Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus twirl and dreams take flight! This week, I'm whisking you all to the glorious city that never sleeps – New York, New York! I can practically hear the sirens in the background, feel the vibrant energy pulse through the streets, and smell the delicious aroma of hotdogs and bagels wafting through the air! Oh, how I love this city. And for those who haven’t already guessed, my trusty pink tutu, of course, came along for the ride!
A Derbyshire Girl in the City that Never Sleeps
My journey started with a triumphant pirouette onto the metro in London, my pink tutu billowing dramatically as I sailed through the crowds. You see, dearest readers, funding my adventures requires some creative thinking! While I'm blessed with the ability to earn a little extra from ballet performances (did you know that my Derbyshire Ballet Troupe is in its fifth season? So proud!), it’s never quite enough for the adventures that I crave! So, every penny counts – which is why you'll find me whipping up delicious meals from market stalls and exploring the less-touristy nooks and crannies of each city.
My metro journey was a symphony of colourful characters: a businessman juggling three newspapers, a street performer with a ukulele, a group of friends arguing about who got the last seat. It was exhilarating! As I gazed out the window, watching the English countryside give way to bustling London streets and finally to the towering skyscrapers of New York City, I felt an undeniable sense of excitement. This city is pulsating with energy! The kind of energy that gets my heart racing and my imagination swirling!
Tutus, Theatre, and Tartan Tams
When I stepped off the train, my first stop was Bloomingdale's. It’s hard to resist the allure of a department store, especially one so grand. I emerged with an arsenal of stylish outfits: a sassy, floral print dress, a navy peacoat that screamed "sophisticated traveller", and a vibrant scarlet scarf (because a dash of colour is always necessary, don't you think?). But my biggest prize was a beautifully crafted tartan tam – perfect for keeping my head warm and looking dashing at the same time. It’s going to be a winner in the New York winter. I was going for a "Downtown meets Upstate New York" look - can you tell?
Next on the agenda: Broadway! There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a New York theatre! I opted for a classic, Les Miserables, which transported me back to the tumultuous streets of Paris during the revolution. I dabbed away tears, clapped for the passionate performances, and felt the power of human spirit resonate through the theatre. Oh, I was hooked. As soon as I get home, I’m dusting off my old French textbooks! It’s not too late to learn another language at 24, is it?
After the performance, the city was alight with lights! From Broadway, it’s a short walk to the heart of Times Square. The atmosphere was electric! The flashing neon lights, the crowd noise, the smell of popcorn and street food... There was even a guy dressed in a giant hot dog costume! My, how I wish I’d had my camera to catch that one. The street food and the hot dogs (well, of course!) were irresistible. I savored every bite! It’s truly an experience that ignites all your senses!
Pink Tutu's Metro Adventures
For a ballet girl like myself, every journey is an adventure, and travelling by metro is no exception. In New York, the underground is a vibrant tapestry of life, teeming with humanity. I love the impromptu conversations you have with fellow passengers - a chat about the latest Broadway show with a group of young girls on their way to the theatre or an enthusiastic debate on the best place for bagels with a kindly old lady. My favourite part, though? Watching fellow New Yorkers – each so unique, each with a story to tell.
Discovering Hidden Gems
Now, no visit to New York would be complete without indulging in its artistic and cultural treasures. After exploring the bright lights of Broadway, I delved into the hidden gems tucked away in the city's quiet corners.
My first stop was the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, as they like to call it here! It was a breathtaking journey through time, where I encountered works of art that left me in awe. There was an exhibition of modern sculpture, a beautiful Picasso, some abstract impressionist pieces that made me think hard (but in a good way, you understand) and even a contemporary artwork made out of everyday objects, a kind of “art about art” - truly thought-provoking!
But my favourite place by far, was the little museum I discovered almost by accident – the American Museum of Natural History. You can see my obsession with museums in the UK, too – especially the Victoria & Albert! Oh, I’ve said it before, but you really do find your favourite treasures when you explore and wander down alleyways – off the beaten path. The Natural History museum was just like that. Filled with dinosaur skeletons and stuffed animals and things that looked like they had travelled back from the prehistoric ages!
I was transported to faraway lands, gazed at meteorites, and imagined prehistoric life playing out before my very eyes. You can really take the “girl” out of Derbyshire, but you can’t take the Derbyshire “girl” out of her! Oh, it was just glorious!
Tutu Time in Central Park
No trip to New York would be complete without a visit to Central Park, a green oasis amidst the city's concrete jungle! It’s like stepping into a beautiful fairytale land. The trees were rustling in the wind, birds were singing, squirrels were scurrying and the sun was beaming through the tree branches.
You simply cannot go to Central Park without putting on a tutu, my dears. And in the spirit of encouraging every single person on the planet to slip into a pink tutu, I couldn’t resist twirling around with the birds singing around me! And who do I run into on my afternoon promenade? You’re never going to believe this - I met another ballerina! But she wasn't wearing a tutu. She was in a stylish, yet, rather unremarkable pair of workout gear! We chatted about her favourite classes and how great New York City is for ballet, but how she longed for a proper British tutu. So, guess what? I persuaded her to buy a pink one from a stall right in the park, right next to the hot dog vendor. What a treat it was, to be the one to spread the magic of tutus across the world! And don’t get me started on the way the wind caught her pink tutu as she gave her best plié - absolutely sublime! It reminded me that we're all connected in our shared love of dance, even when we're halfway across the world!
As the day faded and the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city, I found myself feeling a pang of longing for home. I’d never really considered how much I’d miss the rolling Derbyshire hills, but in New York, they were so far away.
But New York was full of magic and it gave me hope. This beautiful city inspires me! In fact, my very next blog post will be all about new pink tutu inspiration that I discovered in New York! Keep your eyes peeled for it!
Until next Monday, my loves!
Emma
P.S. What are your favourite places to visit in New York? Tell me in the comments below! I always love hearing from my lovely readers. I'd also love to hear from you if you have a blog or want to start one! What's holding you back? We all need to live our dreams! And to be honest, who could refuse a little pink tutu in their lives?! 😉
