Friday, 19th January 2024
Oh, hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-wearing, pink-loving, ballet-obsessed blogger, Emma, back with another installment from my London adventures! I’ve just whizzed back from a whirlwind weekend in the Big Smoke, and trust me, I’ve got SO much to tell you. It’s been a fabulously fabulous time, and if you’re a fan of all things twirly, stylish, and oh-so-pink, you’re in for a treat!
But first, let me tell you about my journey. As you know, I’m a total train enthusiast – something about the rhythmic clattering of the wheels and the views whizzing by just soothes my soul. So, of course, I hopped on a train from my Derbyshire home (the Peak District is so lovely – you must visit!), and arrived at Kings Cross station in a flash. It’s a classic London scene – red bricks, the iconic clock, and always a throng of people bustling about, but it never fails to excite me.
I had booked myself into the most darling little boutique hotel, the Kensington Park, nestled amidst the green spaces and posh streets of Kensington. I have a real thing for small hotels – they're always so cosy and friendly, and the staff just feel like family. The room was charming, and it had a pink armchair. Cue a squeal of delight!
And, before I did anything else, I popped into the hotel’s little bar. Now, don’t get me wrong, I adore a glass of fizz with my friends, but I find solo trips are the perfect excuse for something special. A crisp glass of pink champagne (with a tiny strawberry, naturally) and a cheeky cheeseboard. Bliss! It's a whole ritual, and frankly, essential pre-London sightseeing fuel.
After that lovely treat, I was ready to start exploring! I know, you’re thinking, Emma, it’s your 1,429th visit to London, surely you've seen everything? But London is like a magic box – there’s always a new corner to discover, a hidden gem waiting to be found. This time, I decided to spend the day in a new area – South Kensington. Oh, the things I saw…
A World of Inspiration
Let's talk museums, shall we? I don’t know about you, but museums are like fashion houses of ideas. I always get inspired by what I see and find myself wanting to make everything pink, sparkly, and tutu-ready. So, first stop was the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), a total treasure trove of all things design. Now, the V&A’s got everything - furniture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics – you name it. And believe it or not, it had a whole section on fashion. Oh, the inspiration! I found myself dreaming up new ballet costumes, thinking about which materials I’d use, what colours would best compliment the lighting in my next show. I just LOVE the way design and ballet can inspire each other!
Just next door is the Natural History Museum – another must-see if you're in London. You guys know I’m all about pink, and the museum's got this wonderful pink-hued butterfly room, just swooning over its iridescent wings. I couldn’t help but dream about designing a ballet about butterflies. Maybe they’ll be pink! It would be beautiful! I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
After all that culture, I decided I needed a treat! There was this gorgeous little patisserie called “The Pink Cupcake” just down the street from the V&A. I mean, the name alone screamed Emma! I just had to try their pink raspberry and rose cupcake. (Spoiler alert - It was divine.) I finished it off while watching a street performer doing a wonderful interpretive dance. I really do believe every single day has a performance somewhere, if you just look out for it. And don’t be surprised if you see me, dear readers, suddenly joining in for a impromptu ballet session! It's happened more times than I care to admit, I just get so excited!
Speaking of excitement, after the museums and the cupcakes, it was off to the Royal Albert Hall, where I spent the evening at the ballet. Tonight’s performance was a modern piece called ‘The Whispering Willow’, with this dazzling choreography by a rising young star – so innovative! The whole thing had me feeling like a princess trapped in a glass slipper (metaphorically speaking, of course!). I do have a collection of about eight pairs of sparkly pink glass slippers. One pair of real shoes and seven pairs made of the very special glass material - they are so shiny and I just have to try them all on in the hotel when I return from a show. And maybe give my sparkly ballet slippers a little dance in the mirror just to top off the night, right?
