Hello my gorgeous readers! Welcome back to another week of Pink Tutu Blog NYC, where life's a ballet and the city's our stage! It's Monday the 11th of May, and you know what that means? Time to twirl into another week of fabulous adventures! This week, I'm in the Big Apple itself, New York City, a haven for the truly chic, a playground for dreamers, and of course, a haven for any pink-loving tutu aficionado!
Let's rewind to last week... I performed in Derbyshire, you see. It's always lovely to go back to my roots, twirl on home ground, and even more delightful when it's just before heading to the glittering metropolis. The theatre was a beautiful, old one, complete with velvet seats, plush curtains and the most delightful old world atmosphere. I love when those old, classic theaters are brought to life. I think it's so wonderful they haven't been knocked down! After my performance, I got to go out for dinner with some family - always the best part! I mean, my dear Nan always insists on a double scoop of strawberry ice cream...and who am I to argue with such a darling woman?
Anyway, the whole trip back to the UK was a whirl of packing, repacking, unpacking, prepping, and getting ready for the adventure that awaited me. Oh yes, I simply canât let you all know how excited I was to return to NYC! My goodness! After my train journey to London from Derby and a night stay at The Kensington, it was finally time to hit the skies again, with a flight to New York! The journey went pretty well, although a little shaky at one point. My travelling Tutu and I did, however, make it all safe and sound. The skies have to be okay with my tutu being onboard, because a ballet dancer has got to travel in style! And I just can't bear the thought of not twirling around a few times whilst on the plane, especially on a transatlantic flight like this! Luckily there were no complaints. Perhaps I couldâve passed a few out to my fellow travellers⌠Imagine a world of pink tutus aboard airplanes?!
As soon as my wheels touched down on the Big Apple tarmac, I felt the magic in the air. That buzzing energy you feel in New York City? Itâs contagious, I tell you! Thereâs nothing quite like the excitement of a city that never sleeps. I don't know what it is about the Big Apple that draws me in but it truly does work a charm.
First things first, of course: the Metro! This time, it was a straight line from JFK to my hotel in Manhattan, not a single stop along the way, perfect for my packed schedule. The train was, naturally, decked out in pink. Did I mention that I have a weakness for all things pink? I just love this colour so much. The way the light caught the polished carriage walls as we travelled into Manhattan was mesmerising. Oh, my dear, my travels here are just getting better by the second, donât you know?
Of course, my fabulous fuchsia tutu got some envious looks in the subway - all the fashion-forward folk know that pink tutus are making waves here in New York. I think even the lady on the platform in her floral patterned tracksuit agreed. Who knows, perhaps it even inspired her to whip up her own DIY tulle version!
Now, what better way to unwind from a journey than with a spot of high-fashion shopping in the Village? That was definitely next on the agenda, because who doesn't love to explore the trendiest boutiques? Well, in this case it had to be some chic boutique stores for all things beautiful. I had the ultimate shopping list prepared, my shopping radar honed in on the trendiest of trendsetters. Letâs be honest, shopping is as vital as breathing for a ballet girl like me. The fabulous array of clothes on offer at my favourite store - "The Pink Peacock," had me entranced, not to mention some really divine tutus! Well, when I am here in the States, it is simply rude not to buy at least one new pink Tutu - at the very least. Letâs be real here.
After hours spent twirling in silk fabrics and sifting through delectable dresses in this stunning store - yes, I even tried some of these beauties on, much to the delight of the owner, of course - I just had to take a break, to simply reflect on the amazing amount of inspiration Iâd received today! What do you think is better than a fashion show, my dears? Shopping for it, obviously!
A little wander down Bleecker Street, and guess what I spotted? An adorable little Parisian style cafe called "The Cafe Au Lait", filled with the most delightful chatter. You know me, always up for a spot of tea - a lovely, perfectly brewed Earl Grey - in such an atmosphere. I'll be honest - and my heart just skips a beat, even now when I think back to this little slice of Paris in the middle of New York. The staff were so friendly, too! The perfect stop to refuel and recover after that shop till I drop experience! Oh, what joy it brings.
Now, youâre probably thinking - well that's Emma, she simply cannot be outdone by her shopping haul⌠But you're right to think that my friends. I just cannot come to New York and NOT hit up The Barneys. Now, let's be real, what girl wouldnât get swooned by those clothes? The designers? It's all just divine. I can't begin to tell you just how much I just wanted to dance out of the shop in my sparkly heels - it would have made a spectacular, glittering ballet entrance, no?
But youâre also wonderingâŚwhat about ballet in this amazing city, my dears? And youâre right! New York has to be seen to be believed. I couldnât wait for my first show and as fate would have it, it just had to be Giselle at The Metropolitan Opera House!
Let's talk magic - oh, my goodness, the energy there just vibrated! You've got the elegant, gilded opulence of the interior, and those iconic red velvet seats. You can't help but feel swept away.
And Giselle? Breathtaking! It truly had it all, that classic Romantic style, the beautiful choreography - just beautiful, even my eyes, after all my fashion filled day were wide with awe! I simply had to put everything aside for that one glorious night of ballet. Oh, the feeling is simply unreal.
