Their stunning architecture, along with a sprawling multi-level haven of designer delights, always leaves me speechless. It's like a grand theatre of fashion, and the entire experience feels like being on the set of a beautiful film. Their top floors are home to so many amazing boutiques, from classic Chanel to the bold creativity of Moschino – and there's always a Pink Tutu inspired piece tucked away in their clothing department somewhere!

But the real highlight was finding the pink tutu keychain in a charming little vintage shop. It's absolutely adorable and is the perfect way to add a bit of my signature style to my daily looks. It was tucked away between an antique hat and a box of vintage buttons.

There's no experience in London that quite compares to a night at the Royal Opera House. The majestic architecture is awe-inspiring, a reminder of the elegance and sophistication that have always been intertwined with London. From the moment you walk into the building, there's a feeling of anticipation that takes you back to another era.

Tonight's performance was Giselle, one of the most celebrated and emotionally captivating ballets. The sheer technical skill of the dancers is remarkable, yet their movements seemed to float like feather, their gestures filled with meaning.

There's something so powerful about seeing a ballet live. You can feel the energy from the dancers right in your soul, and I can’t even explain how incredibly lucky I felt to be experiencing this night of artistic excellence.

After the show, the city felt even more vibrant. The streetlights twinkled, the music spilled from bars and pubs, and the people strolled around, carrying with them the afterglow of a captivating night of theatre. It’s truly a feeling I'll cherish long after I’m back in Derbyshire!

As I write this, it’s the wee hours of the morning. But even as I'm tucked into my hotel bed, still feeling the excitement from tonight’s show, London is pulsing with life just outside my window.

There's truly no place in the world that has the magic of London. From the elegant architecture to the captivating street performers, the delicious food to the breathtaking theatre – this city has the ability to steal your heart and leave you yearning to return time and time again.

So, my dear tutu-loving readers, if you're looking for a little inspiration, a splash of pink magic, or simply a chance to lose yourself in the beauty of it all - London awaits.

Happy twirling,

Emma

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