Hello darlings! It's Emma, back from a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, and oh, how I adore this city! 🎉 This week's post is extra special - it's my 200th blog post ever, can you believe it? It's hard to think that just over three years ago I was nervously clicking the 'publish' button for the very first time. Now, my blog is my happy little space on the internet, and I'm so grateful for all of you lovely people who join me on these little journeys. 💗
This week, New York City was my canvas! I truly believe that life is all about adventure, and what better adventure than a week spent exploring the streets of Manhattan in my favourite pink tutu? 😜 Yes, I may have raised a few eyebrows on the subway (the look on one gentleman's face as I sashayed onto the platform is a memory I will treasure forever! 🤣) but it's all in good fun, and frankly, who cares what some stranger thinks? As long as you're feeling good, then rocking a pink tutu on a Monday morning in New York City is simply the right thing to do. ✨
Now, before I get lost in all the sparkly details, let's recap my exciting week...
Monday
This past Monday, the first day of my New York adventure, started bright and early (or, early for me!). 😴 I'd packed all my tutus and essentials – every dancer knows that a proper wardrobe is non-negotiable! - and landed at JFK, my heart filled with excited flutterings. As soon as I caught a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline, the real adventure began. The feeling of bustling life around you, the endless sights, the energy, the sounds – it's a potent cocktail of thrill and excitement. The journey from JFK to my little Midtown hotel room, perched amongst skyscrapers, was a blur of yellow taxis, neon signs, and an overwhelming sense of being right where I was supposed to be. After checking in, I was desperate to explore, so off I went, dancing along the avenues, camera in hand, to my first Broadway show: Rent. ✨
The show was phenomenal, of course! The powerful music, the incredible story – I was spellbound from start to finish. Rent just feels so incredibly relevant right now, with themes of community and survival that resonate even more deeply in these ever-changing times. The energy of the audience was electric, and I found myself singing along with the cast - I'm pretty sure a few tears were shed too! Tears of joy, obviously. 😁 Walking out of the theatre into the shimmering lights of Times Square, feeling that afterglow of artistic brilliance, was simply magical.
Tuesday
Tuesday was for the serious ballet business. I started my day with a vigorous ballet class at the Steps on Broadway dance studio. What a phenomenal experience! 💃 I've taken classes all over the world, but there's something truly inspiring about dancing with seasoned New Yorkers who are at the top of their game. 💫 It's incredible to be surrounded by so much raw talent and passion, and I'm not afraid to admit that my leaps and pirouettes felt extra-fabulous after being immersed in such an atmosphere! 😜
After class, feeling invigorated and empowered, I went on an exploration quest around the Upper East Side, indulging in some vintage shopping (finding a stunning pink feathered hat for a steal, naturally!). It’s truly amazing what you can unearth in those little hidden gems in NYC, and, for me, the whole vintage scene here just adds another layer of enchantment. Later that evening, it was back to the theatre for Wicked! It's an absolute showstopper – the music is iconic, and the choreography is spellbinding! I always come away from seeing Wicked with a heart full of awe. I was fortunate enough to meet the amazing costume designer for the show, too, who shared some brilliant insights about bringing those whimsical characters to life on stage!
Wednesday
My Wednesday kicked off with a visit to The Metropolitan Opera, something I've dreamt of doing for ages! The sheer grandeur of the building is something else – all the intricate details, the sweeping staircases, the opulent decor… it’s like stepping back in time. Then the performance itself was simply breathtaking, I was so enthralled that I’m afraid to say I probably missed my cue to clap at a few points, but honestly, who could blame me? I even met an amazing, aspiring dancer from Ohio on the train there – talk about serendipitous! It was delightful to chat with her about all things ballet, from her passion for Swan Lake to her dreams of dancing professionally. 🩰
We ended the day with a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, where I marveled at giant dinosaur skeletons and life-size dioramas showcasing wildlife from all corners of the world. Let's just say that I definitely took a few photos of the dinosaur exhibits... maybe even wore my pink tutu with my camera. 🙈 No judging! I mean, can you blame a girl for wanting to have a little dance amongst the dinosaurs?! I think the only thing missing from my perfect Wednesday was a visit to Central Park, but trust me, the weekend will bring me plenty of chances to frolic in those verdant gardens! 🌳
Thursday
Thursday saw me exploring the city's vibrant arts scene – a visit to the MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art), a wander through the MoMA PS1 (the museum's sprawling outdoor exhibition space in Queens), and a little cultural indulgence at the New York Philharmonic, where the incredible string arrangements left me utterly speechless. 🎻 You can really tell that NYC embraces the arts, from the street performers to the huge museums and renowned orchestras - this is truly a city where creativity is celebrated, and I'm here to absorb every single ounce of it!
