Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad adventurer, back from a fabulously fun trip to the Big Smoke! London, you are a treasure trove of twinkling lights, whimsical shops, and of course, ballet, my ultimate passion. And I’m here to share every sparkly detail with you. Buckle up buttercups, this week’s post is going to be a whirlwind of colour, culture, and, yes, a generous dose of pink!
As always, my trusty train carriage became my personal backstage dressing room as I zipped across the Derbyshire countryside, twirling my way to London. Nothing quite beats the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels against the tracks and the hushed anticipation of a new adventure. It's the perfect time to lose myself in a good ballet book, or to brainstorm ideas for my next tutu-tastic ensemble. Speaking of ensembles, let me tell you, darling, my pink polka-dot dress with the perfectly puffed sleeves was simply divine! It twirled just so, even on the platform.
Speaking of twirling, this Friday’s adventure in London was all about a ballet performance of Giselle. Yes, the classic! I couldn't wait to see it interpreted by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, one of the most iconic ballet stages in the world. The soaring arches of the theatre always send shivers down my spine; it feels like entering a magical world where imagination takes flight!
Before I even got to the show, I just had to stop by Liberty London. Darling, their window displays were simply enchanting. It was like stepping into a fairytale. There were so many pastel shades, beautiful silks, and gorgeous trims - every detail exquisite! I'm convinced there's a little bit of ballerina magic in each shop at Liberty!
Then it was finally time for Giselle. And I just couldn't help myself! A little sparkle and a dash of pink are always part of my theatrical uniform, and I had found the perfect headband with tiny twinkling stars on it! I mean, you have to sparkle, right?!
The performance itself? Oh, pure magic. The emotion, the skill, the raw artistry! The ballerina who danced Giselle was ethereal! It made me want to race back to the studio and practice my fouette to exhaustion! Oh, to move like that!
As for fashion… I don’t think I could have picked a better day to explore London! Let's talk about Covent Garden. It's like stepping into a beautifully chaotic world of vintage elegance! I found the most stunning little brooch with an antique-looking floral design at a tiny boutique hidden down a side alley. You'd be surprised how many hidden gems you can uncover with a little exploration! Speaking of vintage, darling, my heart fluttered at the beautiful gowns in the windows of Browns Fashion! It's so dreamy, the kind of place you can imagine Audrey Hepburn walking out of.
London, you truly have the most magnificent shopping! You might think this city is a whirlwind of bustle and noise, but don't let that fool you, darling. You just have to find your inner- ballerina and know how to follow the beat of your own heart, and you'll find those secret spots of pure charm and magic. And you'll also find my personal favourite - Harrods. A pink-tutu girl like myself couldn't pass up a chance to explore its whimsical floors and peek at the luxurious items hidden amongst the aisles! The delicate silks, the whimsical hats… everything whispered of old-world glamour.
Speaking of old-world glamour, I couldn’t miss a chance to visit the Tower of London, a true icon of London's history. As I walked through the castle grounds, surrounded by imposing walls and steeped in so much history, I felt transported to another era. It felt a little like I was about to meet the King or Queen. I even had a tiny dance with a friendly, plump pigeon, who seemed just as thrilled to be at the Tower of London as I was.
You might think that a day full of ballet, shopping, and historic adventures would leave me exhausted. But darling, London's energy is truly contagious. It kept me going until it was finally time to head back to my Derbyshire abode, all that glitter and glamour making me want to wear my favourite pink tutu and twirl all the way home!
Don't forget to join me next Friday for another exciting escapade! Until then, stay bubbly, my lovely dears!
Lots of love, Emma
On This Day...
Here's a little glimpse into the cultural world, right here, right now...
What’s hot in the theatres?: * The West End is alight with theatrical delights! Right now, we've got musicals galore, including Hamilton and Wicked. You could almost see a different show every night if you're feeling ambitious! For a bit of comedy and pure, good fun, Everybody's Talking About Jamie is definitely worth checking out.
Ballet News: * Royal Opera House: Swan Lake, another ballet classic, has just returned to the stage, and rumour has it the costume department has brought out some absolutely breathtaking designs! * The Royal Ballet: Keep an eye on their upcoming tour! You never know when they might be gracing a stage near you. * Ballet schools and studios: Have a look for classes in your local area. Ballet is truly a form of art for everyone. If you're interested, get involved and take a class!
London Shopping: * Bloomsbury: The area around the British Museum is overflowing with antique and vintage shops, if you're looking for unique and interesting items. * Seven Dials: Tucked away just behind Covent Garden, this delightful cobblestone haven has independent fashion stores and artisan boutiques - just the kind of place to discover the latest up-and-coming designers. * Knightsbridge: It wouldn't be a London shopping guide without mentioning this iconic street for luxury! Be prepared to gawk at the extravagant windows and indulge in some serious window shopping!
Remember, ladies, to embrace the beautiful things in life, like sparkly tutus and fabulous city breaks! And don't be afraid to explore new experiences. You never know what wonders you might find!
Don't forget to check back next Friday for more pink tutu adventures!
About Emma:
Emma is a ballet-loving 20-something living in Derbyshire, England. With her love of tutus, fashion, and all things pink, Emma embraces life's beauty with a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of sparkle. She documents her ballet journeys, fashionable adventures, and travel tales on her blog, www.pink-tutu.com
Disclaimer: This post was created using my imagination to describe a fun, family-friendly day in London.
