Friday 2023-01-06 - A Whirlwind of Pink in London Town
Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad ballerina blogger, reporting live from London. My weekend of balletic bliss starts now!
I'm so excited, London is buzzing with ballet energy and the city seems to be twinkling a little brighter because itās January and, of course, that means one thing - ballet season!
My journey starts with the rhythmic rumble of the train leaving my little corner of Derbyshire. As the countryside rushes by I have my ballet bag tucked securely beside me, filled with all my essentials - my signature pink tutu, my ballet shoes, of course, and my trusty, feather-boa-adorned tote bag bursting with new adventures.
Fashion Focus: Travel chic with a Tutu Twist
Today, Iām channeling āParisian Ballet Chicā in my trusty beige cashmere coat. I adore the softness of cashmere, it feels just like a ballerina's graceful movements. Underneath I'm wearing my most prized possession - a fluffy pink tutu that my granny crocheted especially for me ( it's a proper vintage piece, see!), paired with some smart black leggings and my cherry red ballet shoes peeking out. Just the tiniest touch of colour in the form of a pink bow ties in my black hair - you never know, you might bump into your favourite choreographer!
London Calling
The air crackles with anticipation as I step onto the platform at London's King's Cross station. The city is already pulsating with a youthful energy. Thereās a sprinkle of snow on the ground - it's so whimsical, and adds a delicate touch of frosty charm.
First Stop - Covent Garden Market
My first pit stop is always Covent Garden. This lively market is bursting with life, colour, and - joyously - pink! You could lose hours just browsing the stalls - artisanal cheeses, fresh flowers, street art and lots of wonderful boutiques, and - even more exciting, a fabulous vintage hat stall. Iām dreaming of finding a feather-trimmed hat to wear to the ballet tomorrow - something to really compliment my pink tutu, and make a statement.
The aroma of freshly made crĆŖpes mingles with the smell of the city's iconic red double decker buses and the music from street performers - Covent Garden has it all. And, letās be honest, everything looks just a bit more beautiful with the delicate veil of snow dusting everything.
Pink Perfection: Shopping Spree
Time to refuel, so I pick a raspberry and vanilla crĆŖpe from a delightful stall. Then itās time for a little Pink Therapy, shopping is the ultimate relaxation, donāt you think? Thereās a small boutique I love just off the market where I always find the cutest ballet shoes ( think satin bows and little toe things ). Itās not your typical ballet shop - it has an eclectic, whimsical vibe and the clothes and shoes have such unique personality!
Of course, I picked up a beautiful pink pair of satin ballet shoes to match my tutu! After all, the colour pink and ballerinas, what goes better?
The Show Must Go On!
Tonight, Iām seeing a spectacular performance by the Royal Ballet - the programme is āThe Nutcrackerā, a festive favourite. I have tickets for the balcony - which I love, it offers such a magnificent view of the stage. A couple of years ago I even saw Dame Darcey Bussell dancing - it was incredible. I believe the best place to see the dancing is actually from the front rows, but if you're after that wonderful overview of the entire show - well, the balcony is just a dream come true.
Before the performance itās off to The Ivy, a fabulously stylish restaurant right near Covent Garden - I am absolutely smitten with the floral-themed wallpaper and the classic, Parisian style interior design - perfect for a girlās night out! Tonight I will enjoy a light and delicious āpre-ballet supperā - salmon with some delicate roasted vegetables and a refreshing green salad - all while enjoying a glass of Prosecco - how lovely!
I just have to mention that I was so inspired by the vibrant street style in London that I whipped out my phone and took some fun photos for Instagram, wearing my signature pink tutu while trying to strike some ballerina poses with the iconic London buses and phone booths in the background. It's not easy to strike a ballet pose in a flowing tutu in the middle of a busy street, but I think the photos turned out beautifully.
Stay Tunedā¦
As the curtain falls on āThe Nutcrackerā I'll be back to tell you all about the ballet performance, with a special highlight on the beautiful costumes and the enchanting choreography. I have already been looking up the choreography online - some of it looks absolutely breathtaking and I canāt wait to see how the Royal Ballet will bring this beautiful story to life. It's going to be a magical night!
In the meantime, I'd love to know your ballet experiences - tell me your favourite ballet show and what makes it special for you.
And be sure to check back next Friday, for my next London blog post on www.pink-tutu.com . Don't forget to wear your favourite pink tutu and dance the weekend away!
Emma xx
