Good morning, lovelies! Welcome back to the #PinkTutuBlogNYC! I'm absolutely buzzing to be writing this post from the Big Apple - New York City, a place that never sleeps! I touched down here on Saturday and already, I've experienced more in two days than most people experience in a fortnight! It's whirlwind of sights, sounds and oh, the energy! You just have to see it to believe it!
It's Monday Morning! And It's Pink, of Course
As always, my bright pink tutu is a constant companion, floating through the crowded streets with me. People are used to the flamboyant fashion in New York City, but even still, there are more than a few surprised faces! I like that! It makes me feel a little bit extra special, a pink tutu pinprick of happiness in the grey concrete jungle.
My room at the Grand Central Hotel is adorable! Just a hop, skip, and jump from Grand Central Station itself! Speaking of hopping and skipping...it seems like I spend half my life on the metro here, the underground subway system! It's a whole new world down there - an artistic landscape of painted walls, loud noises and fast-paced humans all rushing to their own destination! Don't get me wrong, I love the constant hum of the metro, it's the rhythm of this incredible city!
Catching Up with the Ballet Scene
Last night was simply magic! I saw the American Ballet Theatre perform Giselle at the Metropolitan Opera House - simply exquisite! The dance itself, the costumes, the entire experience… I'm still glowing! It's an absolute treat to be witnessing the very best of ballet, just down the street from my hotel! New York truly does have it all, don’t you think?
I took a class at the American Ballet Theatre School this morning. I do love keeping up with my training wherever I travel, no matter what part of the world! It’s just such a great way to get a real sense of the local ballet scene. The school had a really fantastic atmosphere and I'm sure to be back. It’s amazing how such talented dancers gather in the same space, all pursuing their passions.
New York's Enchanting Fashion World
New York City is undoubtedly a haven for fashion lovers, and I’m no exception! My afternoon is dedicated to indulging my passion for everything stylish! Today, I'm heading to Saks Fifth Avenue, the very chic department store! I simply must check out the newest collections for the coming season. There's nothing I love more than being inspired by cutting-edge designers and translating it into my own, quirky pink-tutu style!
One of the things I love about New York, besides the ballet, is the amazing shopping! The city's filled with shops and stores where I can find truly unique, beautiful things! You’d think I would have enough pink tutus by now, but trust me, you can never have too many tutus!
My Little Secret: The Pink Tutu Foundation
Of course, behind all this dazzling fun lies a bigger plan! It's why I always pack my pink tutu in my suitcase, because it's a symbol of my life's work - the Pink Tutu Foundation! My goal, ladies, is to spread the joy of pink tutus across the world, one spin and twirl at a time! My hope is to encourage confidence and self-expression through fashion. Because everyone deserves a touch of magic in their lives, don’t you think?
And to that end, my performances at these fabulous, prestigious theaters help support the foundation's projects! From providing tutus to dance programs in underserved areas to promoting dance education and creating spaces where young people can explore their creativity through ballet, each pirouette helps make a difference!
The Charm of New York - Beyond the Fashion and Dance
Beyond the fashion, and ballet, New York City has a fascinating culture, rich history, and some amazing restaurants. My wanderings yesterday took me through the charming streets of Little Italy, which, by the way, is just a hop and a skip from my hotel! Imagine! I indulged in some delicious pasta with homemade sauce at this family-run restaurant, “Mamma Mia’s.” The atmosphere was lively, warm, and welcoming! I’m telling you, New York's a haven for every sense!
Speaking of amazing restaurants, I discovered this hidden gem on my afternoon jaunt in Chelsea Market! You wouldn't think a place so charming, full of handcrafted items and delicious foods, could exist amongst all this concrete. This market, and its array of shops, could have come straight out of a dream! The smells of spices and homemade treats wafted around as I meandered through the different stalls, finding incredible things - hand-knitted blankets, leather accessories, local crafts. It was almost as if I stumbled into a fantastical secret world of treasures!
Derbyshire in my Heart!
This whirlwind of New York life might seem a world away from my peaceful Derbyshire, where I call home. There's a beauty in the stillness of rolling hills and gentle meadows, something special about a country life that I miss sometimes. Yet, a part of me longs for the bustle of New York. A bit of the city is definitely ingrained in me now. You see, when you live in Derbyshire, it's almost impossible not to love all things countryside. We live and breathe it there, but there's a magnetic draw to New York's pulse - the fast pace and energetic crowds, a chance to try something different, experience something new.
For now, however, I am simply thrilled to be a part of the vibrant city life, twirling through New York in my pink tutu, and taking in all this amazing energy. So, thank you for coming on this journey with me, darlings! Be sure to tune in next Monday, when I will share more adventures in this fantastic city. It’s all for you!
