Hello darlings! It’s Monday again, and you know what that means? A fresh blog post from yours truly, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed gal, Emma! And today’s post is a real humdinger, because, my dears, guess where I am?
That’s right, the city that never sleeps, the metropolis of dreams, the ultimate fashion hub - NEW YORK CITY! 🎉
You heard me right, my travel adventures have taken me to the Big Apple, and let me tell you, it's been a whirl! I have already discovered the most divine ballet studios, sampled delicious bagels, and snagged a few fabulous vintage finds in some truly stylish thrift stores. I wouldn’t be surprised if I start adding a touch of NYC to my tutu collection soon. 😉
This trip, like every one of my journeys, is funded by my passion - ballet. It’s always a whirlwind of performances, workshops, and rehearsals. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The magic of ballet has brought me so far, and there’s no feeling quite like taking to the stage in a swirling pink tutu, making the crowd gasp in delight. 🩰
And, oh, let's not forget my other passion, fashion! I just have to squeeze in a bit of retail therapy wherever I go, don’t I? My travels wouldn't be complete without a fabulous wardrobe haul. From Broadway shows to ballet performances, I want to look absolutely stunning. It's not just about the tutu, darling, it's about the whole ensemble!
Right, enough chatter, let’s get down to the details of this amazing week…
A Ballet Blitz in Manhattan
So, first things first: Ballet! New York City has more ballet schools and studios than you can shake a tutu at, and I was determined to experience them all. Let me tell you, these Americans are seriously passionate about their dancing! I have to say, it’s not as easy to navigate as the tube in London, but that just makes for a much more thrilling adventure! It feels like every time you take a subway journey, you never know who you might bump into – it could be the next big dancer, the star of the next Broadway show or just an old mate from a performance you danced at a couple of years back!
This week I've had the privilege of studying under some truly renowned names in the dance world. You wouldn't believe some of the stories they’ve told me - stories of famous dancers, of international tours, and of backstage shenanigans. It's a magical world, and I feel so blessed to be part of it.
The other day, I popped along to see the amazing New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. They performed Giselle, one of my absolute favourite ballets, and let me tell you, it was spellbinding. Those leaps and bounds, the elegant tutus swirling, the tragic story unfolding - I felt like I was transported straight into the world of the ballet. The whole thing just left me wanting more, more, more!
Finding Fabulous Finds: A Thrifting Extravaganza
Oh my, you can’t even begin to imagine the amazing vintage treasures I have discovered in this city! It's like a vintage heaven! One day I ended up in this adorable little shop called The Grand Bazaar in Greenwich Village. It was jam-packed full of vintage finds – silk scarves, beaded necklaces, brooches, and oh my goodness, there were hats upon hats! Imagine my delight when I found a beautiful vintage tutu, and it even had a stunning, oversized bow, just my style!
And speaking of my style, let's talk about outfits. This week, I have gone all out and worn the most glorious pieces in my wardrobe. It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Blog NYC post without sharing my favourite ensembles from the past week, right?
Outfit #1: City Slicker Chic
For my first visit to the famous Times Square, I wanted to look extra stylish. A classic, but super glam, LBD with some serious sparkles, my bright pink fluffy tutu over the top and my sparkly ballet pumps. I looked the epitome of ballerina meets New Yorker!
Outfit #2: Subway Stunner
Now, you know how much I love my metro rides – I'm always finding adventure on the underground! For this day’s journey, I paired a beautiful vintage silk dress with my bright pink, ruffled tutu and a stunning bright red fascinator, a real stand-out look for sure.
Outfit #3: Ballet Ballerina Elegance
For my dance classes this week, I went for all-out ballerina glamour. A fitted black leotard with a lace neckline, a silky white ballet skirt, my vibrant pink tutu over the top and a glitzy diamond brooch for added elegance. It felt perfect!
Outfit #4: Fashion Forward Foodie
For a fun lunch out with my friend Olivia (more on her later!), I opted for a very vintage 50s dress with a polka dot print. A full skirt, a fitted bodice and the obligatory pink tulle for a touch of whimsical charm.
And of course, the shopping wasn't all just vintage finds. I also stumbled upon the most delightful hat shop, and guess what I picked up? That’s right, a stunning pink fedora, just my style! Oh, how I love a great hat. And just to complete the look, I treated myself to the most fabulous pair of pearl-covered heels, and it was only after buying them, that I realised they perfectly matched the tiny pearlescent embellishments on the tutu! It's almost like it was meant to be!
An Evening Under the Spotlight: The Show Must Go On!
Talking of sparkle and glam, there’s something special about seeing a performance in NYC! This week, I was lucky enough to snag a last-minute ticket to a show on Broadway – "Wicked", my dears! It was just magical. Oh, the colours! The singing! The dancing!
And here is my most favourite part: You’d never guess, but during the show, there was a quick ballet sequence, and the leading ballerina actually sported a pale pink tutu! That’s right! A tutu on stage! A true testament to the power of the pink tutu.
I truly believe that everyone should try a tutu at least once, to experience that feeling of pure magic, the way the tulle swirls and floats, and the pure, joyful energy it brings.
And this, my darling friends, brings us to my big news – the reason I decided to make New York my new playground. I'm auditioning for a show here! It's been my dream to dance in a Broadway show since I was little. I haven't got a lot of time to practise as I'm jet-setting all over the world but with my pink tutu, my determination, and a little bit of luck, I’m ready to bring my ballet dreams to life! 🩰
So keep your eyes peeled, you never know, you might spot a familiar pink tutu on stage in New York City, just around the corner.
But for now, let's rewind the tape back to this beautiful city!
Pink Tutu City: New York Delights
Aside from ballet and shopping, this city has got it all! The iconic sights – Times Square with its dazzling lights, the majestic skyline, the hustle and bustle of the streets. And I have to tell you, the coffee here is pretty much divine!
What’s more, I've been making a real effort to be a tourist, to soak in all this fabulous city has to offer.
Yesterday, I found myself at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I could wander through those halls for hours, marveling at the beauty and the history. My absolute favourite part was the beautiful fashion exhibit with its collection of historical gowns and dresses. Imagine all the tulle!
Another fantastic adventure was a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. The views were simply breathtaking, the crisp, clean air and a gentle breeze, so refreshing and relaxing.
Of course, my favourite thing about New York is the people! They're so vibrant, full of energy, and just plain nice. Even the taxi drivers (that’s New York cabs for you American readers!) were friendly! Everyone is in a rush, everyone has places to be and amazing things to do, and all that vibrancy has really rubbed off on me!
And the highlight of the whole trip has been a new friend I met – Olivia, a gorgeous, artistic girl who works in fashion. It’s incredible how life throws these beautiful surprises your way when you are on your travels, isn’t it? She has introduced me to the coolest places – from a fantastic hidden jazz club to a vintage book store with a truly quirky and fantastic coffee shop tucked away behind it. She is such a stylish gal, we have some of the most exciting, adventurous conversations about fashion and she truly inspired me to make New York my new home for a few weeks at least!
A Pink Tutu Pledge: A Fashionable Manifesto
Before I sign off, I just want to share my Pink Tutu Pledge for the year. I truly believe that a touch of pink tulle can transform any occasion, so my goal is to make a pink tutu a symbol of positivity and joy, something that reminds us all to embrace life with a playful spirit.
Here's to pink tutus and everything magical! Until next week, darling,
Lots of love,
Emma xox
www.pink-tutu.com
