#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 1999-01-25 she danced in New York City

Hey there, Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, reporting live from the concrete jungle – New York City, to be precise! As I'm typing this, I'm sat on a comfy booth in a cute cafe in Greenwich Village, just a stone's throw away from Washington Square Park. I can hear the strumming of a guitar from a busker outside, and the smell of fresh croissants is tantalising my senses.

This city never fails to amaze me! Just the thought of it all makes me want to twirl and twirl and twirl… but I'll save the full-on pirouettes for the ballet studio later, haha! Today's post is all about my recent adventures here, as usual – I'm absolutely loving being able to immerse myself in the vibrancy of New York and let my inner tutu-wearing fashionista run wild!

But before I go on about my NYC escapades, let me tell you what this week holds in store: I’m performing with the New York City Ballet this Saturday! Oh my, you wouldn’t believe how thrilled I am – it’s such a prestigious company, and it’s an absolute dream to be part of this amazing artistic community. And, of course, my very own pink tutu is going to be taking centre stage (can't wait to give it a little sparkle!). I'll definitely update you all on how it goes, so be sure to check back next week for my "show-off-my-best-moves" post! 😜

Now, back to my whirlwind New York journey…

Since I last graced you with a blog post, I've been absolutely living it up, embracing all that this fabulous city has to offer. It feels like my heart is permanently lodged in my throat from all the excitement! This week has been full of exciting experiences, from wandering through iconic museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the fashion exhibition had me in awe (you’ve gotta see their haute couture collection!), to watching a captivating Broadway performance (I still can’t believe I saw “Moulin Rouge!”, what an incredible show).

Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without some serious retail therapy! Oh, the fabulous vintage clothing shops…I'm sure I've been in more vintage stores than I have been in ballet classes lately (oops!). I snagged the most gorgeous silk dress yesterday – imagine, emerald green, so flowy and luxurious, it practically begged to be twirled in. And trust me, I gave it a proper spin in the fitting room – I can’t wait to rock it on my next date night!

The amazing thing about this city is that you're surrounded by inspiring creativity and style everywhere you go! I’ve been inspired by so many new looks. From the chic fashionistas on the streets in their sophisticated coats, to the colourful and daring outfits you see at every corner, it's a non-stop fashion show! Honestly, my wardrobe could seriously do with a massive update. New York fashion really is on another level. I just want to take home an entire shop!

And just when I thought I couldn’t love New York any more, I stumbled upon the most adorable shop dedicated to all things pink…and what was the biggest thing in the store? Yep, you guessed it – a giant pink tutu! Needless to say, I bought a couple of fluffy pink accessories…and a small tutu, of course! Because every girl needs a new tutu, right?!

It's not just the fabulous sights, sounds, and style that make me fall deeper and deeper in love with NYC – it’s also the connections I make. This week, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the most wonderful, welcoming people in my ballet class. I always love meeting fellow dancers from all corners of the globe – and what better place to do so than New York?

Honestly, it feels a bit like coming home in a way. Remember, I'm originally from Derbyshire, England, where there's an abundance of charm and community spirit. And somehow, in the bustling energy of New York, there’s still that same sense of togetherness and friendship amongst the dancers, even if it’s all expressed at a slightly more “in-your-face” pace. But let’s face it, that's what makes NYC so addictive - the energy is absolutely infectious, and you just can't help but get swept up in the excitement!

Since arriving in NYC, I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with the iconic subway. Let me tell you, it’s definitely a way to experience the city! I mean, just the sheer speed and rhythm of it all, whizzing through the tunnels under the city! There’s nothing quite like it. And of course, it’s given me an opportunity to unleash my inner fashionista! Let’s be honest, a vibrant pink tutu always stands out amongst the crowd on the subway, especially against the neutral colour schemes. And while I don’t think I’ve ever received so many strange looks before (including some stares from bemused New Yorkers who probably think I've gone completely mad), it just adds to the excitement of being in a new city.

My favourite journey so far has to be a recent trip to Brooklyn, to see a local performance of a classic ballet by the renowned Brooklyn Ballet Company. As you know, it was my first ever visit to Brooklyn. As soon as I stepped off the train, I was transported into a whole other world. The vibrant murals on the walls and the funky street art – it felt so refreshing! After seeing the stunning ballet (all about love, tragedy, and dancing, naturally), we explored the incredible street food stalls with amazing smells and a mix of international cuisine!

Speaking of adventures, let’s rewind back to last week... Oh my, did I tell you about the epic ice-skating experience at Rockefeller Center? That moment when I managed a few spins and twirls while gliding gracefully on the ice (after nearly taking out a group of toddlers, but that's a story for another time), was absolutely magical. The bright lights of the Christmas tree illuminating the surrounding skyscrapers... It truly was an unforgettable memory!

Sometimes, I have to remind myself to take a breath and truly soak it all in. As I look back at these amazing weeks, I'm left with an incredible sense of awe. Each day here feels like an exciting new chapter in my life, and I’m discovering that even the smallest details of life can hold such charm and wonder! Like stumbling upon a hidden cafe serving the most delectable coffee with a perfectly made croissant – and I actually witnessed a friendly little sparrow attempting to share a bagel with a family of squirrels (can you believe that?). Or when I accidentally caught a performance by an impromptu jazz band on a street corner, with their melodies filling the air with such vibrancy. It's the unexpected moments that truly elevate the beauty of life, especially in a place like New York. And these small pockets of joy remind me of the magic that can be found in every corner of the world, especially when you look for it, wear a pink tutu and carry a sprinkle of courage with you wherever you go!

Well, I better go, my dear Tutu Twirlers! I've got to practice for my ballet performance this weekend! Stay tuned for another blog post about the magic of this Saturday's performance… And until then, keep spreading joy with a little sprinkle of pink magic. Because as you know, a little tutu goes a long way! 💖

Lots of love and twirls,

Emma 💕

• Pink Tutu Website: www.pink-tutu.com
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P.S. Do you love pink tutus as much as I do? Have you been to New York City? What are some of your favourite places? Let me know in the comments! 😊