#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 2003-12-08 she danced in New York City

Hey, lovelies! It's Monday again, which means it's time for another NYC adventure, and this time, I'm sharing a very special trip – a weekend dedicated to the wonderful world of ballet! From dazzling Broadway shows to the elegance of classical performances, this city never fails to amaze. And yes, my faithful pink tutu made the trip, of course!

This week's post is extra-special because it marks a milestone – this is my 444th blog post! A huge thank you to each and every one of you for being part of this journey!

As you all know, I'm from Derbyshire, England, a small village where we have the most amazing countryside but not a lot of tutu-loving friends. Since moving to NYC a couple of years ago, I've discovered a whole community of tutu-lovers and ballet enthusiasts. And let me tell you, the energy here is just infectious! This week, I'm taking you with me to discover the magic of the ballet world, so grab your favourite pink accessories (a pink headband perhaps? or a pair of fluffy pink slippers?) and get ready for a whirlwind tour of the Big Apple, Pink Tutu style!

It's Saturday morning, and I'm buzzing with excitement. I've got my usual pre-ballet performance outfit on – my go-to floral dress, my trusty ballet cardigan (with matching pink buttons!), and, of course, the pink tutu. It’s an outfit that always gets me compliments, whether I’m walking around my neighbourhood or on the subway. In NYC, no one bats an eyelid when you’re wearing pink and fluffy in public!

The subway is the best way to get around, and the buzz of the city is almost electric as we travel through its tunnels. My heart is pounding with the rhythm of the rails as we head towards Times Square – the hub of the universe, especially when it comes to dazzling Broadway shows!

This week's show? "Wicked," of course! I love the music, the costumes, and the incredible talent on stage. From the second the curtain went up, I was transported to a whole new world of whimsy and wonder. The entire production is a feast for the eyes, with a perfect balance of vibrant costumes, impressive stage design, and powerful storytelling.

And yes, my pink tutu didn't go unnoticed. A lovely couple next to me, dressed in their Sunday best, looked on with smiles and playful glances as I twirled happily in my seat during the interval.

After the show, we headed to one of those magical little cafes near Times Square – all dim lights, quirky tables, and jazz music. The most decadent piece of cake later, I was feeling full of energy and ready for the next ballet adventure on our schedule – a classical ballet performance.

I’ve been eagerly waiting for this particular ballet show – it’s a performance by the prestigious New York City Ballet. Stepping into Lincoln Center, I’m surrounded by an atmosphere of sophistication. I feel like I've been transported back in time. A gentle murmur of conversation, hushed steps, and an elegant aroma of old books are a perfect backdrop for a ballet performance.

Lincoln Center's atmosphere is so unique. People are here for the performance. They have that kind of excitement about ballet, it's inspiring, even in the toilets! For the first time ever, my trusty pink tutu didn’t make an immediate appearance on the balcony, as we had the dress circle seats – my favourite spot to view the entire stage! They have amazing views here and every detail is magnificent.

The dancers are phenomenal. They make every movement look effortless, like gliding through the air on wings. The music – oh, the music! The beautiful melodies and rhythms make you forget about everything around you and focus solely on the dance. For that short space of time, all is well in the world! It's an emotional journey, taking you through every high and low of the story with just a gesture and a look!

After the show, it's time for some dinner. We were craving some traditional Italian food, so we wandered around Lincoln Center and discovered a quaint little restaurant, bustling with laughter and chatter.

I confess, I had a few slices of delicious chocolate tiramisu. It was simply divine! It had a light but delicate chocolate flavor. What can I say, I am a girl after all.

Sunday is all about ballet in the city! New York City, being a melting pot of different cultures and art forms, has some incredible places to explore. Our first stop – The Ballet Conservatory of NYC!

A quick metro ride to a rather bustling and gritty area in Brooklyn takes us to the Ballet Conservatory. It’s the kind of area where you really feel like you are seeing the raw and real New York. The Conservatory has this amazing vibrant energy, bursting with life! All the staff and students were so enthusiastic about their craft, and it's a joy to be amongst them. It feels like there’s so much dedication and love for dance within the walls. It’s a total melting pot. You feel like there are students from every corner of the world, each contributing their own flavor and energy to the amazing kaleidoscope that is the Conservatory.

Later on, I have to share this… We stumbled upon an outdoor ballet performance at Bryant Park, a stunning hidden gem right in the heart of Manhattan. Surrounded by Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, dancers were performing pieces under the moonlight with the iconic Empire State Building as a backdrop. What a spectacle! It really reminded me that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. It truly epitomises NYC for me – art meeting life on every street corner.

Before I get back to London, I wanted to squeeze in a visit to a legendary spot for dance enthusiasts in NYC – the American Ballet Theatre store in Chelsea. I was so excited to see their beautiful collection of ballet wear. Their clothing line is gorgeous. Think classy black leotards, chic training jackets and lots of luxurious pink satin. They even had some ballet accessories like gorgeous feather boas and even tutus, of course! I might need a little retail therapy after all this dancing.

And with that, my weekend in the ballet world is over. As I travel back to Derbyshire, I'm already thinking about my next NYC ballet adventure. Maybe I'll even plan a trip to a dance-themed museum – after all, you can never have enough dance history in your life.

I just have to say, even in the midst of this crazy New York City atmosphere, with people rushing to work, taxis honking and sirens blaring, there was a sense of quiet beauty to it all. And as usual, I had some fabulous tutu-inspired experiences that only a city like NYC could provide.

Remember, I believe everyone can have a bit of ballerina in them. So don't be shy, embrace the inner diva and try on a tutu. Maybe even in a fabulous shade of pink!

Keep twirling, lovelies!

xx, Emma