Hello my lovely pink tutu wearers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina, posting from a gloriously sunny London! I've just arrived after a fabulous train journey - there's something about those train journeys that always puts me in such a creative mood, especially with my tutu in tow.
This week, it's the #PinkTutuBlogLondon for post number 1536, and I’m in the big city to explore! This fabulous weekend is a “Girls Just Want to Have Fun" affair, as it's the "World Ballet Festival" - it’s like a ballerina's heaven, and you know I'm in my element. I'll be indulging in a triple-whammy of balletic bliss: world class performances, a peek at the latest designs at the 'Ballet Couture" exhibition and then on to some serious shopping at the London Dancewear Festival. It’s my kind of party!
The Train to London
You can't really call it "fashion" when it comes to train travel - even for a dedicated ballet blogger, there is always that need for comfort! But for this trip I am breaking my usual routine. Gone is the trusty tweed coat I wear on a weekly basis! This week my choice was a stylish "Parisian pink” (of course) coat, my trusty bright pink tutu with matching pink fluffy pom poms, my favourite ballerina flat pumps and my new ballet pink leather backpack - yes! It was a whole pink ballet statement. I was turning heads at Derby Station, everyone staring at me. One gentleman even said he was a fan of "brightly dressed young ladies"! What a compliment.
The train itself was filled with exciting energy. There were groups of giggling students, couples holding hands, and well-dressed professionals – just like me. I was feeling completely at ease, especially with the latest issue of “Dance Magazine” in my lap - a great opportunity to get inspired by the fabulous photography. I made notes for my “Ballet Style Inspiration ” blog. My London adventures had already started!
* London in Bloom:*
Now, as I sit in my hotel room (an exquisite room decked out in elegant pinks!), it's time to recap all the wonderful London things I saw this afternoon:
* Covent Garden*
I started my day by heading straight to Covent Garden - my London must-do! This beautiful historic market is full of fun, laughter, and energy! From the delicious smells wafting from the street food vendors to the sound of buskers, this area has an electric atmosphere. Every corner of Covent Garden boasts a surprise, a quirky new fashion store, a restaurant serving the best croissants, an incredible vintage shop overflowing with treasure trove fashion finds ...It was absolute bliss! It was a delightful way to feel the heartbeat of London and find the very latest fashion inspirations.
But you know me! When a ballet blogger enters London Covent Garden , it’s impossible not to head straight to the Royal Opera House - it’s an absolute gem of a building! A magnificent piece of London history, its grandeur is almost overwhelming . I took a photo with the royal statue standing in front of it and just dreamt of the ballets inside . This theatre was the original home of London ballet and my dream is to perform here one day!
* Ballet Couture :*
I had just enough time to make a beeline from Covent Garden to the Ballet Couture exhibition in the Victoria & Albert Museum (another London jewel). Every outfit is absolutely beautiful! Each design was so artistic - showcasing ballet from a different point of view than the normal ballet stage - and I’m thinking of making a "Pink Tutu Ballerina " exhibit - maybe my "London Couture Show"!
* London's Ballet Stage:*
Tonight was all about “The Sleeping Beauty”, and I had the best seats in the house! (Well, almost). You just have to wear a pink tutu for special occasions - for a ballet it is definitely a necessity! I had to do my ballet “prance” in the London Palladium!
The performance was a whirlwind of magic, breathtaking beauty and, as always, an incredible display of artistry from the talented dancers . And speaking of art… I really should be painting what I just saw !
I can still feel the energy of that dance. The music still thrills me , I’ve fallen in love with the costumes. “The Sleeping Beauty” just made me happy , you know , it’s pure, blissful , happy magic on a London stage. This is how the night ended - with pure artistic energy .
*London Dreams: *
After the ballet show, my little tummy was grumbling but that didn’t stop me from heading out for the most beautiful walk - right along the Thames. That night time view of London – oh it was simply magical. I was in awe, watching the glittering lights of London and the bright moon reflecting off the Thames. It was such a peaceful moment of joy after a beautiful ballet, and my inspiration levels for new tutu designs was definitely soaring! I’ve just fallen in love with London all over again. I know I've found my London calling !
* Ballet Street Performances :*
After such a wonderful evening , I woke up this morning with a spring in my step , as they say, and that’s just because of London and its magical vibes ! I had a quick bite at my hotel , a quick ballet routine in the hotel room and out I went ! The day's agenda was all about a London ballet walk to check out the street ballet performances.
