#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2021-01-15 Exploring London

Hello, darling readers!

It’s Emma here, and the tutu is positively twirling with excitement for today's post! I'm back in London, after a rather long journey by train, all the way from Derbyshire. I simply adore the feeling of hurtling through the countryside on a train. It’s the perfect time to put on my headphones, blast some Tchaikovsky, and indulge in some good old fashioned daydreaming. I was so engrossed in planning out the perfect pink outfit for my London adventures, I practically missed my stop!

Speaking of adventures, it’s time for another week, another London post! For all my fabulous, tutu-loving friends who've joined me this week, a big, warm “Welcome!” As always, my lovely London adventures will be jam-packed with ballet, shopping, and, of course, pink galore!

The moment I set foot in London, I felt a surge of pure, theatrical excitement! My first port of call was, of course, the theatre. I was simply ecstatic to snag a ticket to the National Ballet's breathtaking production of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House. The sheer artistry of the performance simply blew me away! Those beautiful ballerinas, they were like ethereal swans, floating across the stage with such grace. I just couldn’t tear my eyes away. Honestly, darling, I was mesmerised, spellbound! The elegant choreography, the lush music… it was the perfect start to my London journey!

Afterward, I made my way over to Covent Garden. I was quite smitten with their new exhibition, “Ballet in Fashion”, celebrating the timeless connection between ballet and high fashion. It was positively inspiring! From shimmering costumes to dazzlingly extravagant ensembles, it’s quite remarkable how the elegance and drama of the ballet stage is so closely interwoven with the world of fashion. Of course, no trip to Covent Garden is complete without popping into my favourite little tutu shop. You simply cannot deny the sheer joy of discovering a new tutu or two! My London shopping bags were getting quite heavy, but I assure you, darling, it was worth it.

Now, any self-respecting London outing must include a delicious afternoon tea. My personal favourite place? The gorgeous "Rose Room" at the Ritz, dripping with pink floral décor, oh-so-fancy, with impossibly delicious finger sandwiches and cakes. Of course, I had to pick out a special teacup. I went for a darling, vintage china design that boasted pink roses all over.

With my pink and rose themed afternoon tea in my tummy, it was time for a spot of retail therapy. Now, I’m a firm believer that a bit of shopping can always perk up any dreary day, especially in a city as exciting as London. This week, my eyes were captivated by the gorgeous shop window displays at Liberty, Harrods and Selfridges. I found the perfect shade of pink to add to my tutu collection and, of course, I picked up a stunning new silk scarf with an adorable embroidered pink flamingo.

I can't forget about my beloved Carnaby Street! A vibrant wonderland of boutique stores, this is my happy place. I managed to squeeze in a visit to "House of Holland". Their fabulous use of pink in their new collection was, well, simply darling! I almost had to do a cartwheel with joy!

Once the shopping craze had settled, I had a fantastic time at the Barbican Theatre! They've got a rather spectacular, free display celebrating “British Screen,” and oh my! It truly is a fascinating peek behind the curtain. I have always been captivated by the glamour and the artistry of cinema. This exhibition brought me face-to-face with classic British films like “The Great Escape” and “Pride and Prejudice,” and let me tell you, it was rather enlightening. The “British Screen” display also had a beautiful gallery filled with costumes from all these amazing films! My favourite? An enchanting emerald green gown worn by the iconic Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”! Truly, it was a vintage costume enthusiast’s dream come true!

Oh! Did I mention? London is an absolutely spectacular city for musicals! I simply adore those theatrical, show-stopping productions. It was practically fate that the iconic musical "The Phantom of the Opera" happened to be playing while I was in town. The majestic chandelier descending from the ceiling, the dramatic costumes, the phenomenal singing! It was nothing short of captivating! The Royal Albert Hall was simply buzzing with the energy of the audience as the performance came to an end. Honestly, darling, I had to pinch myself! It was quite the delightful, fairytale evening! I must say, those theatre trips are just perfect for gathering inspiration for my own, unique, pink tutu creations.

As I wandered through the charming, cobblestone streets of Kensington, my love affair with London intensified! A trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum was a must, especially since it had a brilliant special exhibit called “Dancing through Time”. You wouldn't believe the magnificent collection of ballet memorabilia. There were beautiful costumes and posters, plus some really special handwritten letters from famous ballerinas of yesteryear! I especially loved seeing a vintage drawing of the renowned ballerina, Anna Pavlova. It just solidified the truly artistic legacy that is ballet.

You wouldn’t believe the divine vintage tutu I spotted in the gift shop. It had the most exquisite pastel pink and blue sequins! Oh, darling! I just had to add it to my ever-growing tutu collection!

After the V&A, I indulged in the ultimate “London treat” – afternoon tea at The Orangery, in Kensington Gardens. This time, I went for a more elegant affair with delicious raspberry scones, clotted cream, and the most scrumptious cakes! As I sat amidst the lush green greenery of the Orangery, enjoying a warm, herbal tea, I felt perfectly at peace, filled with that warm glow that London gives me.

But of course, any London visit has to end with one of my most treasured activities – a ballet class at the renowned Royal Ballet School! I love to slip into my tutu and learn a few steps from the very best. And the teachers are amazing! Such kind, supportive, and talented individuals, passionate about instilling the elegance and grace of ballet in each and every student. Honestly, I felt like a princess twirling in the hallowed halls of the Royal Ballet School! The experience itself simply sends me twirling with pure joy!

So, my dearest tutu-loving friends, it’s been an absolute blast. As usual, this whirlwind of London loveliness has me simply buzzing. I'm now off on my train journey home, my mind full of exciting ideas and the sound of Swan Lake’s graceful score echoing in my ears.

But I shall be back, darling! With my very own pink tutu, of course! It’s not just about spreading the joy of ballet – I just feel, deep down, that the world is a more beautiful place with a little bit of pink in it. And a tutu, you simply can't go wrong with that! Until next week’s blog, my friends, may your tutu-wearing dreams come true!

Love and tutu-tastic blessings, * *Emma * www.pink-tutu.com *

P.S. What are your favourite London spots for ballet, shopping, and afternoon tea? I love reading your comments and always appreciate your wonderful tutu inspiration! Don’t forget, I post a new London blog every Friday! So do come back soon, darling!