Hello lovelies! It's Monday, 6th May 1996 and I'm back with another exciting blog post from the Big Apple! 🍎 It’s been a whirlwind of a week here in New York, a place that truly inspires me. As you know, I live for ballet and all things girly, and New York City delivers in spades!
Last week was simply magical, a dream come true! I started my week off with a bang – a performance at the Lincoln Center, which always sets my heart aflutter. Performing on that iconic stage, surrounded by the roar of the crowd, was utterly breathtaking! It was a joy to bring a little bit of Derbyshire, my homeland, to this vibrant city.
And, of course, after the performance, there's nothing I enjoy more than a leisurely stroll through the streets of Manhattan, feeling the buzz of the city around me. It’s all about that feeling, don't you think? And that feeling was heightened tenfold this time!
Fashion and Fancy: Finding My Pink Paradise 💖
You all know how much I love a good shop, right? This week I was on a mission – to find the perfect pink dress! New York City is truly a fashion lover’s paradise, so naturally, my feet carried me straight to Fifth Avenue, where the stores glimmered like jewels in the afternoon sun.
Let me tell you, there were some beauties in the shop windows, all sparkling and vying for attention. I’m talking floor-length gowns in shades of blush pink, silk blouses with intricate beading, and little black dresses with a sassy pink accent. However, none of them were quite it, you know?
Finally, I discovered the perfect dress nestled amongst the racks at Bloomingdale's. It was the perfect shade of pastel pink, flowing gracefully with delicate ruffles at the neckline. This dress had it. It was everything I'd been looking for – elegance, whimsy, and of course, that signature pink! The shopkeeper couldn't help but smile as she helped me into the dress. I just knew it was the one, destined to grace the streets of New York.
A Journey through Time: Exploring the Museum of the City of New York 🖼️
New York is a city full of history and I love exploring the different parts that make this city so special. One of the highlights of this week was a trip to the Museum of the City of New York. As I strolled through the galleries, it was like I was transported back in time – I could see how the city has changed and evolved. From the very first settlements to the skyscraper-studded landscape of today, the museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the past.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the history of ballet in New York. Did you know that the first ballet company was founded in the early 1800s? There were also fascinating exhibits dedicated to fashion throughout the years, giving me a fresh perspective on how style has evolved through time. And let's not forget the incredible collections of photography, offering captivating glimpses into the city's diverse history and ever-changing culture.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Taking in the Beauty of Central Park 🍃
I adore spending time outdoors and soaking in nature's beauty. And, what better way to escape the urban hustle than a trip to Central Park? It’s a true urban oasis, a haven of green amidst the concrete jungle.
One afternoon, I wandered through its manicured gardens, feeling the sunshine on my skin and breathing in the fresh air. It was bliss! I watched the children play on the swings and the ducks paddling in the ponds, all while soaking in the tranquility. The park was full of vibrant energy, from picnicking couples to artists sketching the cityscape. It was truly a melting pot of life, each person adding their own story to this iconic park.
Ballet Dreams: Taking in a Stunning Performance 🩰
This week I finally had the opportunity to see the Royal Ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House! It was pure magic – breathtaking dancers, captivating music, and stunning sets and costumes.
The performance, a rendition of Swan Lake, truly captured my heart. It's a ballet that always manages to transport me to a world of enchantment and dreams. I couldn’t help but get lost in the story, captivated by the expressive dancers and the captivating score.
Of course, the pink tutus were an added bonus! Each pirouette and graceful leap was a sight to behold, bringing the stage alive with the elegance and beauty of classical ballet. I was mesmerized, and the final bow, met with thunderous applause from the audience, brought the entire experience to a breathtaking close.
From the Streets to the Stage: A Little Bit of Street Performance 💃
While I may love a good theatre performance, the city of New York has something truly magical in the street art and street performance scene!
One evening, I stumbled upon a captivating dance performance happening right in the heart of Times Square. It was a thrilling spectacle, full of energy, rhythm and emotion. These street dancers really had the crowd captivated! They weaved through the crowd, showcasing their incredible moves and incredible skill. Their confidence and passion were contagious!
From hip hop to modern to tap dance, I saw it all – a breathtaking fusion of creativity. It was truly a reminder that artistry thrives everywhere, and sometimes all you need is a little space and a whole lot of heart to share your talents with the world.
Living My Best Tutu Life: Sharing a bit of Derbyshire Magic 💕
It's no secret that I adore my tutus. And what's the perfect way to celebrate being in New York City? By rocking my tutu, of course! I've been wearing my trusty pink tutu throughout the week, getting some seriously cute photos (don't worry, I'll be posting those to Instagram!), and spreading a little bit of Derbyshire charm.
Let’s just say, people really seem to like it! I've had so many curious people ask me about my tutu, and it’s a perfect way to strike up a conversation and bring a little bit of joy to people's day. I love getting people smiling, especially when it’s fuelled by a love of tutus! It's my way of saying "Hello!" to the city that never sleeps.
Keeping it Real: Balancing my Budget and Dream Life 💰
You all know I'm a girl on a mission, always balancing my dream life with the reality of my finances. I love to travel and experience all the wonders this world has to offer, but it's not always easy, especially with my passion for all things pink and fancy.
You see, I fund my adventures by giving performances! I use my skills to bring the joy of dance to people, while simultaneously getting to experience amazing places, incredible people and cultures, and of course, all the pink. It's definitely a balancing act, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
A Day in the Life of a Pink Tutu Ballerina ✨
I can't let you go without giving you a little peek into my day here in New York City!
7:00 am: Rise and shine with a healthy breakfast! Nothing beats a smoothie with a handful of fresh strawberries. The pink colour of the berries always adds a little boost to my day.
8:00 am: Off to ballet class! I’ve been attending classes at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, it's so amazing to learn from such incredible teachers. They’re like true ballet royalty, you know?
11:00 am: Fueling my dance muscles! Lunch at a cute cafe by Central Park, enjoying a veggie sandwich and my favourite pink lemonade.
1:00 pm: Time for some shopping! I just can't resist a trip to Bloomingdale's. It's always such a treat to indulge in the city's shopping scene, and let's be honest, my tutu looks fantastic in the dressing room!
4:00 pm: Meeting friends for some tea time! A tradition from Derbyshire that I always cherish, and one that is wonderfully celebrated in this city, too.
6:00 pm: Tonight, I'm catching a show! I've been invited to a preview performance at the Joyce Theatre and I can't wait to see what this up-and-coming choreographer has in store!
9:00 pm: Late night journaling, dreaming of my next ballet adventure.
10:00 pm: Lights out, and sweet dreams filled with pirouettes and pink tutus.
I can't wait to see what next week has in store for me in New York City. From ballet performances to fashion finds to delicious dinners and more street dance adventures, I’m sure I’ll be back with plenty more to share. Until then, keep spreading pink tutu love and remember, never stop dancing your dreams!
Lots of love, Emma x
P.S. Remember, you can join me on my journey on Instagram and Twitter. I love hearing your thoughts!
