Pink Tutu Blog London #1325: A Whirlwind Friday in the Big Smoke!
Hello, my gorgeous tutu-loving darlings! It's Friday, and that means it's time for another fabulous London adventure! This week, I decided to ditch the car and hop on the train from Derbyshire, leaving behind the frosty chill for the bustling heart of London. You know I love my trusty old car, but there's something about the romantic clatter of the train and the sense of anticipation that builds with each mile that just gets my creative juices flowing!
Now, you know how much I love a bit of colour in my life, and my travel outfit this time was no exception. I'm not just talking about my usual pink tutu, though I wouldn't dream of leaving her behind – no, I went all out. My shimmering, coral-hued blouse and my vibrant fuchsia tights created the perfect contrast against my trusty tutu, leaving a little splash of my signature colour wherever I went.
My train journey was a pure joy! A symphony of conversations in all the accents of the UK, children squealing with delight over the changing landscapes, and the ever-present, rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks. Even the cup of tea I bought from the trolley (with two sugars, of course) tasted more delicious somehow. This is how I like to travel – it's all about enjoying the journey just as much as the destination, and this trip definitely didn't disappoint!
The London Eye, a Glittering Spectacle
Arriving at King's Cross station, with its familiar whiff of old brick and polished brass, I took a moment to soak it all in. The bustling crowds, the smell of fresh pastries, the endless array of shops... It truly felt like I'd stepped onto a different planet – a vibrant, cosmopolitan world that always makes me feel inspired.
After checking into my charming little hotel in Bloomsbury, I headed straight for the South Bank, a part of London I always find magical. The first stop? Well, what else could it be? The iconic London Eye! I'll be honest, this wasn't my first time gazing at London from 135 metres above the city, but each time, it's an awe-inspiring experience. The view just blows my mind! The buildings become toys, the traffic slows to a gentle crawl, and the Thames glitters like a ribbon woven through the urban jungle. And of course, no visit to the London Eye would be complete without a twirl or two in my pink tutu – who could resist?
Art, Music, and Theatrical Delight
Next on my list, was the National Portrait Gallery. My love for the visual arts knows no bounds, and it's always such a treat to browse the stunning collection of portraits they have on display. From the famous and the infamous to lesser-known historical figures, the gallery's vast collection is a portal into British history, and I spend hours getting lost in the details, imagining the stories behind each painted face.
To balance out the more serious artistic endeavours, my afternoon took a whimsical turn. After a delicious afternoon tea at a charming café tucked away in Covent Garden, I stumbled upon a street performance featuring a captivating aerial dancer. As she spun and twirled through the air with the grace of a ballerina, I felt myself transported to another world. The blend of athleticism, artistic expression, and pure joy resonated deep within my soul.
Fashion and Dance – A Perfect Pairing
No trip to London would be complete without a bit of retail therapy! I love browsing the independent boutiques around Notting Hill and discovering hidden treasures, but I confess, a visit to Harrods is always on my list too. You can't go wrong with a dose of glamorous shopping at one of London's most iconic department stores! It was there that I spotted a brand new tutu with cascading layers of tulle that, by sheer chance, happened to be the perfect shade of lavender to complement my vibrant coral blouse. My heart did a little pirouette, and my credit card took a little wobble, but who can resist a perfect new addition to their tutu collection?
And finally, what would a London weekend be without a visit to the theatre? As it was a Friday, the world-renowned Royal Ballet was in full swing, and I was incredibly fortunate to score last-minute tickets for their performance of “Giselle.”
It was an evening of sheer magic. I’m talking heart-stopping lifts, intricate choreography, a soundtrack that made goosebumps rise, and performances that moved me to tears. It’s truly one of the best ways to experience a culture like London – through its arts, music and theatre, the stories unfold and capture a feeling you just don't get anywhere else!
Saturday Surprise – A New Tutu-tique
But London wasn’t finished surprising me yet! Even though I knew I had to head back to Derbyshire for another ballet performance on Sunday (I’m helping my dance academy with a fundraising concert – and naturally, I’m wearing a special pink tutu for the occasion!), my wanderlust didn't end there. I just had to see what Saturday held!
Saturday dawned bright and sunny in London, the perfect day for a morning walk through Hyde Park. You know, taking photos, making silly poses, and generally enjoying myself. And yes, naturally, my pink tutu made its appearance in the park - a delightful explosion of colour amidst the park's green foliage.
The highlight of my day came as I stumbled upon a tiny boutique called "Tutus & Treasures." Hidden away in a quaint alleyway off Oxford Street, it was like a ballerina's dream come true. Tutus of every imaginable colour and style, vintage dancewear, ballet shoes galore, and the most adorable tutus for children I've ever seen. Of course, I had to snag a few more additions to my already expansive tutu collection - my heart couldn’t resist. And wouldn't you know it, they had a fabulous pink tutu that sparkled even more than the lavender one I'd just bought – how lucky is that?!
From London to Derbyshire, and Beyond
Leaving London with a full heart and suitcase (not to mention, a new pink tutu!) on Saturday, I reflected on a perfect weekend spent exploring London’s wonders. You can see why I keep coming back! There’s something about the city that's always inspiring me to spread the love of ballet, the joy of colour, and the pure excitement of wearing a pink tutu. It’s more than just fashion, it's about celebrating our unique personalities, embracing our individuality, and expressing ourselves through dance.
Don't forget, you can find me every Friday right here on Pink Tutu Blog London! I can’t wait to share my next adventures with you! And, for those who want to follow me on this journey to bring pink tutus to the world, join me on my mission! Follow me on social media (my name is Emma Rose on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!) and send me photos of your own pink tutu creations!
As always, I hope you're ready to twirl and twirl until your heart is full, and let's keep those pink tutus flying high!
See you next week!
Emma Rose