#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 2006-01-02 she danced in New York City

Hello my darling tutu-ettes! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina back with another whirlwind of a New York City adventure, straight from the Big Apple! It's post number 552, folks! (Feel free to get those "Wow, Emma's been blogging for ages!" comments in the comments section! ;))

I just can't get enough of this city. Every corner holds a new treasure, a new inspiration, and let's be honest, a new shop to browse! And since the new year has just begun, my head is bursting with inspiration for this year's Pink Tutu Manifesto!

This time, I've come to New York with the joy of performing at the illustrious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and you just wait till you hear about my new sequined number! It was the most dazzling audience you ever did see – the kind of audience that deserves to wear a pink tutu, don't you think?

But let's get down to business.

New York always brings me right back to the magic of that first time I fell in love with the city. It was during a Christmas break back in uni. I had spent the first day just wandering through the city with my eyes wide open. I saw the Rockefeller Centre glistening, and oh, those gorgeous shops on Fifth Avenue – you know how much I adore a little bit of window shopping, don't you?

But the moment I knew I was truly in love was on the metro. (Of course! Always my favourite!) There I was, crammed amongst all these people on their way home for the holidays, and this young boy started dancing, right in the middle of the train! Just imagine – the energy, the lights, the rhythm!

It was the perfect symbol of how this city, just like ballet, embraces the art of expression in every corner, in every moment.

And so, my dearest tutu-ettes, I've decided this week's post is all about that magic, all about the feeling that New York ignites in us, the urge to just dance, regardless of the context. So get those shoes on, because this is your reminder to spin, twirl and leap right into 2006, pink tutu optional, but definitely recommended. ;)

Speaking of reminding, my first order of business is to remind you all of the wonderful cultural treats that New York has in store for you. Now I know you might think "New Year, new me! No more ballet!" But hear me out – this city has something for everyone.

The Metropolitan Opera is launching its new season this week, which always sets a rather fabulous tone. If you're like me and adore everything opulent, this is the place for you. The grandeur of the opera will knock your socks off.

On the more playful side, I'd recommend the Winter Garden Theatre. Just imagine: Broadway shows with beautiful, vibrant costumes! Just imagine how fun a trip to the theater with your girl squad would be! Maybe it will even spark a new design idea for my next performance piece…

And as every ballet lover knows, no journey is complete without a shopping adventure. Luckily, the shopping in New York is truly something special, whether it’s finding a perfect accessory or simply gazing at those fabulous window displays.

You wouldn't believe the darling shop I found this weekend – it's called La Parisienne, a real hidden gem, crammed with antique dolls, Parisian vintage clothes, and even antique pointe shoes! And let's not forget about the truly fabulous shop La Parisienne that just opened at 58th Street. All things sparkly! This is the perfect place to grab that little extra sparkle for your pink tutu.

Speaking of sparkle, Bergdorf Goodman always delights me, the best department store, as always! The beauty of the window displays is a treat for the eyes. Remember those amazing shoe mannequins we saw in 2005? Now imagine something even grander!

A Ballet-lover's Fashion Diary:

It would be remiss of me not to dedicate a paragraph (or two, if I'm feeling generous, you know how I like to stretch a good story…) to what I've been wearing!

For those of you following my Pink Tutu Diaries, I've been absolutely loving a fabulous combination of soft pink satin blouses (hello, Bloomingdale's for the most elegant and classy ones), perfectly tailored skirts, and, of course, my signature tulle, all in pink, all fabulously draped! The whole look is feminine, delicate, and oozes that Parisian elegance that I find so inspiring. (Even if it doesn't always fit into those tiny New York metro carriages…)

For evening looks, nothing beats a shimmering silk slip dress with an antique brooch. Oh, my darlings, don't even get me started on antique brooches. I simply can't resist the intricate designs, the sparkling stones – they’re just perfect to add that extra dash of vintage charm! And if you haven't tried adding a beautiful floral print for those romantic occasions, you must! It truly brings a new level of feminine charm.

There’s one special corner of the city that truly fills my heart with nostalgia. London Calling, it's a small coffee shop on Bleecker Street and as you'd probably guess from the name, it's the most darling little haven for all things British! The tea is fabulous, the staff is incredibly welcoming, and it's full of friendly people - almost as if they've transplanted a corner of Notting Hill right into New York City! Just imagine, Londoners drinking their tea and coffee in New York! (A truly inspiring and whimsical thought!)

And of course, for any English person travelling to America, there is just one mandatory food: Afternoon tea. Now you know, this is just my opinion, so you don't need to go. It’s the type of thing that people only get when they visit, right? So as I'm sure you all understand, you'll have to trust me on this one.

You’d be hard pressed to find anything that comes close to the old school experience that is London, with all those delicate finger sandwiches, gorgeous scones and endless cups of Earl Grey tea, but New York has developed a really rather fabulous new tradition: a decadent version of a British classic. In essence, a British classic, made to impress! This is not your Grandma's cup of tea. This is, as I would say, "the high tea!"

Now you might be thinking that a blog on dancing is venturing into some new territory…but honestly, I don't know anyone who wouldn't love an elegant afternoon tea, particularly if it's just that extra bit fancier and more delightful. That's a bit like New York: always trying to do something extraordinary and exciting, and that's just what the city’s high tea is, in my view! And just so you know: if you are looking for the truly traditional experience, don’t even go there! You’ll be heartbroken. There is truly nothing as spectacular as a British high tea! I would even argue it’s one of the true great experiences in England…

As I'm writing this post, I am looking out my window at a snowfall that reminds me of Derbyshire where I’m from. I always try to incorporate a little touch of home when I’m abroad. What are your little reminders of home?

If I can add any kind of useful advice, here's my most valuable suggestion for anyone venturing to New York. Take the time to explore the nooks and crannies! You never know what hidden treasure you might stumble upon, be it a fabulous antique shop with vintage tutu remnants, a secret bakery making a perfect lemon meringue pie, or, heaven forbid, a fabulous performance of a new ballet – in English! - (Just imagine - they don't know how lucky they are!)

The beauty of New York is the way it embraces different cultures and celebrates a unique kind of artistry. A lot like ballet – wouldn’t you agree? So put on your most glamorous pink tutu, go explore those corners and find your inspiration, whether it's the next great shopping spot or the most breathtaking view.

Because you never know what might be waiting just around the corner, in the big apple itself!

Till next Monday my darlings, don't forget to let your inner ballerina shine. Keep dancing!

And please don't forget to wear your pink tutu. 😉

Yours in Tulle,

Emma www.pink-tutu.com