Ballet for the Soul
Oh, you know me. I'm all about a good ballet! It truly feeds my soul – there's this pure magic to the movements, the music, and the feeling of such graceful energy. But, my love goes far beyond just watching it. I have a burning passion for taking classes too – keeping those pirouettes sharp! This time, I discovered this gorgeous studio in Kensington called ‘Dance Divas’. Now, you guys know I’m always searching for that perfect, girly studio to let my inner dancer truly shine – and this one definitely fit the bill!
I even ended up doing a drop-in class with the owner, a real sweetheart with the most fantastic ballet knowledge. We chatted all about her favourite tutus, the most iconic dance moments she'd ever seen, and all the big names we loved from the world of ballet! I told you – I meet the most fabulous people when I travel! It’s not just about the dance itself – it’s the community, the friendships, and the shared love for this beautiful art form.
You know, my darlings, sometimes I think people forget the beauty of simply moving to music, whether it’s twirling, gliding, leaping… Just let your body be free! I often pop on my favourite pink tutu (just imagine all the swirling glitter!) and dance around my flat for no reason other than it just makes me feel alive! You just never know who will be inspired by you – or by a certain pink tutu wearing blogger who wants to bring joy into everyone's world!
London in Pink
Okay, so now that you know I’m officially in my pink tutu-tastic London haven, I gotta tell you about the city’s fabulous fashion scene. And no, I’m not talking about just any old high-street stuff! I’m talking designer boutiques, quirky independent shops, and those hidden treasure troves that always surprise you!
Now, everyone knows that London's known for its vintage clothing stores. Well, this weekend, I stumbled upon this gorgeous vintage shop called "The Pink Pearl", hidden down a side street near Portobello Road. Oh, my goodness – they had the most darling collection of pink dresses! It felt like stepping back into a vintage fashion magazine! I tried on so many pieces. Even found the most amazing sequined 1950s ball gown (with a matching hat!). Now, don’t think I’m about to go to the shops without a pink tutu underneath. I love layering, mixing and matching, and bringing my signature style to each outfit! Pink and ballet always has a special way of brightening up an outfit and bringing an extra bit of sparkle! And who doesn’t love to stand out and feel confident!
I just had to buy that stunning pink sequin gown (which looked AMAZING on with my tutu – just imagine it, darling!) because you just know, I'll wear it with my pink sparkly ballet shoes. (Okay, I confess, maybe I also got some new pink lipstick to go with it too.)
Now, listen closely, my sweet loves. Remember those sparkly pink ballet slippers I was raving about earlier? The best part? They aren’t from a fancy shop. No, darling! They’re from a little shop near Harrods – “Twinkle Toes” – just overflowing with pink and sparkly delights for ballet lovers. They have the best shoe options. I have the whole collection, pink sequins for all my different routines. I found a pair with this beautiful feather trim (matching my new sparkly tutu! gasp) Honestly, when it comes to fashion, the best stuff is often hidden in the unexpected places, like that adorable little shoe shop with so much sparkle. (I swear I heard the pink ballet slippers singing to me. How could I resist? You tell me!)
Of course, no trip to London is complete without some traditional afternoon tea. And this time, I chose the fanciest tea room ever – “The Rose Tea Room”. It's actually a real rose garden that’s been transformed into this oh-so-pretty tea room, covered in delicate pink rose petals! It’s like being inside a real fairytale – seriously, it's that pretty. They serve delicious afternoon tea – all with pink frosting and rose-flavoured tea. What’s not to love? But best of all, the tea room had the most breathtaking views of London from its garden terrace! I just felt so inspired!
My little weekend in London was just perfect. I felt like a proper girly princess in a pink-hued, ballet-infused wonderland! And now, as I sit here, back in Derbyshire, dreaming about the pink and sparkling city, I know one thing – I’m definitely going back soon. It’s no secret I’ve got this list as long as my tutu as to where to go, what to see, who to meet next time. It’s always an exciting adventure in London – just wait and see what I find for my next Pink Tutu blog!
Until then, my dear readers, remember to sprinkle your day with a little sparkle – even if that means popping on a pink tutu and dancing around! The world needs a little bit more pink and sparkle – and I, my loves, am doing my bit!
Keep twirling, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
