Hello darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to the enchanting city of London for another Pink Tutu Blog adventure! đ©°
I know, I know - youâre all thinking, "Emma, London? Again?! Isn't there anywhere else in the world?". But for this little Derbyshire girl, London is simply magical, and this week was no exception. And besides, havenât I said before? My motto is âLive every day as though it were your first trip to London"! đ
After a gloriously scenic train journey (donât even get me started on how I effortlessly matched the carriages' pink and grey hues with my blush-toned tutu and tweed coat â youâd have been SO proud!), I arrived in London with the sun beaming and my heart brimming with excitement. âïž
First things first: Ballet
Friday was my first full day, and it wouldnât be a proper Pink Tutu London adventure without a dose of ballet. I made a beeline for the Royal Opera House, not only for a spectacular show, but also to soak up the buzz of the grand building, all draped in its classic elegance.
My eyes were treated to the sublime Giselle. Every pirouette, every leap, every perfectly executed pas de deux sent shivers down my spine. Itâs a truth universally acknowledged that thereâs simply no better place to be than at a live ballet performance â the artistry, the passion, the pure joy... I truly do live for it!
Afterwards, it was time for my own dose of savoir-faire. You can never have enough practice, darling! And you can guess where I went? You guessed right: The Royal Academy of Dance! đ The graceful arabesques and the intricate fouettĂ©s - every step felt like a beautiful journey. After all, being a ballet dancer isn't just about the moves; itâs about feeling the rhythm of life, channeling that energy into every pirouette and unleashing pure joy with every leap!
Shopping in London's Paradise: A Feast for the Senses
Letâs be honest, every girl loves a bit of retail therapy. Especially in a city thatâs home to iconic department stores like Liberty and Selfridges. With a little bit of twirling, I landed at Libertyâs iconic Tudor-style facade.
You know how much I love Libertyâs! Every corner is a wonderland of colours, patterns and unique designs â truly a treasure trove for any sartorially-inclined soul like me! This time, my heart was captured by a delightful polka-dot print skirt, perfect for my afternoon adventures.
The next stop was Selfridges - a veritable palace of fashion, where my inner fashionista had a ball! I felt like a character out of one of those stylish Vogue magazines as I drifted between the exquisite boutiques.
Of course, I couldn't leave without checking out Harrods! The iconic green façade just screams London luxury! The atmosphere is always buzzing, with the aroma of fine fragrance and delicious treats filling the air â and who doesn't love a little luxury now and then, eh? Even though Iâm a firm believer in getting my heartâs desire at a price tag that fits my ballet budget, browsing in Harrods always sparks ideas for my next "pink tutu" creations.
Lunchtime at a Fashionable Favourite: The Ritz London
No trip to London is complete without a touch of old-world charm. And who better to serve that charm than the iconic Ritz London? They even have a Pink Ladies High Tea â talk about a Pink Tutu dream come true!
Walking through the beautifully grand entrance and into the elegantly adorned Palm Court is truly like stepping back in time. I couldn't resist the allure of a dainty Afternoon Tea, and let me tell you, everything was beyond divine! Finger sandwiches (oh, those cucumber sandwiches!) perfectly delicate, a selection of cakes so delectable they almost seemed too good to eat... And a plethora of beautiful teas to compliment the delicate delights. The whole experience was like a luxurious ballet, each element perfectly orchestrated for pure indulgence! It's no wonder it's been a favourite among royalty and celebrities for decades. đ
Exploring the Vibrant Culture: From Broadway to the West End
My Friday was filled to the brim with a dose of Londonâs buzzing culture. I simply couldn't leave without a taste of theatre magic. You may be thinking âEmma, wouldnât that make a real pink tutu more at home than a ballet one?â Well darling, who says a pink tutu can't be the perfect companion for a musical? ;)
For my theatrical fix, I went to see the hilarious, charming Mamma Mia â I was singing along within minutes, which, if you know me, should come as no surprise! It's simply impossible not to tap your toes and sing along with those iconic ABBA tunes!
Friday Night Fun: The Spirit of London
My last few hours were spent wandering the vibrant streets of London, taking in all that this magical city has to offer. And you know me - London after dark is an enchantment on its own! The shimmering city lights reflect on the River Thames as boats drift by...it truly takes my breath away.
Dinner at a Hidden Gem
One of the things I love most about London is discovering the unexpected, the tucked away gems, like my find this evening â a quaint Italian restaurant, hidden away down a small, cobbled street, called âMamma Miaâ! Don't let the name fool you, it was the most delectable and authentic Italian food, leaving me with the most delightful sense of Italy, despite still being in London! The pasta, oh darling, it was so comforting, perfect after a long day! Of course, the menu had a Mamma Mia! (the pasta dish, not the musical!)... Itâs hard not to smile when you find places that have both delectable food and a touch of Londonâs delightful humour. I couldn't resist a bit of a giggle and a twirl, the waiter even gave me a round of applause!
A Night Cap of Ballet Dreams: The Royal Ballet Performance
No matter how much I squeeze into a day, no London trip would ever be complete without an evening dose of ballet! My final treat was seeing the Royal Ballet's breathtaking performance of The Nutcracker. I don't need to tell you how captivating those dancers are! Each twirl, each jump, each beautifully performed scene transported me to a land of imagination and wonder! It's an undeniable fact: there's something about a London ballet performance that sets it apart from all the rest. It's magical, it's enchanting, and I could just get lost in those swirling pirouettes and dazzling leaps forever.
London Reflections:
As my London adventures came to an end, I knew I'd be carrying a piece of the city's magic with me back home. From the magnificent Royal Opera House and the Royal Academy of Dance, to the glitzy Selfridges and Liberty's, to the enchanting world of theatre at Mamma Mia - this weekend was a beautiful symphony of ballet, shopping and the pure delight of exploring one of the world's most dynamic cities.
And as for you? I say, embrace life's joys and the magic of pink tutus! Let's dance our way into the world and paint it with a bit of our own pink magic. Because honestly, why should the world have to wear all the colour grey? I've made it my mission to fill this world with colour and fun...one pink tutu at a time. ;) And you know, London always manages to make my dreams pink, so hereâs to another amazing trip to London - I can't wait to come back!
Catch you next week darlings!
Emma xox
www.pink-tutu.com
