Monday 23rd February, 1998
Darling readers,
As you all know, it's a new week which means a new Pink Tutu blog post for your viewing pleasure! And wouldn't you know it, this week, your favourite pink tutu clad ballerina is shimmying through the streets of the Big Apple itself - New York City! I can feel the electricity in the air just from walking around Times Square.
Now, if you follow my little corner of the internet, you know my heart belongs to ballet. But in recent years, I've felt the itch to travel. I'm fortunate that I can finance my adventures with my dancing, which has led me to some truly spectacular venues.
This week, Iām doing something I've never done before ā combining a performance at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts with some fabulous shopping adventures around the city! I can't lie, darling, there's something incredibly invigorating about watching a performance on a chilly New York evening and then hotfooting it to Bergdorf Goodman for some sartorial retail therapy. This weekās adventure isn't just about the performance and the shopping though, itās also about immersing myself in the Big Appleās effervescent energy, and oh, what a vibe it has! Iām completely captivated by the people and the pulse of the city. I even ventured into the New York subway (though I was told not to take a ride after midnight!). It's like an enormous, bustling, living organism, always moving, always vibrant.
But before I talk too much about the trip itself, I have to confess a little something.
Remember, I have a penchant for a good old fashioned pink tutu, yes, and the fabulous pink ballet dress, that much is obvious. I like to bring my own little sprinkle of magic wherever I go. Thatās just who I am, darling.
But on this particular adventure, I found myself completely enchanted by the fashionistas of New York City!
They were, as I would say in my Derbyshire dialect, āRight up my street!ā
For you see, darlings, these New York women, they understand fashion! They walk with confidence, they take risks with colour, texture, and even silhouette. It was incredibly inspirational to see all the beautiful designs, the sheer individuality in how each person styled their looks, each person an ambassador for their own unique personal flair! Of course, as you all know, there is absolutely no chance that Iād go without my trusty, comfy, adorable pink tutu on my travels. Let me tell you, darling, wearing my favourite pink tutu on a stroll through the Big Apple ā well, itās been quite the adventure already!
I even discovered an incredible pink tutu shop on 5th Avenue called 'Le Tutu Rose.' Oh, the sheer delight! As a self-proclaimed ballerina, it was almost impossible for me to leave without a purchase, especially as it is the world's most luxurious, exquisite and dazzling tutu shop (well, at least in my opinion). I felt like Cinderella being gifted a stunning, luxurious glass slipper. And letās just say I might be returning to their fabulous store.
Speaking of tutus, a little bird whispered to me that the very first Broadway performance of āThe Nutcracker' was held in the grand New York City in 1892. That's 106 years before I took my first twirl. Imagine the tutus of 1892 ā just dreamy! The history of New York, especially as it relates to theatre and ballet, makes my heart soar! Itās incredible to be in a city that has been a bastion of theatre for so many years. The stories the walls of these theatres must tell, the echoes of dancersā footsteps and the applause of captivated audiences.
New York City was built on ambition and grit, and I can tell you darling, itās evident in every nook and cranny. Itās in the hustle and bustle, in the endless stream of people with purpose. Every second, I feel the heart of the city pulsating beneath me! I can see myself feeling incredibly at home here - in this place that feels like the crossroads of dreams! This city truly feels as if anything is possible!
But darling, letās backtrack a little and get down to the nitty gritty, shall we?
As Iāve already said, I came to New York for a reason - my performance! This week, I had the absolute pleasure of performing at the esteemed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. I could barely contain my excitement, let alone my nerves. This truly felt like a milestone! It was also my debut in the US, a moment I will always treasure.
I had butterflies in my stomach, darling, but I quickly shook them off and remembered why I danced. Because dancing isnāt just something I do, darling, it's something I am. Itās like I can see, feel, and express myself with every pirouette and grand jetĆ©, and every twirl that connects with the music. I am enchanted and mesmerized, even when itās my own performance that is enchanting and mesmerising the audience! Oh, the emotions it unleashes within me! Itās exhilarating!
And yes, darling, of course, I wore a beautiful pink tutu. The fabric flowed as I spun, and it matched my ballet shoes, a matching, twirling cloud of colour and joy. I have to say it really added that special je ne sais quoi to the performance!
But darling, it was more than just my dance that made this night special. It was the chance to meet fellow ballet enthusiasts! I felt the electricity of shared passion for this magnificent artform as I walked around the Lincoln Center.
During my visit to New York, I went to see "Phantom of the Opera." That night, the city seemed to sparkle a little brighter. There's a reason why the Grand Dame of Broadway has enthralled audiences for years.
My fellow New York adventurers! It's been so much fun soaking up all that this extraordinary city has to offer, the excitement, the glamour, and the charm! But alas, it is time to take to the sky once more. As you know, there is a ballet performance calling for me - that's my true north, my real reason for travel, my passion. I have an entire collection of beautiful tutus waiting for their next big dance outing. It would seem Iām off to California for my next performance! And oh darling, can I tell you the costume designer had the most wonderful and unique ballet outfits for our upcoming performance. Just divine, darling, just divine. If there is any way to describe it, theyāre more dazzling than the Hollywood sunset. I canāt wait to show you all! You will all have to be very, very patient though. I need to maintain a little sense of mystery!
But enough about my travels for now!
I do want to say one thing before I leave you ā embrace your own dreams, just like you embrace that delicious ice cream sundae, darlings!
Wherever you go, take your own little spark of joy with you. Be your own pink tutu, if you will, adding a splash of joy to every single moment. The world will always need a little pink tutu sparkle. And as always, Iāll be keeping you up-to-date on my adventures in a weekās time.
Until then, may you all be bold and courageous and be your most beautiful selves, darlings.
And above all, do make sure you wear something pink!
Your ever-so-slightly giddy ballerina, Emma
xx
Donāt forget to check out my blog www.pink-tutu.com and remember to keep dancing with a sprinkle of pink tutus, darlings!