The London ballet scene is just exploding with talent . From Covent Garden to the London streets, the dancers are everywhere. Every single person I’ve met so far is incredibly welcoming, friendly, talented and very willing to share their passion with me - a Pink Tutu ballerina looking for inspiration. One dancer said to me this morning , ” Everyone deserves to experience a pink tutu!” He was telling me his ballet group was looking for the most unique dancers from London and even from across the globe. We all talked about possible ideas - perhaps it was time to consider a Pink Tutu Ballet performance in London! He just wanted a performance of unbridled happiness, colour, ballet and joy. And you know , you can always count on me to spread a bit of that pink tutu magic - just you wait and see!
* Pink Tutu London Outfit : *
Well , the fashion game is going to be fierce here in London. The streets are alive with fabulous street fashion – which was perfect for my latest fashion shoot ! Of course, I am going to be showing you a few looks in my Pink Tutu London fashion diary - my very own style guide.
This is what I wore on my big London adventure today. My outfit has to have pink in it - of course ! So here is my “London Look” in pink . It’s definitely a show-stopper in any ballet scene !
- A bright pink “Parisian” coat , full of flair!
- My “London ballerina” white ballet blouse – perfect for London’s cool city style.
- My Pink Tutu – with a special London flourish: a small black London skyline charm - an amazing present my Mum gave me before my big adventure.
And my bright pink ballerina flats to finish off the look - perfect for all those miles I covered exploring the streets.
And, don't forget my cute "Ballet Pink" backpack, it has everything in it, even my new "London Dancewear Festival" shopping list - let’s hope it will hold all my treasures!
* Shopping & Dancing - a London Ballerina's Dream : *
As any ballerina knows, London is full of fabulous fashion boutiques, so a pink tutu blogger like me is truly in heaven!
Here are a few places I've already started exploring – just a taster of London fashion for your London wardrobe, all just a stone's throw from where I am in Covent Garden. And you just know , these are just the starting points – the “Pink Tutu” tour will take me all around this gorgeous city.
- * Liberty London:* This famous store has to be one of the most beautiful department stores in the world. Just as I walked through the doors, I felt like I’d stepped into a London fairytale ! The interior architecture, those beautifully displayed goods and the air filled with the sweet scent of floral perfumes… The fashion is unforgettable, just the perfect place to pick up a special treat for yourself or your pink tutu friend !
* Selfridges:* Oh my word , this beautiful building, and one of the top fashion destinations in London ! Selfridges is an architecturally breathtaking building, full of luxury boutiques. But even better - they always have a ballet exhibition . This week they have the “Ballet Shoes” collection on display - just magical! And what better inspiration for my London fashion look !
* Covent Garden Markets :* It's almost impossible to leave London without visiting these markets . With independent designer stalls overflowing with fashion, I love searching for that special little “Pink Tutu” find . The markets are the best place to pick up those unique gifts, and I just have to find a special Pink Tutu London fashion memento to add to my wardrobe!
This evening, I'll be back in London’s famous “Dancewear Festival,” - one of my favourite fashion stops. They've got the most beautiful tutus for all budgets, and my budget’s been growing thanks to the lovely ballet performances this week! I just hope that pink tutu fairy godmother has left a little bit of pink magic for me.
Travel by Train :
As the weekend winds down , the excitement has settled and I'm ready to return to Derbyshire. As much as I love London , there is nothing more soothing than the sound of the train wheels chugging along - it’s the perfect sound for my London reflection !
And let’s just admit, there’s nothing like London train journeys! For this trip back to Derbyshire I am feeling a bit more daring and less “ pink-tutu" in my fashion choice! So it’s a touch of classic London glam. Black coat , some bright red boots, my bright pink ballet bag with some very specific souvenirs , and of course , a “ pink tutu scarf” - it would be sacrilegious not to have pink! I even have my favourite pink tutu in my bag , just in case! You never know when the mood might strike!
My train carriage is quiet , filled with families with tired but smiling children . Everyone is looking at their phones. And me. Well, my outfit certainly attracts attention. The little ones have a fascination with my bright pink tutu - my new mission: inspire the next generation of ballet dancers with pink tutus! And maybe , just maybe, I can spread my pink tutu fashion magic all over England!
#PinkTutuLife :
So that's a quick rundown of my London adventures. As always, a big "Pink Tutu hug " to all you ballet and fashion lovers. I've been thinking that it would be lovely to hear all your London experiences . Maybe we could start a pink tutu virtual London Ballet Festival , it’d be fantastic to see all those gorgeous photos!
* London Highlights :*
And if you love a good Pink Tutu outfit , just wait until next Friday for my " Pink Tutu Fashion Show" - a collection inspired by my latest London travels !
Remember you can always follow me on www.pink-tutu.com or follow me on social media - @PinkTutuEmma .
