Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with you from the concrete jungle! Well, more accurately, from the chicest boutique on Madison Avenue! How lovely it is to be back in New York, even if the city is bursting with summer heat. Thankfully, my trusty pink tutu doesn't even notice the humidity - it just keeps swirling with happy abandon.
Now, you may wonder, "Emma, why are you in New York?" Well, dearest readers, the answer is a glorious blend of two passions: ballet and fashion!
You see, I had the wonderful opportunity to perform in a rather splendid ballet production at the New York State Theatre, a gorgeous venue filled with the most beautiful chandeliers. The company is a darling, filled with talented dancers who were so kind to me. The whole experience was utterly magical.
Now, let me tell you, dear readers, finding myself amidst the bright lights of Broadway with my tutu fluttering in the breeze has me feeling utterly, utterly thrilled. It's just what a girl needs after a whirlwind tour through Europe - which, as you know, was funded entirely by my tutu performances!
Oh, how I do love sharing my love of ballet with the world!
It's hard to believe it's already been a week since my last New York post. Honestly, time seems to disappear when you're having the best time! But I've packed my week so tightly with ballet-related events that I'm surprised I can remember where I put my shoes, let alone find the time to write this post.
Backstage Adventures and New York Theatre
Let's delve into what's been going on since I last wrote. You won't believe what happened this past Saturday.
After enjoying a delightful cuppa and some crumpets with my dear friend Amelia at a charming cafe in Brooklyn, we made our way to the New York Theatre Workshop.
Amelia had insisted we attend the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" after raving about the set and costumes for weeks. Now, Amelia is my personal guru on all things theatrical, especially when it comes to costumes, so her recommendations are always a hit! I swear, this woman can spot a fabulous textile from a mile away!
I can confidently say she wasn't wrong. This adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless comedy had me thoroughly entranced. It felt fresh, with the play being delivered through dance and mime instead of speech, but keeping the wit and romance.
The dancers were absolutely fabulous, with one ballerina who stood out with her impressive technical skills, beautiful line, and graceful extensions.
She definitely stole the show, in the best possible way. After the curtain call, I found myself utterly enthralled and ready for more, especially considering I had just attended a fabulous workshop on classical ballet. I swear, every day seems to present new delights!
The City That Never Sleeps: Fashion Delights and Delicious Finds
Oh, my dearest readers, the fashion scene in New York is a wonderland. A wonderland of silks, satins, lace, and the most delicious, feminine colour you can imagine - pink, of course!
Every window display I encounter makes my heart flutter like a dancer's tutu in a pirouette! I spent an entire morning wandering through the vibrant boutiques in SoHo, which is absolutely crammed full of the most fabulous stores you can imagine. I absolutely fell in love with a cream-coloured blouse adorned with intricate lace detailing at one shop. Imagine, dear readers, my joy when the shop assistant told me it was on sale!
Of course, I made sure to find the perfect pair of shoes to complete my new acquisition. You simply can't wear such a delicate blouse without an equally delightful pair of heels.
A few blocks from my haven in SoHo, a captivating little French bistro caught my eye. It called to me like a song from a ballet score, so I popped in and sat at a window seat where I could people watch while indulging in the most exquisite salmon salad. You'll simply never believe it but the French, just like my darling English folk, adore their pastries. I devoured a little morsel of pistachio éclair with my cappuccino, which was served with delicate artistry. The aroma of pastry mingled with the warm summer air, leaving me feeling thoroughly indulged and happy.
Adventures on the Subway and Seeking Out the Perfect Pink Tutu
Now, my dearest readers, let's talk about the famous New York City Subway. I had to go on a quest today, a very special one! I’ve always dreamed of finding the ultimate pink tutu, and my search took me to a vibrant shop in Chinatown that sold every shade of tulle and ribbon imaginable.
It’s a rather peculiar location, I must confess. Imagine this – bustling market stalls stacked with a kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables. The air thick with the aroma of exotic spices and herbs. And there, right in the heart of this vibrant hub, tucked amongst stalls offering everything from herbal teas to silk lanterns, lay the most magical collection of tutus imaginable! I literally found myself twirling with joy, mesmerized by the beauty of tutus in every shade and length, with sequins and bows adorning their graceful tiers.
The lady who owned the shop couldn't have been more delightful. We spoke for hours about ballet, my travels, and how I would one day conquer the stage, even though the subway made me feel like a fish out of water. You must understand, darling readers, that getting on and off the subway in this beautiful pink tutu is no mean feat! But every adventure comes with a bit of struggle, and my aim is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu at some point, whether in the ballet studio, on the stage, or in the midst of a New York City subway rush!
It was on this quest that I felt that truly New York City magic. Every time I catch the train here, I find a delightful little adventure. From charming conversations with the most fascinating strangers to the hilarious moments when you end up bumping elbows with someone who also happens to be in the midst of a spontaneous, impromptu dance routine!
I always try to make eye contact with the other commuters, and they often react with delightful surprise when they encounter this happy vision of tulle and pink delight. I swear, dear readers, one little dance and my tutu magic takes over the whole train carriage. We laugh and they tell me they never noticed their surroundings before because I opened their eyes to the joy around them. It is truly fulfilling! It is my mission to turn every train ride into a grand performance and inspire every heart with the beauty and fun of wearing pink tutus!
My fellow riders are absolutely fascinated. Even though it's often very packed, they always seem to make space for me, and the sheer happiness of my swirling tutu makes the journey all the more delightful. It's enough to melt away any stress of navigating this bustling city.
An Evening in the Spotlight
And that, dear readers, is just a taste of the fantastic adventures I’ve been having in the city that never sleeps.
Tonight, after another ballet class - the instructor there just LOVES my tutu and was delighted to see me dance so happily amongst the professional dancers in the class - I will be returning to the New York State Theatre, to take in another performance of "Giselle."
I'm particularly excited to witness the performance tonight because this very performance had Amelia in tears. Amelia says the dancing was exquisite, and it just captured the story of Giselle and the pain she endured, especially at the end. Honestly, darling readers, my lovely Amelia has the biggest heart I've ever seen, which is why I cherish our time in the city together.
I do love this magical city with its amazing performances and shops, and all the delicious delights the city holds.
So, my darlings, stay tuned for more adventures and keep twirling!
Till next Monday,
Emma xxx
P.S. If you are visiting New York and have a moment, don't forget to check out the Ballet Workshop near Lincoln Center! The teacher is incredibly talented and absolutely delighted with my pink tutu! She has amazing routines, a little more advanced than what I'm used to back in England.
And please do drop by my website - www.pink-tutu.com. There is always something to share and I have new additions coming every month!
