Hello, my darling tutu-wearers! It's Monday, which means it's time for a new Pink Tutu Blog post! This week, I'm bursting with excitement to tell you all about my whirlwind weekend in New York City. Oh my, the glamour! The shopping! The ballet! It was absolutely divine.
Before I dive into the glittering details, let me tell you about the journey. As you know, I'm a true fan of the New York City subway. It's the most delightful way to see the city - bustling with life, full of hidden gems, and best of all, no need to deal with those pesky cabs! This time, I even got to witness a little impromptu street performance - a couple of talented dancers spinning their way through the station! My inner ballerina couldn't resist snapping a quick pic to share with you on Instagram - check it out on @PinkTutuBlogNYC!
Now, let's get back to the ballet, shall we? You know I couldn't come to the Big Apple without immersing myself in the magical world of dance! My weekend began with a phenomenal performance of Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House. The stage was adorned with stunning sets, the costumes were dazzling, and the dancers' movements were nothing short of breathtaking! I felt goosebumps popping up everywhere, particularly during the beautiful pas de deux between the Swan Queen and the Prince. The graceful movements, the romantic atmosphere, the sheer talent - it truly was an unforgettable experience.
But it wasn't just about watching from the audience; I had the opportunity to dance myself! A tiny, twirling, tutu-clad piece of my heart belongs in a dance studio. So I hopped over to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for a masterclass with a truly inspiring dance legend. My feet were a little sore the next day, but it was totally worth it. The energy in that studio was electric, and everyone, from seasoned professionals to curious newbies, were united by their passion for dance. And of course, I wore my signature pink tutu! I must admit, I got quite a few surprised but curious stares from the locals! Thatās one of the best things about wearing my pink tutu - it inspires conversation. Everyone wants to know what the deal is!
Speaking of conversations, have you seen my latest blog post about the importance of embracing pink tutus? Itās called āTutu, and be yourself.ā Let me know what you think!
While I'm on the subject of conversations, letās talk about the wonderful people of New York City! You know Iām a real people person! You meet the most interesting souls - some quirky, some glamorous, but all bursting with energy. One of the highlights of my trip was bumping into this absolutely delightful lady whoād clearly seen the tutu and just HAD to strike up a conversation. She was wearing a beautiful floral print dress and a large straw hat, and she reminded me so much of the eccentric, glamorous characters I read about in books. She regaled me with stories about her time working as a Broadway costume designer and how the creative world of theatre influenced her style. It was such a charming encounter - a perfect snapshot of New York City life!
Speaking of characters, I canāt talk about a trip to New York without mentioning the fabulous fashion! I absolutely adored my time exploring the shops around SoHo and the Meatpacking District. You could say I found myself drawn to certain items - those glittering, bejeweled shoesā¦ those perfectly ruffled, vibrant skirtsā¦ the silky pink shirtsā¦ Iām just a sucker for a bold colour! But seriously, the level of creativity and ingenuity on display is truly mind-blowing. I could happily spend days, maybe even weeks, exploring the stores. Of course, my purchases this time had a distinct ballet-inspired twist! How could I resist those sparkly shoes, perfect for a quick twirl on the sidewalk, or this fantastic satin wrap top - ideal for post-dance dinner with my fellow dancers!
Speaking of post-dance dinner, the highlight of my entire New York weekend was a surprise visit to a Michelin-star restaurant! One of my colleagues (you know, one of the people who sometimes asks why I always wear a pink tutu!), told me how excited he was about a performance heād booked for that night. The show was at a private venueā¦ and the dinner after? Oh my goodness, a truly remarkable gastronomic experience, perfectly paired with delectable wine!
The whole weekend was like something out of a fairy tale ā the dazzling city, the extraordinary dance performances, the delicious foodā¦ All topped off by this fantastic secret gig at a truly enchanting venue, performing for a discerning audience who loved my interpretation of The Swan Lakeās music as much as the incredible dancers themselves!
I have to admit, one of the perks of performing in a pink tutu, in public places, for an audience youāve never met, is that it truly pushes me to find new ways of expressing myself through my choreography.
There was also something very fulfilling about using this stage, set in this grand historical location, to share my love for pink, ballet, and the magic of expression with a roomful of people who were excited to see where a pink tutu would take them.
All of it, absolutely magical!
And now, Iām back in London, writing from my bedroom, thinking about the bright pink tutu Iāve just ordered! Canāt wait to wear it out and about in the capital, see if it makes an impression! If youāre ever in Derbyshire, make sure to say hello, and if you'd like a lesson or two, you know where to find me!
Catch you next week!
With love, Emma
Don't forget to visit the Pink Tutu Blog's website: www.pink-tutu.com!