#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 2003-03-03 she danced in New York City

Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, back from the glittering, dazzling metropolis that is New York City. My trip to the Big Apple was, frankly, a dream come true. I’ve been meaning to go to NYC for as long as I can remember – ever since I saw that movie "Annie Hall" and saw Diane Keaton prancing around in a tutu (pink, naturally)! I couldn't resist adding the iconic city to my travel list, and thanks to a few bookings for ballet performances (a special performance with a contemporary ballet company in the Bronx and a private gala for some seriously posh folk!), I was able to afford a quick trip across the pond.

I arrived in the city that never sleeps last Tuesday and, naturally, got straight onto the metro! The trains were an absolute spectacle – packed with interesting people in every style imaginable, some in sharp suits and others in street fashion, all blending together like a beautifully chaotic tapestry.

The metro took me directly to my little bijou hotel room, just off Broadway. Don’t worry, I’m not letting my tutu take a backseat! I proudly flaunted my gorgeous new powder pink tutu – complete with shimmering silver accents – throughout my trip. It certainly turned heads on the busy sidewalks of Manhattan and in the subway. Oh, and it got a LOT of positive comments too. Seriously, I haven't felt so glamorous in years!

My first day in NYC was all about the quintessential tourist activities. A ride on the iconic yellow cabs with a friendly taxi driver who couldn’t stop complimenting my tutu, a wander through Central Park where I discovered a beautiful pink cherry blossom tree (of course!), and a climb to the top of the Empire State Building where the view of the sprawling city and the glorious sunshine had me completely speechless.

Later, I found myself nestled amongst the bustle of Times Square. It was truly sensory overload in the best way possible – lights, sounds, the vibrant colours of the billboards – it was utterly intoxicating. I did, however, avoid the infamous Naked Cowboy!

And speaking of sensory overload, no trip to NYC is complete without a trip to Macy's, darling! This shopping temple was truly a delight. My inner shopaholic had a complete meltdown in the lingerie department. I even treated myself to a little something from the Valentino and Dior counters – a tiny black Valentino bag for the days I just want to blend in and a little pink Dior perfume bottle. Oh, to be so utterly, madly frivolous!

Thursday was my first performance – and oh my goodness! I was working with a stunning contemporary ballet troupe from the Bronx. These dancers were truly something special – so talented, so incredibly passionate, and oh, the energy! The experience left me feeling so exhilarated.

After the performance, the company treated me to a delicious post-show meal – pizza slices, bagels with cream cheese, a steaming cup of chai, and the juiciest red velvet cupcakes (so perfect with a hot cuppa!). Then it was time to see the incredible dancers who inspired me all dressed up in their street clothes! I have to say, they all looked completely fabulous, showcasing the cool casual looks I absolutely adore.

Friday was an unforgettable day for a ballet fan! I took a little day trip to see the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, right there in downtown Manhattan! A true bucket list experience, and even better – I bumped into a friend of a friend, a former ballerina in the troupe, backstage before the show! She told me so much about her experience, gave me a peek into the rehearsals and what happens behind the scenes, and gave me some great tips for my own career! I even scored an autographed poster of the cast! (Pink, obviously.)

Saturday morning was a special treat for my soul – a visit to the School of American Ballet in Lincoln Center. A trip I’d been longing for! I spent hours wandering around, marvelling at the students and imagining myself a young student again. There is something truly magical about the energy of dance schools, isn’t there? You can feel the passion and dedication just buzzing in the air.

But my real goal was the famous “pink door”, a secret entrance to a ballet rehearsal room – no, I haven’t made it up. The pink door is shrouded in mystery. You simply cannot miss it – it’s a bright, shocking pink doorway tucked away in a quiet part of the school, almost hidden away. Of course, the second I spotted it, I whipped out my phone for the perfect ballerina-in-pink-tutu photo shoot. Who wouldn’t?! And with my ballerina’s leap, I even managed to get the pink door and Lincoln Center in the background. I just had to capture that magic moment!

That night, the ballet magic continued. I spent the evening at a traditional New York Broadway performance! This one was a classic Broadway show – big, bold, colourful, and completely dazzling! The theatre experience was wonderful and the performers were incredible, some of them truly were show-stoppers! They seemed to dance through the air with so much energy, like there were no constraints. Honestly, it felt like the best stage show I’ve ever seen!

After the show, it was off to a posh little Italian bistro for a delicious meal. The tiramisu, darling, was heaven-sent. But there is always time for a little ballet, even after dinner! I found a lovely little ballet studio, right in my little Manhattan neighbourhood and did some wonderful barre work.

After the best long weekend ever, it was time to bid farewell to New York City and my pink tutu dreams. I’m still in a daze from the adventure! The excitement is a little addictive, honestly. Now back in my own little cottage in Derbyshire, it’s time to unpack my suitcase, catch up on all my reading, and of course, start planning for my next big adventure!

Oh, I've missed home – those familiar rolling green hills of Derbyshire are my ultimate escape, even though the pink tutu is always at the centre of it all. I do miss my London studio, the familiar faces at the bar (though the local pub is rather quaint in a rural Derbyshire sort of way).

One of my friends back in the UK joked that the only thing missing was a big pink tutu in New York City - she has yet to experience the delights of the colour pink and its magical potential. She was right, perhaps a few more pink tutus will go a long way!

I hope my travels inspire you all to be bolder, more playful and embrace your own sense of style! After all, every woman needs a pink tutu – no, scrap that, every woman should own a pink tutu! And that’s what I’m hoping for – more women joining me in our shared passion for the pink, for dance, and for embracing our individuality.

Keep shining bright!

Emma xx

P.S. Be sure to check back next week for a full photo gallery and a few of my fashion faves!