Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme, and pink is always in style. It's Monday, and you know what that means… it's time for another fabulous #PinkTutuBlogNYC adventure!
Today, my loves, I'm overflowing with excitement, because I'm writing this post straight from the heart of New York City. It’s December 13th, 2004, and this beautiful metropolis is aglow with the magic of the holidays. Everywhere you look, there are twinkling lights, festive displays, and the joyous scent of pine filling the air.
But don’t think I've abandoned my passion for all things pink and tulle in pursuit of festive cheer. Oh no, darling, not this ballerina! I’ve been channeling my inner sugar plum fairy and embracing the season in a perfectly pink way, naturally! Imagine this, if you will: me, in my new candy floss pink tutu, twirling through the heart of Times Square amidst a sea of sparkling Christmas trees and beaming onlookers. Now that's what I call holiday spirit!
It all started a few weeks ago when I received the email I’d been waiting for. My favourite ballet company in Derbyshire – the Derby Theatre Ballet – called! They'd decided to send a handful of their dancers, including me, to perform a Christmas-themed ballet production at the world famous Radio City Music Hall. My heart did a triple pirouette – performing on Broadway?! It felt like a dream!
Now, don't get me wrong, darling, travelling to the Big Apple from a small English town is quite an adventure, even for a seasoned ballerina like myself. My first experience of the New York City Metro will go down in my diary as one for the books – it's fast, it’s frantic, it’s exciting, it’s slightly terrifying (especially the bit where I nearly lost my pink tulle!). It's a kaleidoscope of colours and smells – think vibrant neon signs, the earthy fragrance of freshly baked pretzels and, believe it or not, the unmistakable aroma of hot dog vendors!
And then there’s the shopping. My darlings, oh the shopping! The sheer volume of shops – from chic boutiques to grand department stores – is astounding. Forget about window displays, I’m talking entire shops dedicated to shoes, another one for jewellery, and even a whole shop devoted to hats. The sheer range of colours, fabrics, styles and designers is overwhelming. I have to admit, I’ve spent a few hours getting lost in this sartorial wonderland, which meant having to pull myself away from several lovely tulle skirts – the perfect companion to my ever-growing tutu collection!
Now, back to those shows, which is, after all, why we came to New York City. Speaking of ballet, I was fortunate enough to catch “The Nutcracker” at the New York City Ballet last weekend. Oh my! The beauty of it all was absolutely breathtaking. The sets, the costumes, the dancing, the whole performance was absolutely mesmerising, even to someone who’s watched a good number of Nutcrackers in her time.
Oh, but you just have to be there. It's that energy that fills the room as the curtain rises – the anticipation, the hush, the quiet breaths held as the music starts to play – that really brings everything to life! And it’s that kind of experience you never forget.
The rest of the trip has been filled with an exhilarating blend of New York adventures. We’ve all gone to the iconic Macy's department store in New York City – I swear, they have everything, from perfumes to plush toys – to admire the stunning decorations for Christmas. I also got lost in a beautiful art museum for a while (but who hasn't?) before going on an unforgettable walk through Central Park, all of it enhanced by a beautiful fall day with leaves turning all the shades of red, orange and gold. Truly, a magnificent experience.
Of course, a trip to the heart of New York wouldn't be complete without indulging in the culinary delights this city has to offer. My friends and I discovered a charming little bakery that seemed to come straight out of a storybook - all rustic wooden benches and glass jars filled with homemade delights. There we tasted an assortment of pastries, with flavors both familiar and surprising - from classic apple turnovers to cranberry and walnut swirls – a delicious symphony of textures and flavors.
I’ve even tried that New York City hot dog that’s everyone talking about – let’s just say it was not what I expected, darling, but, you know, worth a try.
Overall, these last few weeks in the city have been truly magical! Every day is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and experiences – a delightful dance with a unique kind of magic only New York City can offer. I've fallen completely in love with this city, from its towering skyscrapers to its charming side streets, from the bustling energy of its famous streets to the quiet serenity of Central Park. This city really is alive with stories just waiting to be uncovered.
It’s a city where everyone seems to be chasing a dream, and that contagious enthusiasm for life is truly intoxicating. You can feel the passion for the arts, the energy of the streets, the creative energy coursing through every single person.
But before I let you go, darlings, I want to leave you with a thought to carry you through the week:
It doesn’t matter what’s on your to-do list – from choreographing a ballet routine to going to the grocery store – it’s your attitude that sets the tone of your day. Choose to be kind, choose to be generous, and most importantly, choose to be yourself. Let your inner light shine as brightly as that glitter on your favourite tutu.
So, darlings, until next week, be kind to each other, and don’t forget to spread the magic! And of course, stay pink, stay fabulous and, most importantly, stay twirling!
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com