Hello my darling readers!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme and the colour pink is always in style. This week, I’m whisking you away to the magical metropolis of New York City, the ultimate playground for a pink-loving ballerina like myself. And what a week it’s been! From swirling through the city’s bustling streets in a glorious pink tulle creation to being wowed by a truly inspiring ballet performance, this Wednesday has been a whirl of delights.
I arrived in New York yesterday afternoon, fresh off a red-eye flight and a rather less-than-graceful dance down the Metro stairs, clutching my suitcase with one hand and attempting to keep my tutu perfectly in place with the other. It’s amazing how much easier navigating the NYC subway becomes with a fluffy pink tutu around you! Not only is it surprisingly practical, but it also tends to spark the most delightful conversations with fellow travellers.
After checking into my lovely little boutique hotel, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Upper West Side, I had a moment to catch my breath and, of course, admire my reflection in a mirror adorned with sparkling lights (which seemed very fitting considering the glamorous nature of the occasion!). It wasn’t just any mirror though, no, it was an actual stage dressing room mirror – so, clearly, I was in the perfect location for my New York escapade!
Now, the thing about New York, my dears, is that it’s all about taking things at your own pace. There's so much to see and do, but a girl can't do everything at once. So, I started off my day with a gentle stroll through Central Park. The weather was glorious - a crisp wintery day with the most dazzling blue sky imaginable - perfect for admiring the beauty of nature whilst rocking my pink tutu. You'd be surprised how much this outfit turns heads!
And as a fellow ballerina, you can just imagine my delight as I passed by the many adorable little children playing with their ballet shoes! Such a delightful scene. This made me think that perhaps a little trip to one of New York’s amazing ballet stores is in order.
Ballet Shoes and BlingThe streets of Manhattan truly are a shopaholic's paradise. And if you happen to be a shopaholic with a penchant for pink tutus and dancing shoes, then prepare yourself to be completely enchanted.
I decided to spend the afternoon scouring the stores on Fifth Avenue, searching for a new pair of pointe shoes to commemorate this fabulous trip. Now, for any budding ballerina, picking a pair of pointe shoes is not an event to be taken lightly. This is not merely a fashion statement, my lovelies - it’s about precision, strength and technique!
As I delicately picked my way through countless racks of beautiful shoes, I started to chat with the store's owner, a charming and friendly gentleman named Fredrick. Now, Fredrick, bless his heart, happens to have an obsession with colour, and his shop was positively overflowing with gorgeous colours and sparkly adornments. There was truly a rainbow of pointe shoes available – although, my lovelies, it had to be said that his collection of pink pointe shoes was particularly spectacular! It was positively overflowing with pink silk, sparkling sequins, and fluffy ribbons. My inner ballerina practically squealed with delight.
He told me his store is the place where many of the ballerinas who perform on Broadway come for their dance wear and shoes. This definitely wasn’t just a simple shoe shop!
With the help of Fredrick, I selected the perfect pair - a dazzling pair of ivory satin pointe shoes, adorned with pink satin ribbons and adorned with sparkly sequins. The fit was impeccable, the satin luxurious, and the price (oh my!) - a little extravagant, let’s just say. But as a ballerina knows, the price is always justified when it comes to achieving ultimate grace and elegance!
I left the store with a spring in my step (no pun intended, darling readers!), feeling positively triumphant. What could be better than a fabulous pair of shoes for a magical evening in New York City? Oh, wait… I've just remembered, I am planning to watch a ballet performance later this evening!
A Dance in the SpotlightThe anticipation leading up to my ballet evening was building as I put on a very special ensemble. Let me just tell you, a beautiful ballerina in a tutu needs the perfect outfit! It felt truly perfect to adorn my pink tutu with some elegant jewels and an array of vibrant coloured silk scarves. Just because we're at a ballet, darling readers, it doesn't mean we have to be bland.
Arriving at the theatre, a stunning grand building in the heart of Midtown, I felt the familiar pang of nerves mixed with pure, unadulterated excitement. I quickly snapped a few pictures outside and let my phone capture a glimpse of the beautiful architecture - perfect for showcasing the magic of the city in the evening!
The ballet performance I had chosen to watch was one of those enchanting fairy tales – you know the type with dancing princesses, a beautiful prince, and all the trimmings! The company performing this evening was renowned, their talent captivating. From the opening number, featuring a stunning group of dancers swirling and gliding across the stage in their beautiful costumes, I knew I was in for a treat. As the dancers leaped, twirled and effortlessly defied gravity, I found myself drawn in, utterly mesmerised. The music, the lighting, the choreography, the sheer athleticism of these talented performers - it all combined to create a spectacle both breathtaking and captivating. It truly was a magical performance!
You know how I feel, dear readers. Ballet has such a special place in my heart. There is nothing like a spectacular show to stir your emotions, spark your imagination and leave you filled with that indescribable sense of awe and wonder.
A Night CapFeeling both energised and completely fulfilled by the day's adventures, I decided to treat myself to a well-deserved cup of tea. After all, I did need to replenish the energy I'd expended throughout the day from all that walking and tutus wearing!
A lovely little tea shop in a quiet, quaint corner near the park. Here I sat with a warm, calming cup of jasmine tea and watched the world go by. It was truly magical and serene and felt very different to the more lively, buzzing streets I had experienced in the heart of Manhattan. It reminded me that New York, for all its excitement and fast pace, also had hidden gems of serenity and quiet charm just waiting to be discovered.
Later on, as I got ready for bed, my heart felt so full and satisfied. This city, with its endless possibilities and hidden treasures, truly holds a special place in my heart. Every day here, for a ballet dancer like me, is a kaleidoscope of wonder, style, and inspiration, filled with exciting encounters, a magical dance of colours, and endless adventures.
What will I be doing tomorrow, you ask? Oh my dearest readers, well, tomorrow is another day and that means more excitement awaits! I have my sights set on the legendary Lincoln Center, where I plan to see a fantastic, dazzling new show that’s taking New York by storm!
Until then, may your tutus always twirl perfectly, your ballet shoes always shine bright, and may your hearts always be filled with a little pink magic!
Emma xx
Pink Tutu Blog - www.pink-tutu.com