After all that creative stimulation, I finally indulged in some true New York style - I went shopping, naturally! 👠 My shopping mission for the day: find the perfect outfit to wear to my favourite ballet company’s show this Friday! My search took me to Bloomingdale's, and, to no surprise, my shopping escapade ended with me scooping up a fabulous sequined skirt – pink, of course – to pair with a stylish black top. 😜 New York shopping just feels so different – so exhilarating, fast-paced and full of dazzling, high-fashion temptations. And if I happen to fall head over heels for a particular item? Well, that’s simply part of the New York magic, wouldn’t you agree?
Friday
My Friday night was pure ballet magic! I got all dolled up in my newly acquired sparkly pink ensemble (which, of course, featured a very special, super-pink tutu), ready to experience the joy of a stunning ballet performance. I must confess, I can't resist the excitement of going to see shows in the city – the lights, the crowds, the energy… it's always a magical experience, especially when I can wear my favourite pink tutu! And oh, this ballet performance… absolutely exquisite! I felt like I was on another planet, lost in the movement and music. I'm just so grateful for the chance to see these talented dancers grace the stage with such poise and beauty. 💕
Saturday
After a week of whirlwind activity, Saturday was dedicated to exploring the quiet charm of Brooklyn. Brooklyn, for me, offers a slightly different, yet equally captivating, version of New York magic. There’s something uniquely intimate and inspiring about those charming, eclectic neighbourhoods, filled with artists’ studios, independent bookstores and cosy coffee shops. I took a walk through Prospect Park – which feels so calming, almost idyllic, amidst the bustling energy of NYC – and wandered through Brooklyn Flea, where I snagged a delightful pink vintage brooch for my tutu collection. ✨
I wouldn’t leave NYC without at least one delicious slice of authentic New York pizza! It was even better than I imagined, the crisp crust, the melted mozzarella... oh, the simple pleasure of savoring that first bite. It was the perfect end to a perfect day! 🍕
Sunday
Sunday morning started with the perfect antidote to the week’s whirlwind activities: brunch at a quaint café tucked away on a leafy street. ☕️ Sipping on freshly brewed coffee while I scrolled through the week’s new blog posts, the gentle chatter of other diners filling the air… It was the perfect way to unwind before heading to the Met – The Metropolitan Museum of Art! Oh, I must tell you all, you’ve simply got to see the fashion exhibitions at The Met. It’s like stepping into a fantastical world of couture creations. You could wander through those exhibits for hours, mesmerized by the detail and the sheer craftsmanship. I’m just a tiny bit in love with the whole experience! 😍
Later, as the sun began to set over the city, I went for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The view of the Manhattan skyline, bathed in the warm light of dusk, was absolutely unforgettable! There’s a sense of awe that just takes over you when you’re witnessing such beauty. As the twinkling city lights came alive, I sat down, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and reflecting on all that this magical city had gifted me. I had spent a week lost in its embrace – dancing, exploring, absorbing, and most importantly, creating new memories that will last a lifetime! 💕
This Week’s Pink Tutu Highlight:
My New York adventure was made even more special by the opportunity to see a couple of phenomenal ballet performances. Seeing such raw talent on stage always leaves me with a renewed sense of wonder and inspiration, and those feelings fuelled my own passion for ballet, as well as the ongoing pursuit of my pink tutu vision! ✨ Speaking of pink tutus… did you know that this week marks the official anniversary of the pink tutu's official claim to fame? Just like the iconic yellow dress worn by Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, a tutu, as everyone knows, should always be worn in pink!
It’s that undeniable truth that drives my ongoing mission - spreading the love for pink tutus across the globe! From London to Paris, to, well, New York! Whether it’s twirling at the park or rocking a fabulous pink ensemble at a Broadway show, every occasion demands the presence of the mighty pink tutu! 😜 My aim is simple – inspire others to unleash their inner ballerina and to experience the joy of dancing in a pink tutu, whether it’s in a class, at a show, or on the streets of a vibrant city like New York. 💗
And here's a little sneak peek at my week ahead – back to my beloved Derbyshire, England. I’m already dreaming of catching a glimpse of the countryside’s verdant beauty, feeling that warm English sunshine on my face, and the aroma of afternoon tea with clotted cream! ☕ I’m going to be back with a little story of life in Derbyshire for next Monday's post – be sure to tune in! ✨
In the meantime, happy twirling, darling readers! Keep rocking your pink tutus and spreading the magic! 💗
Emma 🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
