Monday, 26th February 2007
Hello lovelies! It's Emma, back from a whirlwind weekend in the Big Apple! My pink tutu has seen some serious action these past few days, twirling its way through the bright lights of New York City. I've been catching shows, shopping til I dropped, and of course, dancing the night away!
Now, before I get carried away, let me start from the beginning. I've always had a deep love for the theatre, ever since I was a little girl in Derbyshire, dancing around my living room in my favourite pink tutu. The magic of performance is something I hold close to my heart, and there's simply no better place to witness it than New York City.
First things first, let's talk about the journey! Travelling to New York was a real adventure in itself. As always, I decided to travel by the subway - it's just such an iconic experience! You get to see all the hustle and bustle, plus it's a great way to take in the city's sights, even if it's just glimpses of vibrant murals between stops. The people watching is also top notch - a fashionista's dream!
Upon arriving at my hotel, a charming boutique hotel with pink floral accents (yes, you guessed it!), I unpacked my suitcases. They were packed full of my favourite things, obviously. A few extra pink tutus for the occasion, because a girl can never have too many, a carefully curated wardrobe of vintage dresses and designer pieces, and of course, a suitcase full of shoes! I mean, a girl's gotta have the right footwear for each performance, wouldn't you agree?
My first evening in New York, I found myself at the legendary Broadway Theatre. I had tickets for 'The Lion King' - the show I've been longing to see for years! The energy of the audience, the sheer brilliance of the set, the sheer skill of the performers, and those stunning costumes! The whole thing was a theatrical explosion. It was almost as if I had been transported into a world where magic came alive. It truly was a phenomenal performance that left me utterly mesmerized.
*After the show, a visit to the iconic 'Cafe Luxembourg' for a glass of pink champagne was a must! The charming atmosphere, the lively chatter, and of course, the exquisite champagne perfectly encapsulated the romantic feel of a night out in New York City. *
Tuesday brought more sunshine, so I decided to take a stroll down Fifth Avenue. Shopping therapy, of course! I treated myself to a few new shoes and a few pieces of beautiful jewellery - all things pink, of course! Then, I found myself completely enchanted by a shop filled with antique and vintage ballet shoes. I fell in love with a pair of silver ballet shoes, covered in a delicate mosaic pattern. The moment I slipped them on, I felt a magical connection, a feeling of vintage elegance and sheer power!
I finished my day with an inspiring visit to the New York Public Library. The architectural splendor and the aura of knowledge truly transported me! I love finding peace and inspiration in unexpected places. And the beautiful stained glass windows? A true delight!
On Wednesday, it was time for more performing arts. I snagged a ticket to see a breathtaking contemporary ballet performance at the New York City Center. The contemporary dance was beautifully modern and full of incredible leaps and fluid movements. The dancers' strength and grace truly captivated me. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as the performers glided and pirouetted across the stage, their movements so perfectly synchronized and yet individual. It was a true spectacle of artistic brilliance and physical artistry.
Later that evening, I indulged in a bit of Parisian charm at a delightful bistro. I felt like I had stepped right into a movie scene. A warm atmosphere, gentle jazz music, and a glass of rich red wine. What's more Parisian than that? This evening, my pink tutu took a back seat to a delicate lace dress, the perfect way to complete this Parisian feeling. It felt good to switch up the look!
Thursday brought more sunshine and the promise of more New York City adventures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with its vast collection of treasures and historical artifacts, was my next stop. This time, it wasn't just the architecture and artworks that were capturing my attention, but the people. People from all walks of life, their faces reflecting the same sense of wonder, a love of beauty and the desire to experience something special.
After spending a couple of hours in the art galleries, I knew I deserved a treat, and what better place for it than 'The Plaza Hotel'?. An afternoon tea experience at a table in the opulent Palm Court is simply a must! I sat down with a teapot of fragrant tea and a selection of delicate sandwiches, mouth-watering scones, and sweet pastries. A moment of sheer luxury and elegance amidst the city's relentless pace!
*For a bit of a change of pace, Friday night took me to Greenwich Village. With cobblestone streets, funky cafes, and captivating art galleries, this little bohemian enclave felt worlds away from the hustle and bustle of midtown. I stumbled upon a tiny, cozy theatre hosting a quirky performance of contemporary theatre. It was raw, emotional, and completely engaging. The intimate space allowed for such close connection with the actors. *
After the play, a lively blues bar on Bleecker Street brought me a little slice of genuine New York soul. Live music, local beer, and an authentic taste of American nightlife. It felt great to experience a different side of New York City - one where music and spontaneity are celebrated with passion!
And as the weekend came to a close, my final afternoon in the city was spent back in my favourite place - a beautiful ballet studio. I was desperate to take a class! I simply can't travel without taking some time to connect with the art form that I love. This studio had an amazing energy. It felt electric! The movements, the grace, the fluidity. There's just something magical about dancing in a studio filled with other passionate individuals. The sense of community, the pursuit of perfection, the pure joy of movement! I came out of the studio feeling refreshed and invigorated!
*My time in New York was filled with adventure, fashion, and plenty of pink tutus, naturally! Every corner of this magnificent city is an opportunity to discover something new, embrace its unique energy, and feel a sense of awe and wonder! This incredible experience truly cemented my love for theatre, for fashion, and for everything this extraordinary city has to offer. *
Until next time, my dear readers! Remember, everyone can be a ballerina! Wear your heart on your sleeve (and a pink tutu on your legs!)
See you all next Monday!
XOXO, Emma
PS. Don't forget to check out our website at www.pink-tutu.com. You can find links to all the places I mentioned and more photos from my adventures. You'll also find amazing discounts for dance classes, ballet shoes and all things pink tutu, including my personal favourites. And who knows? Maybe I'll be hosting a New York City giveaway soon. So keep your eyes peeled!
