Hello lovelies!
It’s Monday, 1st June 2009, and the sun is shining so bright it’s almost blinding. Perfect weather for twirling, don't you think? I’m in my favourite spot right now, gazing out the window of my charming little flat in Greenwich Village. A little slice of Manhattan heaven, with exposed brick walls, floorboards that creak just the right amount, and a view of the iconic Washington Square Park. You can practically smell the coffee and hear the strumming of a guitar from down below. It's like a dream come true, and I’m absolutely living it.
New York City, Oh New York City!
I just had to start off this blog with a shout-out to this amazing metropolis. New York has truly captured my heart! From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt a buzzing energy in the air, a tangible sense of possibilities that made me want to do everything and be everything all at once. The streets are a whirlwind of colours, sounds, and smells; the city that never sleeps lives up to its name, always pulsing with life.
This week has been a whirlwind! And yes, of course, I've worn my pink tutu pretty much every day. A girl's gotta represent! My pink tulle has been spotted all over the city, from the elegant halls of Lincoln Center to the vibrant streets of Chinatown, even popping up at the local bodega for my morning bagel. You know what they say, "if you're gonna do something, do it in style!"
My Ballet-filled Week
Being in the Big Apple means indulging in all things ballet. This past week, I caught a breathtaking performance at the Metropolitan Opera House. The New York City Ballet danced “Swan Lake,” and it was pure magic! Tchaikovsky’s music was beautifully conducted, the costumes were dazzling, and the choreography, oh, the choreography was simply exquisite.
I found myself weeping with emotion during the tragic final act, my heart melting with the fragility and beauty of Odette’s story. And to top it off, I got to experience the exhilaration of being in the audience with thousands of fellow ballet enthusiasts. Such a collective experience, so filled with awe and wonder, made the whole thing even more special.
Speaking of dancing, I managed to squeeze in a couple of classes at the world-renowned School of American Ballet. Talk about an inspiring space! There were so many talented young dancers in the class, each with a different style and technique. It’s truly inspiring to witness such raw talent firsthand. Even with my less-than-perfect technique (thank goodness for tutus!) I felt like I learned so much and was really able to improve my own skills.
From Tutus to Threads
Who can resist the lure of a shopping spree in New York? I know I can't! I took full advantage of my stay here to visit some of the city’s most iconic fashion boutiques and department stores. I discovered a little gem of a vintage store hidden away on the Upper East Side. I swear, it was like stepping back in time – I unearthed the most adorable polka dot dress and a vintage faux fur coat (that’s so me!), perfect for twirling in the colder months! I also indulged in some high-end shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, and boy, oh boy, let’s just say that my credit card is feeling a little light-headed!
Exploring the Metro - A Tutu Adventure
Oh, the New York City Metro. It’s a bustling beehive of activity, filled with an incredible melting pot of people and a sense of urban grit that I absolutely love. Let’s be real; I’m a sucker for the rush of being squeezed in like a sardine amongst strangers, a delicious combination of urban adventure and ballet training for those cramped calves! It also reminds me of my journey on the tube back home in Derbyshire, although that's definitely less glamourous. Of course, no journey is complete without my pink tutu. The expressions I’ve gotten from fellow riders, well, let’s just say they’ve been a real mix of curious, surprised, and occasionally confused. But honestly, isn’t it just fantastic to stand out from the crowd? And who knows, maybe I’ve inspired a few folks to consider embracing a little bit of pink in their lives?
This week's highlights:
- Monday, June 1st: Arrived in New York City with a tutu packed tightly in my suitcase! Started exploring Greenwich Village, getting lost in charming alleyways, discovering cozy cafes, and snapping a million photos of the beautiful architecture. Found the best spot for my flat with a view of the park – can’t wait to spend lazy afternoons enjoying the sunshine!
- Tuesday, June 2nd: Morning at a local bakery for my favourite breakfast treat (a blueberry muffin, obviously!). Then I started my mission of trying out the most delicious bagels in New York City. I even braved the subway with my trusty pink tutu! This city never ceases to amaze!
- Wednesday, June 3rd: A day filled with dance and dreams. I spent the morning taking class at the School of American Ballet, pushing myself to new limits, then went to see the most incredible "Swan Lake" performance at the Met. Absolutely breathtaking.
- Thursday, June 4th: Indulged in a little retail therapy with my friends in Manhattan! We shopped til we dropped at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, and a charming little vintage shop. We then topped off the day with a yummy Thai meal. I’m truly feeling like a New York City girl!
- Friday, June 5th: Today’s adventure took me all the way uptown to Harlem. I immersed myself in the vibrant energy and amazing music! I discovered this incredible dance studio offering ballet classes and street dance sessions. Who knows, maybe I’ll be trying out my best moves on the street? I'll let you know!
- Saturday, June 6th: After a fun-filled morning at the Museum of Modern Art, we ventured to Coney Island! We walked the boardwalk, indulged in hot dogs and fries, and of course, enjoyed a trip to the beach. I might have even gone for a splash in the ocean while twirling in my tutu – yes, it did happen, and the world just kept spinning.
- Sunday, June 7th: Spent a lovely afternoon in Central Park! The beautiful weather called for a picnic in the sunshine and a good ol' fashioned ballet practice amongst the flowers.
The Pink Tutu Dream
As I finish writing this blog post, the thought strikes me – what's my biggest wish, my ultimate ambition, besides, of course, becoming the ultimate tutu-wearing ballet icon?
To inspire every single person in the world to wear a pink tutu! Imagine it: a world where tutus aren't confined to ballet stages, where the colour pink isn't just a pretty hue, but a symbol of joy, playfulness, and confidence. A world where we can all express our inner ballerina and twirl our way through life with joy and a dash of pink-tinted magic.
This may sound like a dream, but hey, it’s a pretty amazing dream, isn’t it? I believe in spreading joy and creating beauty wherever I go, and if that involves inspiring a world of twirling tutus, then I'm all in!
So, there you have it, my dear readers. This week was pure bliss, from dancing and shopping to experiencing the endless possibilities of the Big Apple. I can’t wait for the week ahead, full of new adventures and pink tutu moments. Join me on this journey of self-expression, style, and maybe just a pinch of madness. Because who says ballet and life can't be a spectacular dance in the most beautiful shade of pink?
Until next Monday!
XOXO
Emma
