Hello, my lovely darlings! It's Monday, the 2nd of July, 2001, and guess what? I'm in the dazzling, shimmering city of New York! Oh, the excitement! This vibrant metropolis is positively buzzing with energy, and my tutu and I are ready to soak it all in.
This is my third trip to this glorious city, and I feel like it's getting even more wonderful with every visit. Every time, I feel more at home in New York. The city feels familiar, like catching up with an old friend.
I travelled across the pond from my beloved Derbyshire to spend a glorious week in the city that never sleeps. This trip is thanks to my stunning performance last weekend in Derby’s Theatre Royal, showcasing a piece I choreographed based on the famous Pink Panther film. It's always so satisfying to see the fruits of your labour realised on stage!
And speaking of labour, I'm so grateful for the support of my amazing Mum and Dad, who've always backed me in my pursuit of pink tutus and stage lights.
As always, my trip is funded by the power of performance, and I can't wait to catch a couple of Broadway shows in the next week. But first, today is dedicated to soaking up the quintessential New York City experience. This week's adventure will involve some vintage fashion shopping (you know I can't resist a vintage frock that makes my tutu shimmer!), catching a ballet performance at the Lincoln Center, and a whole lotta Broadway fun!
Subway Adventures
So, you might be wondering how a pink tutu-clad ballerina navigates the concrete jungle of New York. The answer? The subway, my darlings!
Yes, the mighty NYC subway is my secret weapon. And let me tell you, it's an experience! A melting pot of cultures, sounds, and aromas, it's a true reflection of the city's dynamic heartbeat. Don't let the grimy reputation fool you; the New York subway has a charm all its own, just like my tutu. It's certainly an adventure, and honestly, I find the rush and excitement invigorating!
I'm wearing my brand new "Metropolitan Dream" tutu for my travels, a majestic explosion of pink and iridescent hues, complete with little dangling stars! I know, right? It's simply divine! You should see the reactions on people's faces when I glide through the subway with my sparkly tutu twirling in the air! A little touch of magic in the midst of the concrete jungle! I've even caught a couple of fellow travellers humming to a little waltz tune! Who needs music on your headphones when you can just bask in the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks!
I have to confess, sometimes it's tricky getting in and out of the train with my full, multi-layered tulle skirt, but luckily I have a fellow traveller's helping hand. A kind, grey-haired gentleman, probably a regular commuter on his way to work, gave me a helping hand on this morning's journey! I beamed and bowed to thank him and couldn't help but let out a little "Merci beaucoup!" as the train rolled on. It's those small gestures that make New York so charming, isn't it?
Exploring the Pink Paradise
Today's mission: conquering Manhattan! But don't worry, my loves, we're not conquering it in a fiery, rebellious way. Oh no, no! We're conquering it in the most delightfully feminine way possible - pink, darling! It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu blog if we didn't indulge in some seriously pink pursuits, right?
First on the agenda, we're hopping onto a pink double-decker bus! You heard me right, a beautiful pink double-decker, and this one is definitely a must-have on the New York experience checklist. It’s going to be our chariot as we zoom through the city streets, past iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the iconic Times Square, where everything shimmers and gleams in vibrant neon lights.
Once I've gotten my fix of cityscapes, my stomach is calling for something deliciously pink and sweet. That's why I'm heading to the iconic Magnolia Bakery in the West Village for some pink frosting heaven! Oh my goodness, can you believe it's been nearly 20 years since Carrie Bradshaw and her friends from Sex and the City took a bite out of a Magnolia Bakery cupcake? That's almost two decades of pure cupcake magic.
We'll enjoy our pink pastries outside, surrounded by the bustling streets, absorbing the colourful energy of New York. I think I'll be enjoying my treat on a nearby park bench, and just soak in the sights and sounds. Maybe I'll do a little impromptu twirling - because a little ballet never hurts anyone! Oh, and speaking of ballet, don't even get me started on the fantastic ballerina shoe collection that's housed in the American Ballet Theatre Museum! You better believe I'll be taking a trip down to check it out tomorrow!
Let's Talk Broadway!
It wouldn't be a proper trip to New York without indulging in the unparalleled spectacle of Broadway! This evening, I'm taking in a performance of Chicago. I can't wait! It's got everything: amazing singing and dancing, fabulous costumes, a darkly comedic story...I just love everything about the musical! The sheer talent on the stage is captivating.
Afterwards, it’s a late-night bite to eat on the way home and a lovely walk through the city under a million twinkling lights, each reflecting a little sparkle from my oh-so-gorgeous pink tutu. What a dream!
This week’s post is all about bringing that dazzling pink magic of Broadway right here to you! What’s the most fabulous musical you’ve ever seen, my lovely pink tutu-ers? Share with me in the comments!
Stay tuned for my next blog post on Monday! Until then, keep twirling, my darlings!
Emma xxx
