Hey lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, back from another fabulous week in the Big Apple! It's been a whirlwind, let me tell you, and it's all just got me even more convinced that this city truly is the place to be. And wouldn't you know it, this Monday feels especially magical, as it marks my 13th post for my New York City blog! You guys are the best - you inspire me to keep going and share my adventures with you all.
This week, the excitement started right here in my little flat - yep, that's "apartment" in your language, but let's be honest, "flat" just rolls off the tongue better, doesn't it? So, I was back at home on my little corner of 94th Street when I got a call that just about sent me over the moon. Imagine a girly shriek in your head – that was me! A prestigious ballet company here in NYC had called. Turns out they loved my blog! They thought it was super-inspiring and even requested to see me perform at a gala for their patronesses. Pinch me!
Now, it wasn't just about getting my own little 15 minutes, oh no. They needed a dancer to replace one who'd twisted an ankle, which obviously was a bummer for her, but this meant that I could step in and grace the stage in all my tutu-wearing glory! Oh, the glamour! I practically danced around the flat with glee all morning, spinning around in my favourite tutu before even so much as brushing my teeth.
So, Monday was the start of a jam-packed schedule! My rehearsal started in a gloriously grand studio in a part of the city that practically felt like it was straight out of a fairytale – it reminded me of all the grand theatres we have back in Derbyshire, you know, where you feel like you're in a historical building with all the ornate flourishes and grand chandeliers.
I can't say I wasn't feeling a tad nervous about performing in this iconic space, especially surrounded by all these professional dancers who've made careers here. I even went through a whole “what-if” conversation with my reflection as I did my usual makeup. It was one of those moments you feel your mum’s advice reverberate in your mind, reminding me that if you can dance like this in front of hundreds of people in Derbyshire, surely, the same is true here. And guess what? I had the most wonderful time. It was exhilarating. My heart danced a little faster as I pirouetted onto that stage, but my head was calm and filled with happy excitement. There’s just something about performing that brings an element of pure joy – that moment when you feel you can share a part of yourself with the audience.
I have to admit, that feeling of accomplishment is all the more exciting in a city like this – it makes all the long subway rides feel worthwhile and gives me even more confidence to continue chasing my dreams. I felt like I had my very own moment in the spotlight! The patrons in the audience were absolutely fantastic – everyone dressed to the nines. Afterwards, I was swarmed with compliments. They said I brought something "extraordinary" and "joyful" to their performance and it felt amazing to see their eyes light up at the end of it all.
The funny thing is that after my performance, this fabulous lady with a truly fabulous fur coat came over to me - it had to have been the best shade of turquoise you've ever seen - and said that I'd reminded her of how much she loved wearing her own tutus back in the day. It made my day to hear this because that's really what I aim to do, inspire everyone to embrace their own inner ballerina and embrace the magic of pink tutus. And it seemed like a little bit of that magic rubbed off on this wonderful lady. It was really amazing to be part of her special memories. She gave me her email address and said that I was welcome to visit her gallery at the Chelsea Market whenever I wanted - how cool is that? It seems as if this week is just full of lovely surprises, especially when you put the word 'tutu' out into the universe.
This weekend was all about exploring more of the city that never sleeps. I don't know if I'd ever be able to truly grasp what a diverse place this city is - it never ceases to amaze me. You know that old saying, “You never know what’s round the corner”? It really is true here. From bright neon signs in Chinatown to the calm green squares and park benches scattered throughout the city – this city is so vibrant and alive. This weekend I discovered this hidden gem of a little flower stall near Central Park where I grabbed the most delightful little bouquet. It smelt like pure springtime - it was a welcome reminder of nature even in this concrete jungle.
The fun really began when I ventured down to the East Village for a street performance I had my eyes on. This dance group were amazing - imagine "street ballet" but more like an energetic, fun and energetic dance battle. It's safe to say they certainly brought a whole new level of passion to street performing. The crowd cheered, laughed and even joined in with the dancing at some points. I’ve always found that New York City has the most amazing street performers who are incredibly creative and fun. But it was clear to me, just like my ballerina pals at the rehearsal this week, these guys really lived and breathed dance - it's their passion, and they love to share it with the city! And let’s not forget my all-time favourite – the subway performers. This city’s subways are like a mini musical! There are some seriously talented people out there.
Speaking of things to see, I popped along to the Public Theater's "Shakespeare in the Park” performance – the one everyone's talking about! You guys probably know the Shakespeare bit from back home in Blighty – so it was a good change of scenery, watching his work with the amazing city backdrop. It was just breathtaking - the combination of these beautiful old texts and the New York City lights really was an impressive pairing.
Now, you know me and shopping, right? I know it's just about mandatory for every good blog post to have a little section about it! My feet must have wandered into a hundred shops this week, but here are the ones I loved:
- “A Little Touch Of Sparkle" I had to, I'm a girly girl through and through, I was absolutely smitten with this shop nestled in Chelsea - you’d be surprised to know how many tutus I spotted there, but this time, I walked out with an adorable, pink fluffy jacket that makes my inner ballerina absolutely squeal. I swear it makes every street feel like it's a magical dance floor.
- “The Big Pink” Well, this place really had me sold on its name - how could a pink tutu fan resist? It’s a great place to find that quirky outfit that you've been longing to wear - all kinds of awesome fabrics and pieces for everyone who wants to add a bit of ‘me-time’ to their wardrobe.
After a truly incredible week of ballet, shopping and city vibes, my next trip on the cards is going to be to that fabulous “Chelsea Market” that the fur-wearing lady mentioned! It sounds absolutely incredible, with everything from artisan cheeses to vintage finds - it’s a real little slice of New York history, packed full of independent spirit.
The New York City subway is also a very special part of my journey, you know. It's my own little world, and although it’s always crowded (always!) and the occasional smelly dude makes it a little rough around the edges, it feels very much part of New York’s identity. I always think there’s so much going on in there that it almost deserves its own dedicated blog post.
Oh, and I almost forgot the biggest news – my new tutu is here! Yes! I bought one a little while ago, but you guys know me - it just took forever to arrive because it’s a real unique and gorgeous bespoke beauty from Derbyshire - you have to keep in mind all the lace, ruffles, and pretty things on these things! It has the most exquisite lavender trim, and a little embroidered ballerina, a kind of tribute to all my own dreams and how I've come to embrace being the best 'pink tutu' girl I can be. It's so stunning that it has to be reserved for a very special occasion, don’t you think?
So, that’s it from me for this week! Stay tuned for more fabulous New York adventures right here on pink-tutu.com.
Love, Emma 💖🩰
