Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, and the Pink Tutu has touched down in the Big Apple, baby! That's right, this week, I'm writing to you from the heart of New York City. And believe me, there's not a single cab driver, bagel vendor, or street performer who doesn't know my name – or, at least, can't identify the magnificent, twirling cloud of pink tulle that's their most memorable encounter with a Derbyshire girl.
What a journey it's been to get here! It started in my lovely little hometown of Derby, with a heartfelt "bon voyage" from my Mum (who even brought out a "Keep Calm and Carry on" tea towel, complete with a little tutu appliqué, bless her heart). Then, it was a thrilling train journey to London's Heathrow Airport – you know how much I adore trains! It's something about those metal rails that just whispers, "adventure!" Anyway, once I was on the plane, I knew I was off to see the world in all its sparkly, glamorous glory.
Speaking of sparkle and glamour, who better to kickstart my New York escapade than the dazzling stars of the New York City Ballet? Oh my heavens, they are simply divine! Their skill, their grace, their sheer athleticism… I sat mesmerised throughout the performance of Balanchine's "Serenade" at Lincoln Center. There were moments, particularly in the "Bluebird" pas de deux, when the dancers seemed to defy gravity itself, twirling and leaping with effortless perfection. It made me yearn for a chance to step onto that stage, to be surrounded by the warmth of the audience's applause, the symphony orchestra's soaring melodies, the rustle of sequins... Oh, how I dreamt of the pink tutu in the spotlight! But more on that later, darling!
Speaking of sequins and stage lights, my day couldn't have ended without a visit to the legendary garment district! Honestly, this place is a shopping wonderland for any self-respecting tutu-loving ballerina. From bolts of fabric shimmering with every shade of pink imaginable to piles of glittering sequins that begged to be sewn onto my next performance tutu, it was pure shopping heaven. I may or may not have splurged on a few yards of pink silk… just a tiny little treat for myself. wink wink
My first experience of the subway was just as thrilling as it was surreal. The energy was electric, the people a constant moving mosaic, the sounds a cacophony of clanging, whirring, and screeching – and somehow it all worked perfectly together! And let me tell you, the vibrant murals and colourful displays of artwork that lined the walls were utterly inspiring! This city has its finger on the pulse of the world, and it’s pulsating with creativity – something I can definitely relate to.
Of course, no trip to New York is complete without a slice of classic New York pizza! And while I'm a huge fan of "thin-and-crispy," my trip wouldn't be authentic without the experience of a big, foldable, oozing slice. I'm not going to lie, I found a little street corner cafe called "Tony's" and that glorious cheesy pizza felt like a magical moment – one of those “it’s-not-a-slice, it’s-an-experience” moments!
Oh! And remember my ambition to have everyone wearing a pink tutu? Well, darling, New York City is really giving me hope for the future! There's a vibrant, sassy, anything-goes spirit here that encourages everyone to embrace their unique style, to be bold and daring and not afraid to express themselves – it’s as though pink tutus are practically part of the uniform! From the colourful hairdos and outrageous shoes to the shimmering handbags and elaborate costumes, every single person on the street seemed to have a statement to make.
This energy, this creativity, is precisely what inspires me to spread the tutu love! After all, a pink tutu is more than just a piece of clothing – it's a symbol of hope, joy, and freedom. It's a reminder to embrace your inner child, to spin, leap, and twirl without a care in the world. And who knows? Maybe one day, even New York's taxi drivers will be wearing pink tutus! (And what a glorious day that would be!)
And, if you want to come on this journey with me, dear readers, come to www.pink-tutu.com every Monday, because that's where the adventure begins.
Stay sparkly, my lovelies,
Emma
P.S. For those who were wondering, there was a ballet show going on in the famous Radio City Music Hall this date: the magnificent Radio City Rockettes! What better place to catch a bit of magic than under the famous Art Deco arch?
