#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2023-05-05 Exploring London

Hello darlings!

It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-twirling ballerina, and guess what? This Friday, I’m taking you on a whirlwind tour of London! Get ready for a day of pink delights, twirling thrills, and oh-so-much fashion, because this girl's in town, and London better be ready for a pink tutu storm!

This week's adventure kicked off with a beautiful sunrise over Derbyshire, my little slice of English countryside. But this morning, the call of the big city beckoned, and so I hopped onto the train – I do love a good train journey – and was whisked away to London, a place that holds such special magic for any tutu-loving ballerina!

For those who are new to my #PinkTutuBlogLondon series, a quick hello from the heart of the UK, or as I like to call it, the epicentre of tutu-itude! You can find these posts every Friday at www.pink-tutu.com – a haven for pink enthusiasts, tutu connoisseurs, and anyone who believes that a little sparkle can make the world a better place. And if you haven't already, make sure you're following my adventures on social media – I’m on Instagram, Twitter, and even Pinterest (of course!) - search for @PinkTutuBlog and let's make some tutu magic happen!

And now, back to our London escapades…

The moment I arrived at Kings Cross Station, my senses were overwhelmed by the city's buzzing energy. London is such a colourful melting pot, a symphony of sound and sight, and a feast for the eyes - perfect inspiration for any ballerina’s soul. And as the station filled with excited faces rushing in all directions, I felt that familiar thrill, that excitement of exploration. It’s that feeling that tells me, "Emma, you're in the right place!"

And how could it be any other way? London is a city where even the pigeons seem to dance in the streets. There are ballet classes hidden behind every cobbled street, theatres showcasing the most magnificent productions, and fashion stores that overflow with tutus (just imagine the possibilities!). So, of course, I’d come to London on a mission! My itinerary for today: ballet performances, shopping adventures, and a good old dose of London’s incredible food scene!

Ballet: My Heart's Beat

My first stop? The Royal Opera House! Let me tell you, walking through those grand doors is like stepping into a different world – a world where music and dance intertwine to tell stories that make your heart soar. Today's performance was Giselle, a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of love and betrayal set against the backdrop of magical woodland spirits. The dancers, exquisite in their costumes (of course!), captured the beauty and sorrow of the story in every pirouette, every graceful extension. I found myself so immersed in the ballet that I almost forgot I was in London, transported to the very heart of Giselle's enchanted world!

But even after a performance as stunning as Giselle, I still had an appetite for dance. This afternoon, I treated myself to a Ballet Barre Class in Notting Hill, one of my favourite parts of London. The studio had beautiful windows overlooking the bustling streets – just perfect for catching glimpses of the London lifestyle as I stretched and twirled my way through barre exercises. These classes are always an uplifting experience - you get a great workout, meet lovely fellow ballet lovers, and feel absolutely fabulous twirling in your own pink tutu (I did have mine on, obviously!).

But what’s a ballerina trip to London without some serious retail therapy? After all, a great ballet performance is about more than just the dancing - it's about the overall spectacle, the breathtaking costumes, the beauty of a single gesture that resonates with you in the deepest way. And for me, fashion is a vital part of that magic!

For this shopping spree, I headed straight for Liberty, that stunning building filled with endless creativity and inspiring textures. With its charmingly historic Tudor half-timbered structure, it’s an ode to British design at its finest. Walking through its aisles felt like a journey through an exquisite gallery, every item a miniature work of art! The colours, textures, patterns, oh my! But I wouldn't have you thinking that this was all for show. No, no, no! I treated myself to a new vintage-inspired bag – just the right shade of pink, of course – and found myself a new silk scarf, its delicate floral print echoing the delicate choreography of the ballet dancers I had seen earlier.

Then I headed over to Oxford Street, a shopper's paradise with its vibrant atmosphere and exciting displays. I got lost amongst the glamorous stores and eventually stumbled into a Liberty Print tea shop! With its signature whimsical patterns, it was exactly the kind of place I wanted to explore. As I enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea - a delightful pot of tea with dainty finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and of course, the obligatory Victoria Sponge Cake - I felt all those beautiful London patterns and prints soaking into me, ready to fuel the next exciting part of my day.

Tonight, I’m seeing Matilda the Musical! The show is a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the magic of theatre! To truly understand this magic, I feel it’s a must to experience it first-hand! But of course, London theatre has much more to offer than just musicals!

From the Shakespearean magic of The Globe to the edgy creativity of The National Theatre, every show feels like a step into another world, where dreams come true and characters leap off the stage, grabbing your heart and mind! It's a place where words come to life, emotions rise and fall with every musical note, and even the stage lights seem to shimmer with a touch of pixie dust! And this weekend, as I step into the theatre, I’m looking forward to being enchanted once more!

Before heading to the theatre, I decided to treat myself to a truly fabulous meal. One of the great joys of visiting a new city is discovering new and exciting cuisines. I wanted a restaurant with a truly London flavour, a place where the aroma of fresh food wafts in with the cool night breeze, a place that makes your tummy rumble with excitement. I discovered The Ivy, a renowned restaurant known for its beautifully presented dishes, stylish interiors and impeccable service – just what I needed after a day of ballet, shopping, and dreaming. It was absolutely delicious!

London’s nightlife offers endless possibilities for enjoying the city's unique buzz, but I wanted something special to round off my day, a place with charm, where the music flowed smoothly and the night seemed to stretch into infinity. I stumbled across a quaint little jazz bar tucked away down a side street. The music filled the air with an alluring rhythm, and the warmth of the bar attracted a vibrant crowd of Londoners who felt as though they were ready to party!

As I enjoyed a refreshing cocktail - just a hint of pink, of course, to add that perfect touch of ballerina chic - I observed the diverse group of Londoners, each with their own story to tell, each a part of the tapestry that makes London so vibrant and exciting! I had an incredible time!

And that, my friends, was my day in London! Filled to the brim with pink-tutu moments, dancing, laughter, and all that fabulous London spirit. And here's the thing: my aim in life is to spread the pink tutu love – and to convince everyone to join me in this delightful dance of colour, imagination and freedom!

Think about it, my dear tutu-lovers, it’s all about finding the pink tutu that matches your mood and personality! For a touch of playful innocence, wear a fluffy tulle tutu with a pastel pink T-shirt. Or, if you’re feeling extra glamorous, a dramatic velvet tutu over a sequined top could be just the ticket. And for a chic daytime look, pair a classic black midi skirt with a pink tutu overlay, just above the knees.
It's not about age, or size or shape - it's about letting your inner ballerina fly! So what are you waiting for?

Find your perfect pink tutu and unleash your inner ballerina!

As always, darling, thank you for joining me on another exciting adventure! Stay tuned for more pink-tutu delights from your favourite London blogger. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, find me on Instagram @PinkTutuBlog, and join the pink-tutu movement.

Until next Friday, twirl happily,

Emma x

P.S. Did you know that today is the first day of May? Let's welcome the new month with a pink tutu-filled whirl! It’s going to be an exciting one. Let's make it memorable, my dears!