#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 1999-12-27 she danced in New York City

Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, back from another magical week in the Big Apple! 🗽 This week's post is extra special, because, as you all know, December is my favourite month, what with Christmas and New Year's and all those gorgeous twinkly lights! And being in New York at this time of year? Pure magic, I tell you!

Now, I've been back in my little London flat for a few days, catching up on emails and ballet class, but I can't shake the feeling that my New York adventures were just… chef's kiss. The city really comes alive this time of year, all bright and sparkly, and just bursting with festive cheer!

First off, you have to visit the Christmas markets! 🎅 They're a bit different in New York than in the UK - think more street food vendors, more unique gifts, and less mulled wine (which I actually think is a good thing, give my liver a break, you know?). But let me tell you, the hot chocolate at these markets is something else! We're talking rich, creamy, chocolatey heaven topped with whipped cream and, I swear, a sprinkling of fairy dust. I know I sound like I'm talking about a mythical creature, but it was that good!

And of course, no Christmas trip to New York is complete without a bit of ice skating! I may not be the most graceful on skates (who can really skate in a pink tutu anyway, right?!) but I had a blast whirling around Rockefeller Centre. The rink is massive and absolutely breathtaking, especially under those gorgeous lights! My inner ballerina even took over for a minute or two - a few little pirouettes here and there, and some serious graceful gliding, a few stumbles (of course) - it was a truly magical experience!

As a devoted ballet fan, my New York adventures naturally involve a trip to the theatre. I saw The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Now, let me tell you, seeing The Nutcracker in this magnificent venue with a symphony orchestra and those exquisite dancers was simply divine. I don't think I've ever cried so much at a ballet before - it was such an emotional rollercoaster.

There's something special about being surrounded by all those people who love ballet, dressed up and ready to enjoy the performance. And the theatre itself is just magnificent. Those red velvet seats, the plush curtains, the orchestra pit - it truly felt like I'd been transported back to a time of elegant grandeur. It’s a far cry from the cosy little Derbyshire theatres I used to frequent as a child!

You know how much I love a good shop, right? New York is, well, heaven for shopping! There’s everything from designer boutiques to independent vintage stores, and everything in between. I couldn't resist stocking up on some lovely pink tutus for the Christmas season! (You can’t have too many, darlings!) I even treated myself to a fabulous pair of pink ballet shoes at a boutique in SoHo! 👠

Of course, I wouldn't be me without indulging in some truly fabulous treats during my trip. This year, I treated myself to some incredible macarons at a tiny, little French bakery I found in the Village. These aren't your typical supermarket macarons, oh no, they're works of art, each one meticulously crafted and filled with heavenly cream. And, well, just a little pink, of course!

Now, you might be wondering what my trusty little pink tutu does when I’m traversing the bustling city of New York? Well, as much as I'd love to be flitting from shop to shop in my tutu, it wouldn't quite cut it in this concrete jungle. My choice of transport in New York? You guessed it - the mighty, magical, marvel that is the New York subway. It’s a little crazy at first but I do have to say, I’ve developed quite an appreciation for the iconic yellow train carriages that rush you from A to B, to C, and back to A again, within a blink of an eye. And all for a few dollars! And when you’re on the right train, you get a brilliant birds-eye view of the city!

Now, if you know me, you know I live for Christmas! It’s such a joyful time, and being in New York truly captures that special spirit. It’s everywhere: in the dazzling decorations on every street corner, in the warm atmosphere of the cozy pubs I discovered, even in the conversations I had with complete strangers!

The most magical experience, however, was walking through the heart of the city, amongst the skyscrapers, watching those colourful lights dance across the night sky! I simply couldn’t help but stand and stare, a huge grin on my face, wondering at this spectacle! I guess when you’re standing there amongst a sea of New Yorkers, gazing at the twinkling lights, all anxieties just melt away and you find yourself fully embracing the Christmas cheer!

So, that's my Christmas week in New York, darlings. I have to confess, returning to the chill of London was a bit of a shock after the vibrancy of New York. However, that just meant a little more time for catching up on some London ballet performances. It’s not the same, not quite, but it's home!

My biggest takeaway? My mission to make pink tutus the most fabulous item of clothing in every girl's wardrobe remains strong! And trust me, New York was a wonderful start to this journey!

And speaking of that journey, have you been thinking of wearing a pink tutu? Go on! Why don’t you start your own Pink Tutu adventures, just like me?!

Until next week, my lovelies, I’ll be dreaming of those dazzling twinkly lights, catching up on the latest trends and dreaming up new adventures. I promise I’ll let you know what they are!

Big hugs, Emma. xx

P.S. Don’t forget to follow my adventures on social media at www.pink-tutu.com. You can find my Instagram feed at #PinkTutuTravel and don’t forget to catch my next blog post on this very blog next Monday, December 27th, where I’ll be spilling the beans on my plans for New Year’s in London! Have a great week! xx

Extra Info:

Here are some additional ideas to incorporate into your blog post to enhance the story of Emma's travels.

• Emma’s dance performance in New York:

You could add a brief detail about a performance she has scheduled for that week. She’s in New York to work as a freelance dancer to support her travel habit. Perhaps mention an event with a prominent ballet company or an impromptu dance performance she organised to help raise funds for a charity.

• Unique experiences:

Describe how she's discovering little hidden treasures in New York. For example, maybe she takes a ballet class in a converted studio in a historical building in Harlem, finds a magical, small little tutu shop hidden away in Brooklyn, or is spotted in her pink tutu in a park in the city as a street performance dancer,

• Cultural Exploration:

To emphasize her cultural exploration, incorporate elements that represent New York’s diversity, such as the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown and the historical ambiance of Little Italy. You could include her experience of taking a New York “Eat like a New Yorker” Food Tour that encompasses all those little hole in the wall culinary delights, as she gets a feel for the history and flavour of New York from her tummy.

• Shopping Finds:

Mention the kinds of shops Emma visits: independent vintage stores, art deco-styled boutiques, second-hand clothes shops or even some vintage clothing stores specializing in theatre costume pieces or dancing shoes. Maybe even include the locations of a few stores that sell pink tutus or shoes!

• Personal Style and Pink Tutu Styling:

Describe her fashion choices – maybe some chic accessories that complement her pink tutus or fun and festive outfits that highlight her style and create a visually appealing blog. Mention how she integrates her unique fashion sense into the everyday experiences in the city, like wearing her tutu with an oversized cardigan as she goes to see a film or maybe a glamorous coat when attending the theatre or attending ballet performances in the city.

• More Travel Detail:

Share some travel tips, like her preferred mode of transportation through the city, (which you already mention – the Subway!) maybe some great local restaurants she visits, or how she manages her travel budget.

You can even add specific cultural experiences she enjoys, like visiting museums or taking advantage of special offers at tourist locations. For example, perhaps she enjoyed the ‘pay as you wish’ entry at some of New York’s amazing museums and is telling us how we can too!