Hello my darling tutu-loving friends!
It’s Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip and buzzing with excitement to tell you all about my adventures in the Big Apple! Yes, you heard right! I touched down in NYC just last week, and let me tell you, it was a total dream!
The last few weeks have been a complete whirlwind, thanks to the incredible performance schedule. We've been all over, from a gala in Leicester, followed by a performance in Edinburgh with the Scottish Ballet Company (it's amazing how your tutu really adds to your wardrobe when travelling!), and then finally, onto the Big Apple! And let's face it, how could I resist a chance to pirouette through the streets of NYC, pink tutu and all?
Arriving in NYC
Landing in JFK Airport was exhilarating. Stepping off the plane, the energy was just buzzing – the sheer excitement, the energy, the hustle and bustle. And I was completely smitten with the sky-high skyscrapers. The city's skyline is just phenomenal, and just as dramatic and spectacular as the greatest ballerina leaps I've ever performed.
I had done a fair bit of research on my hotel, and I must admit I was a bit nervous – was it going to be pink enough for my blog? Would there be room for my many, many tutus? But as soon as I walked into The Ritz-Carlton in Midtown, all those fears vanished! This hotel truly is a pink-lover's haven!
I practically jumped for joy when I saw the charming, dusky rose tones throughout the hotel. And guess what? They had the most wonderful view of the Empire State Building right from my room. It was simply magnificent, like looking into a storybook world! It even made me want to spin and twirl in my pink tutu, right there on my balcony!
A Subway Dance
I must confess that even with all the excitement of New York, it's been hard to ignore the fact that the city can be a little chaotic at times! The streets are a mix of chaos, noise, and a feeling of sheer unstoppable momentum. Honestly, it felt a little like that moment in 'The Nutcracker' where you have a thousand sugar plum fairies dancing all around you, except there were more traffic cones and even more honking!
However, I’m a real lover of public transport. Something about it feels very adventurous. I even find the whole getting lost in the maze thing to be an exhilarating challenge! The underground (sorry, I'm a Brit!) is such a great way to see a city and it’s where I truly found myself getting into the rhythm of New York! So, with a playful skip in my step, I dove right into the city's famous subway.
Let's be honest, the NYC Subway was no stranger to pink! You might think it was just the reflection of my tutu, but trust me, the stations and trains themselves were a kaleidoscope of hues! I found myself watching my fellow travellers. Everyone looked so purposeful, busy going about their day. Even on the subway! It felt inspiring and quite frankly, quite empowering!
Broadway Bonanza!
After settling into my hotel room (complete with the most breathtaking view of the city skyline), I put on a dazzling turquoise tulle tutu for my first big NYC adventure - Broadway!
My heart did a little flutter when I arrived at the stage door, the smell of popcorn in the air and a sense of excitement that only a live theatre could create. That night, I was going to see "Cats," a show that's as iconic as New York itself! It was simply divine – the music, the choreography, and the costumes… oh, the costumes! So beautiful and colourful, they reminded me of the gorgeous, flowing ballet outfits I love to wear. But what could be more wonderful than a show filled with tutus? A show where you actually saw the performers change their outfits, literally, before your eyes. Oh, the thrill!
And that's exactly what I loved about the show - the sheer joy of seeing dancers bring a story to life. You could tell, they poured their hearts into each performance! It made me want to dance even more! As the music started, I could practically feel my feet tap-dancing in my ballet shoes, and a giggle or two escaped my lips. And that turquoise tutu of mine - oh, it looked just radiant beneath the bright lights of Broadway!
A Little Tutus in Time…
The next morning, I took a morning dance class in the heart of New York – oh the bliss! Imagine dancing in a beautiful studio, filled with bright light and energy! But don’t worry, I was wearing my tutu. I mean, what's a dancer without a tutu? My fellow students seemed equally enchanted by the sight of it too! I could almost hear a little "Oh, darling, how lovely!" in the air (which may have just been the reflection of my pink tutu.)
It turns out, the ballet scene here is pretty amazing. Every single one of the dancers was an absolute delight to dance alongside, and we spent a few minutes after class gossiping about everything from the latest shoe styles to our favourite ballerina movies.
It felt truly exhilarating to see so much talent in one space! My, it really sparked some ideas about my own blog too. Maybe I could host some kind of Tutu-Fashion-Workshops back in Derbyshire, just imagine - ballet-inspired fashion tips for everyone. Who wouldn't want to add a touch of tutu magic to their wardrobe!
The Great Tutu-Hunt
And talking of tutu fashion, a girl's gotta shop, right?! So of course, I went on a whirlwind shopping spree! From Fifth Avenue to Soho, it was a dance of delightful colours, textures, and styles. There are simply SO many fabulous shops to explore in this city! It's every ballerina's dream come true, even if I’m just a little more about the pink tutu and the occasional ballet-inspired accessory.
My first stop had to be Bergdorf Goodman - just a majestic haven for elegant fashions! And it definitely wasn’t a letdown for a pink lover like myself! The store has a charming pink aesthetic – from the floral designs in the window display to the stunning gowns in the evening wear department! Everything felt wonderfully Parisian and inspired me to pick up some little treats to jazz up my wardrobe! Of course, my bag couldn't possibly be complete without a touch of pink. So I found this amazing dusty pink clutch at Kate Spade – it has a cute little ballerina charm dangling from the strap! Now, who would have thought that? You might just say it’s destined for me!
Taking the Dance Floor at The Top of The Rock!
After my “a little pink for me” shopping, it was time to find the highest vantage point I could, the higher, the better, to see what a true, New York evening is like.
The Top of the Rock gave me the chance to admire New York city's awe-inspiring skyline. It's no wonder New York is called the City That Never Sleeps.
I had a special evening planned - a night-time waltz around The Rock! As the sun began to set over the city, it cast a magnificent golden hue upon everything! I couldn't help myself, and even gave the Rock a twirl or two, while clutching onto a railing. (No-one wants a ballerina going over the side of the Top of the Rock now do we!) And who better to dance with than the fabulous skyline! I mean, it had all those amazing lights! It was just like dancing with the stars! And yes, you guessed it, my pink tutu looked just sensational against all those stunning nighttime lights.
Manhattan Makes Me Want to Spin…
Walking along the Manhattan streets that evening, it dawned on me. There are just so many reasons I could be tempted to make New York my new base! This city just never ceases to amaze and inspires me to dance with excitement! The incredible atmosphere is almost like a magical mix of inspiration and artistic wonder, all mixed into one huge ballet stage. Every corner holds a new discovery, a chance to see the city through a different, glittering lens!
It seems as though this journey through the city has only begun! And this means my trip through NYC must be continued... It is the start of a truly unforgettable story! Maybe I'll find inspiration to launch a Pink Tutu Boutique while I am here! That would just make this trip all the more divine!
I’ll leave you with a few pieces of advice. If you’re a fellow ballerina (or even just someone with a big heart!) I highly recommend a tutu-inspired outfit or just some amazing footwear – they’ll totally complete your look for a night on the town in New York! Even a little touch of pink on your clothing can really give you that ballerina style!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I have a date with a famous pastry shop - Magnolia Bakery, anyone? And who knows, perhaps it will become a permanent fixture in my travels around New York. And of course, I'll be posting my New York City experiences weekly! Stay tuned, because next week's post might be about my explorations around Brooklyn.
Remember, always aim high and believe in yourself just as much as I believe in everyone else! It's just like in ballet, my darling tutu-loving friends - just take that leap!
Happy dancing!
Yours in pink,
Emma xoxo