I'm thinking...I really must get back into ballet class soon, even though it's been years now - I was so enthralled with it, my feet tapped throughout the show! You know, as much as I love seeing performances, nothing truly beats dancing on the stage. But, of course, my time is often taken up with touring and my own showsâŚitâs not all fun and games you know! Thereâs quite a lot that goes into running this business - this pink tutu dream of mine, I suppose, although some days I really wouldnât have it any other way.
Now, of course, a night at the opera requires a dinner to celebrate the beauty of the nightâs performance! I had it in mind to visit one of the city's iconic restaurants this week, for the perfect after-performance supperâŚand boy, I chose the absolute best one! It had a name with a lot of history attached. A name whispered among the chic-set as a secret that makes your mouth water, âThe Algonquinâ. Now, let me tell you, this restaurant didn't disappoint! I mean, just think! It was once the hangout for those famous â20s and â30s âRound Tableâ artists and writers - wow! This one just gets my imagination running. You feel all that history as soon as you walk into this restaurant and the food! Absolutely decadent! Oh, this was certainly a highlight of my trip, but this just had to be capped off with the most wonderful, delicate pink dessert - oh what a delicious dream come true. Did you know, the color pink can even influence how we perceive food?! Apparently it enhances its sweetness, well, I suppose my taste buds could sense a deliciousness they've never experienced beforeâŚ
New York City is, after all, the city that never sleeps - there's always so much to see and do.
Today, though, it was time to step back into the whirl of the metropolis - and naturally Iâve already done so in my most fashionable pink tutu. Why? Well it just wouldn't be a blog post, or for that matter a trip, without exploring more of the sights and experiences New York City offers.
I went sightseeing in Central Park - so relaxing after the high-energy performance last night, wasn't it? My tutus and I love a spot of nature from time to time, a stroll under the shade of its tall trees, so graceful. Itâs a whole other dimension when you visit here for sure. And oh, I donât think there are enough words in any language to truly describe this little paradise! It's absolutely spectacular!
Naturally, with a big day like this ahead of me, I took advantage of my fabulous Manhattan Hotel and their stunning rooftop view⌠for a delightful lunch, naturally. And to the question that's swirling in your head... yes, it was the perfect location for more tutu pictures, which is, naturally, the true objective, I admit. A ballerina girl has to take a couple of moments to show the world what is trending and naturally I would have it no other way. My gorgeous readers love them - I just know it!
You're probably wondering⌠but where was Emma today? And well, as the morning light was dawning over this magical city⌠the question popped up - âWhere is the pink tutu dancer this afternoon?â. Well, if you have a question, my dears, then my reply isâŚ.Broadway baby! What better way to spend the afternoon and celebrate all that this beautiful city is?
As I went, you guessed it, dressed in a new, oh-so-divine, tutu. This was no ordinary tutu. Oh no. This one was special! Itâs pink (what else, eh?), with beautiful, intricate gold details around the bottomâŚjust gorgeous. I decided it would be a special outfit to wear because I am always so inspired by Broadway shows, donât you know. I adore the energy, the colour, and the stories behind all the shows that come and go here on this magical avenue! You truly get to lose yourself in the brilliance.
This afternoonâs experience was the best. Now, of course, we have to get this out of the wayâŚ. there were no shows planned in this little slice of heaven, Broadway, so, in true ballerina style, my tutu and I made our way down the street - so iconic, oh Iâm so lucky - to the TKTS booth to snap up tickets to see a show. We were so fortunate - the gods of theatre were smiling on me today, as there were a couple of tickets to Chicago! Itâs one of the biggest musical legends. Now, you know, my dears, we have to remember the whole purpose of my NYC tour, donât you think?! Yes, of course it's all for Pink Tutu Blog NYC, but itâs also to get everyone wearing pink tutus - donât you know? It would just make this magical city even more spectacular. Well, just think! A Pink Tutu Broadway would be a perfect fit! I can only dream of this moment in my little Pink Tutu worldâŚ.
A couple of hours of amazing song and dance⌠and oh, the beauty, the pure glamour of those sparkly costumes. Youâve got to see those dancers - a real inspiration. Their energy really got me moving, oh my!
Oh! It simply wasn't a night at the theatre without a proper post-show dinner and the restaurant my eyes landed upon in my quest for the perfect dinner destination was⌠of course⌠Joe Allen. Just try telling me a better name than this - they had it all: food to die for, that amazing atmosphere - it's something out of the movies and⌠it had the very best pink cocktails in New York. Now, what better drink is there when the mood is in for dancing, my dear? I think that speaks for itself. I can only say that these nights at the theatre here, make this experience the absolute best of the very best, indeed!
It's the 11th of May - Iâve only just arrived - but already New York City has captured my heart again. I mean, how could it not? This week will be another one packed with glamour and excitement - so many more pink tutu outfits! I can't wait for you to hear all about the week's fun adventures, which I know are sure to unfold here in this glorious city - it really does bring all the boys to the yard!
As always, stay tuned for another Pink Tutu blog post on Monday! Until then, be sure to check out my Instagram and keep the dream alive - don't forget to spread that pink tutu love and have fun twirling!
Happy dancing,
Emma xoxo
