Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the Big Apple. 🗽 My trip was filled with everything a tutu-loving ballerina could ever dream of – sparkling shows, breathtaking fashion, and oh-so-much pink! 🌸
Monday 1998-04-27: This Monday morning began with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed tea in my hotel room. As the sunshine peeked through the curtains, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the day ahead. I'd landed in New York just a few days prior, after performing with my company in Derby – what a lovely home town, Derbyshire always gives me the warmest feeling. This trip, however, was all about New York. Today I was headed straight to the theatre for a performance of Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House – a treat that felt as luxurious as a slice of marzipan.
My look for the evening was all about classic ballerina chic: a powder-pink silk dress paired with my signature, sparkling, tutu. 💎 The fabric, so soft and flowy, moved like a wave with every step. A pair of white satin pumps added just the right amount of elegance, while a delicate string of pearls finished the ensemble – ooh! My darling! I simply adore pearls! I can’t remember a time I’ve not wanted to own them. You know I’ve collected some stunning vintage ones! Perhaps I’ll feature them on the blog next week. I had my trusty red handbag - this is absolutely a must-have if you are coming to New York. The leather feels so beautifully smooth, and my little purse is large enough to carry all my essentials and enough room to hold my trusty copy of Ballet Dance magazine – always my favourite read – which my dearest mum and I browse together when I visit.
But before the performance, I took some time to explore the heart of Times Square. This crazy city always reminds me of my first trip here with my mother. We walked down this same street hand in hand, watching as a sea of vibrant advertisements danced in a symphony of flashing colours and blinding lights. A nostalgic smile spread across my face as I relived that magical day.
The performance was absolutely spellbinding. As the orchestra soared, I felt my heart beating in time with the music. The ballerinas were so incredibly graceful, their movements as light as a feather, their strength and beauty absolutely captivating. I have such immense respect for ballet dancers; they work so hard, it takes endless years of practice and dedication, but what they bring to life on stage is a work of pure art! Every leap and pirouette filled me with a profound sense of joy. It was truly a gift to witness such a talented troupe on the stage. There is something truly magical about seeing live performances – every night is a new experience – even the classic stories of ballets like Swan Lake feel like a new discovery, full of energy and freshness each time I see them.
After the show, my darling! The theatre wasn't the only stage I graced tonight. The subway took me to Washington Square Park. Now, it may not be the largest park in New York, but my goodness! There is just such a unique energy in Washington Square Park! So, there I was – bathed in moonlight and with the scent of blooming flowers in the air, I decided to let my inner ballerina free! The soft concrete beneath my feet transformed into a stage, my twirling a vibrant expression of delight. It was a night for impromptu ballet! There’s no place quite like Washington Square Park in New York. Of course, it isn’t always quiet, this vibrant green haven for New Yorkers is an amazing place for people-watching, a picnic with friends or – on a summer night – a fun place for street performers and singers – maybe I will be performing there next year.
Returning to my hotel room, a wave of contentment washed over me. The perfect night for any ballerina, full of elegant ballet and city strolls!
A Touch of Pink in the Big Apple:
Speaking of New York, there's simply no other city where the energy of pink can truly blossom! The colour is everywhere; blooming in the soft petals of the cherry blossoms in Central Park, in the vibrant hues of designer boutiques lining Madison Avenue, and in the delectable shades of pink candy that fills the iconic Candylicious store on Fifth Avenue. There’s so much pink it would take months to explore all of it!
Here’s what made my trip particularly pink – as well as some insider tips for fellow pink aficionados like me:
🛍️ A Pink-tastic Shopping Spree:
If you're anything like me, you'll agree that nothing makes a girl's heart beat faster than the promise of a new pink outfit. 👠 My recent foray into New York City brought me face-to-face with a sartorial wonderland. It felt as if my whole world was turning pink. One moment I was gazing into a beautiful vintage boutique with rows and rows of feather boas, then I was strolling down Fifth Avenue, dreaming of new couture pieces from Saks Fifth Avenue and finally, I was standing at the counter at Bloomingdales trying on everything in pink, and buying most of it! I’m starting to wonder if I can make this trip a regular thing! I mean, it seems it would only make good sense – there's simply too much fabulousness here for me to get it all in just a short trip! I do know that after this experience, it would be rude not to return for more pink and more clothes.
💡 Pink-Perfect Insider Tips:
- Fifth Avenue is a shopping haven – be sure to take your credit card – although don’t let the spending spiral out of control, as with any new clothes and accessories there’s always a sweet sweet moment of shopping joy. I can tell you that I had this feeling at Tiffany & Co., and every boutique!
- **Bloomington's is home to amazing selection of accessories – in pink, naturally – they had such stunning bags and shoes, which I believe will make an amazing gift for someone special for my next birthday, maybe me? Or, perhaps the perfect gift for someone who would really appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship? I mean, really! What would be more perfect than a pink Chanel bag! The joy!
- SoHo and Tribeca offer boutiques that embrace all shades of the rainbow! Don't be shy to take the time to go on a scavenger hunt for those unique pieces of art - including, of course, the all-important pink.
💃 Taking New York by Tutu:
I've discovered, a true ballerina can never truly be separated from their tutu, not even when venturing into the heart of the bustling city. The streets of New York became my dance floor, with every step a graceful ballet move. Whether it was a graceful twirl while admiring a street performer in Central Park, or a quick jeté as I navigated the subway, it felt magical and liberating. The perfect New York look – especially for an intrepid adventurer.
A Tutu in the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
No visit to New York is complete without a trip to the majestic Metropolitan Museum of Art. This world-renowned museum is home to a breathtaking collection of artwork spanning millennia – it would take months just to look at everything. However, for me, the highlight was the dazzling display of couture by the famous fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Imagine this! Her stunning gowns and dresses, like breathtaking art pieces themselves! There I found a magnificent vintage-pink silk gown on display, perfectly embodying the spirit of 1930s Hollywood glamour. A shimmering gown with intricate pleats, delicate embroidery, it would have been a dream come true to have worn it. A moment to savour indeed, and I’ve spent hours studying this beautiful dress. I truly think it was made with ballerina's in mind – as though a ballet dress was combined with a glamorous gown for the theatre or a society gathering. What an extraordinary work of art. The perfect shade of pink to create a dazzling dress for a grand occasion. I would be so lucky to own this one day!
Ballet Classes:
If there’s one thing you know about me it’s my love of ballet class, and, well, I could hardly make a trip to New York without going to a ballet class! Even if the teachers don’t think I'm great – who really cares what anyone else thinks as long as I can get out there and express myself! To keep my technique sharp – well that was the point. 🩰
🍎 The Apple of my Eye:
But ballet, shopping, and museums weren’t the only treasures I found in New York. The city is bursting with colourful personalities and the infectious energy of a melting pot of cultures – as diverse and interesting as any of my own ballet students. From Broadway shows to charming café terraces, I savored the rhythm of city life. The sights and sounds were an incredible sensory overload and you can’t help but get caught up in the buzz of excitement! This city never ceases to surprise, even after all my visits here – perhaps this city makes the world a better place, simply by its ability to move forward, grow and surprise people. The place is incredible and it's a place to remember.
The people of New York are just as fabulous! From the street artists adding splashes of colour to the pavements, to the stylish locals wearing pink accessories, to the cab drivers navigating the hustle and bustle. New York is a living art form and an incredible place to connect and feel a sense of belonging.
Remember, my lovelies, the pink tutu is a universal language. It speaks of dreams, hope, and joy. Wear it with confidence and bring a touch of pink to every corner of the world! 🌎✨
Until next week,
Emma
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