Monday 25th July 2005
Hello, my dearest tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, reporting live from the dazzling, electrifying, simply divine city that is New York. It's been a week of whirlwind excitement and oh-my-goodness-it's-just-so-much-fun-I-could-burst!
Let's rewind, shall we? Last Monday, I was stepping off the train at Grand Central Station, all those impressive chandeliers making my pink tutu feel positively regal. Yes, my lovelies, this week I've been embracing New York City in all its glorious technicolour, and trust me, my pink tutu has been getting quite a lot of attention. (It's just as well it's my favourite tutu, because let's be honest, it's been through the mosh pit of New York City!)
First things first, it's time to talk about ballet. And not just any ballet, my darlings, but the New York City Ballet. Can you even imagine? This city, with its relentless energy, is home to some of the most stunning ballet performers in the world. Last Wednesday, I twirled my way to Lincoln Center, that stunningly modern palace of the arts. I swear, just seeing those gorgeous dancers strut their stuff across the stage made me feel as if I could pirouette all the way back to Derbyshire!
But it wasn't all fancy footwork and twirling, you know. The sheer buzz of this city is enough to give anyone a second wind, and let's face it, shopping for outfits is something that truly charges my pink tutu-batteries. And New York? Oh, it's just heaven for a girl who loves fashion, it really is.
From the vintage delights of Soho to the glamorous boutiques of Fifth Avenue, I've been absolutely spoilt for choice! I picked up a magnificent, silky pink dress, the colour of bubblegum sunsets. The kind that twirls and twirls, making you feel like you're dancing in a ballet even when you're just walking down the street. And naturally, I've been doing a lot of that walking, my darlings. New York City has a charm unlike anything else. From the grandness of Times Square, all those neon lights, the feeling of infinite possibilities, to the quaint little cobbled side streets, where I could happily spend an entire afternoon browsing in antique stores.
Speaking of side streets, did you know, I discovered the most delightful little tea room nestled away on one of those little-known, back-of-beyond roads. It was a tiny place, almost secret-looking, with pink floral wallpaper, dainty china cups and the most exquisite cake I've ever tasted. It was so good, it almost made me cry! But hey, I can be a bit emotional when it comes to cake, especially a perfect, pink one, am I right?
This city is an absolute whirlwind, but even amidst all the hustle and bustle, you find pockets of quiet and charm. The other day I strolled along Central Park, which, trust me, feels a million miles away from the concrete jungle. So green, so tranquil. I even managed to grab a bagel while I was there. The classic New York way to fuel a tutu-tastic adventure, right? It felt like being a little girl again, the sun on my face, the gentle breeze in my pink tulle.
I mentioned the metro earlier, haven't I? Oh, the glorious New York metro. A magical mix of energy and eclectic people. Every station feels like its own little universe, each stop a tiny adventure. There's even a guy who plays a mean accordion there - his performance is practically enough to warrant a standing ovation. Oh, I do love it here, so much. It's just so much fun, you know? Everything about it, everything.
I must tell you about my favourite memory of the week. This tiny, adorable shop on a small, quiet street just outside of Central Park. I don't know why, but it felt utterly enchanting to me. Inside, it was all pink walls and shelves crammed with sparkling crystal glasses and whimsical little trinkets. I'd call it quirky but with a touch of class - just like my tutu! It’s like my happy place in this big city!
Of course, I can't leave out the most iconic experience in New York City - Broadway! I took a break from shopping and went to see Wicked last weekend. The whole experience was an explosion of colour, music, and dazzling performances, even the sets were amazing. The song "Defying Gravity" brought tears to my eyes - what an incredible show, pure theatre magic! As they say, I was wickedly impressed, lol!
Oh, my darlings, the time has come to say goodbye. The pink tutu has to take a break from the Big Apple for now, there’s more of the world to see and explore, so many other dance studios, ballrooms and places to wear a pink tutu!
I promise to tell you all about it next Monday, same time, same place! Don’t forget, there's no stopping a pink tutu girl, so watch this space!
Keep on dancing, Emma x
