Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It's Monday, which means it's time for another dose of pink-tastic New York City magic! This week has been positively brimming with exciting experiences - ballet, shopping, the metro, and of course, an abundance of tutus! Let me take you on a whirlwind tour…
As always, it wouldn’t be a Monday without my morning ballet class! I managed to squeeze in a drop-in at the fabulous Ballet Academy, right in the heart of the city. Can you believe it's my first year here in NYC, and it feels like I've been pirouetting in the city that never sleeps forever? Time truly flies when you're following your dreams, my darlings!
The class was a real treat – full of energy and a wonderfully diverse group of dancers. I can tell the city truly attracts talent from all corners of the globe! We focused on strengthening our core and technique with some wonderful, challenging exercises, which left me feeling quite the ballerina swan. I do love a bit of a sweat and getting those muscles working – especially after a festive feast!
After class, my heart was already pounding with excitement because I had a real treat lined up! It was finally time to see “The Nutcracker” at the Lincoln Center! Oh, it was truly spectacular! From the majestic dancing of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the intricate, detailed costumes, everything was absolutely magical! I must admit, a few of my favourite parts were the vibrant, shimmering tutus on the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dancers – I just love the way the light dances across the tulle!
Did you know the costumes are actually based on Victorian fashion of the 19th century, blending that Victorian romance with the whimsical fairytale of "The Nutcracker"? Oh, and did I tell you that this was a “staged production”? Meaning the dance movements weren't merely an adaptation but were entirely crafted for the specific show, blending ballet with other dance techniques to create an absolutely mesmerising, heart-stopping performance! I’m already looking forward to next year’s show – I’ll be there in my pinkest tutu, that’s for sure!
And talking of tutus, it’s not just the performance tutus I’m thinking of! After "The Nutcracker", I wandered over to the incredible department store on 34th Street, that one everyone calls "Macy’s", to find my perfect outfit for this week’s performance at the ballet gala – and, you won’t believe this, but I found an absolutely glorious pink tutu! A delicate peachy hue, perfect for the occasion. It's even adorned with tiny little ballet shoes that seem to shimmer when the light catches them. Oh, I couldn't resist!
And speaking of tutus and ballet, I’ve got to tell you about the most fabulous thing I saw on my metro ride home! A little girl, maybe about six, was sitting opposite me, twirling in her bright, sparkly tutu with her face full of the purest joy. She was clearly lost in her own little dance world, oblivious to everything around her, just spinning and pirouetting as the metro swayed. Her infectious energy had the entire carriage smiling! It’s truly the simple things that make life so wonderful, isn’t it?
My weekend ended with a wonderful evening at the Broadway musical “Chicago”! I've heard such wonderful things about it, and it certainly lived up to the hype! From the jazzy, high-energy choreography, the glittering costumes (another opportunity to admire tutus – though these were definitely more flamboyant than your average tutu!), to the talented performances - the entire experience was thrilling and exciting!
Of course, what would a weekend in New York be without some fabulous shopping? I treated myself to the most delightful new pink ballet bag, just the perfect size for carrying my essential dance kit and maybe a spare pink tutu for impromptu performances! It's such a pretty shade of blush pink – it just goes perfectly with everything!
But even after a jam-packed week of ballet, shows, shopping, and metro rides, my mind is already racing with the possibilities for the week ahead. I’ve got some wonderful performances lined up to fund my travels – I’m aiming to see if I can squeeze in a trip to see a few different performances at the beautiful Metropolitan Opera House this week, a real must-do for any visitor to New York City!
And, I’ve got some exciting news to share with you! I’ve started writing my very own tutu guide! Imagine, a little booklet filled with tips and tricks on wearing, finding, caring for and appreciating tutus, from those perfect for daily wear to stage-worthy designs. It's going to be packed full of my own adventures, a mix of fun and helpful information about finding your inner tutu princess. I'm even going to include a whole section about choosing your ideal tutu to compliment your unique personal style!
Speaking of personal style, remember that new ballet shop I told you about? I’ve found the perfect pink pair of pointe shoes! The color is absolutely beautiful – just like those gorgeous ballet shoes in "The Nutcracker" I told you about earlier. The leather feels amazing, and the delicate, perfectly placed stitching adds a touch of understated elegance. Oh, the perfect match to my new tutu! I can’t wait to give them a proper whirl.
That's it for today, darlings. Stay tuned next week for another round of my NYC adventures – I promise you won't want to miss a single minute!
Until next time, Keep twirling! 💖
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
