Hello darlings! It's Monday, so you know what that means... time for a fresh dose of Pink Tutu Blog NYC! This week, I'm practically bursting with excitement. Why, you ask? Because I'm writing to you from the heart of New York City, surrounded by the sounds of honking cabs, the smell of hot dogs, and... a whole lot of pink, naturally! 😉
Last week was a whirlwind of an adventure, filled with Broadway magic, inspiring ballet performances, and a healthy dose of serious retail therapy. Oh, and did I mention my very special dance gig? More on that later!
Before I get ahead of myself, let's dive right into this week's adventure:
Monday 29th June 2009:
The first day of the week started off with a burst of colour. Imagine this: sunshine flooding through the windows of my little Brooklyn flat, a light breeze rustling the leaves on the tree outside, and me, of course, sporting my most vibrant pink tutu!
This city is simply irresistible for a tutu-loving gal like me. I don't know about you, but something about twirling amongst the towering skyscrapers feels extra magical. You wouldn't believe the looks I get as I flit past Wall Street on my way to a ballet class at the famous Alvin Ailey studios! People practically stop and stare, some with curiosity, some with a touch of envy - who doesn't love a little pink tutu magic, I say?
But my trip wouldn't be complete without some NYC theatre magic. Today, I'm catching a matinee of Wicked. I've heard it's spectacular, and I simply couldn't miss the chance to see it performed on Broadway. And I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling extra inspired for the performance since I'm practically wearing my own green, sparkly costume, courtesy of a fabulous thrift shop find I snagged this weekend. Talk about a twirling success!
Evening in the City that Never Sleeps
As the city starts to shimmer under the setting sun, I'm making my way down to Times Square. I can practically smell the sizzling hot dogs and hear the roar of the crowds. It's the perfect setting for a pre-show dinner at one of the most charming restaurants I've stumbled upon: a hidden gem called The Smith. I just had the most delicious tomato soup, perfect for a chilly New York evening, followed by a mouthwatering burger (I can't resist a classic when I'm in NYC!) - a great way to refuel before tonight's ballet extravaganza.
And tonight, it's not just any ordinary ballet; I'm heading to the American Ballet Theatre! Tonight, they're performing Giselle, and I just know it's going to be exquisite. I've been eagerly awaiting this performance ever since I booked my flight, and the anticipation is building with every second. I even brought along my vintage lace fan, perfect for fanning myself in the heat of the performance - and also for a bit of extra ballerina-chic!
Behind the Scenes... a Performance of My Own
Now, as I promised, I have to tell you about my secret gig last week. Remember that fabulous costume shop I told you about? Well, they put on a small theatrical production last Friday - imagine my delight when I discovered they needed a ballerina! I don't need to tell you what colour my tutu was... a breathtakingly bright pink, of course! I spent the whole week preparing and practising my routines. I was nervous, to be honest, but performing in that little theatre felt amazing! All those hours of practice really paid off, and the audience loved the show. It felt fantastic to share my love of dance and inspire others with the magic of ballet. It's a great reminder that no matter where you are, you can always find a way to spread your love of pink and tutus.
Taking a Bite Out of New York:
As much as I love the theatre and ballet, my trip to New York isn't complete without a little bit of food shopping! On Saturday, I was completely lost in the colourful chaos of a farmer's market in Brooklyn Heights. It was pure sensory bliss, surrounded by vibrant produce, local cheeses, artisan breads, and fragrant spices. You can't get much fresher than that! I can't wait to make a hearty breakfast omelette using the freshest eggs and vegetables. And for my afternoon tea treat, I simply couldn't resist picking up a selection of delectable cookies and a juicy New York bagel, smothered in cream cheese, naturally! (This is what they call “taking a bite out of the Big Apple” in America - so I have done just that, even without the cream cheese! 😂 )
Shopping Extravaganza
And no trip to New York would be complete without a little shopping, wouldn't it? I love the fact that the city has it all! This weekend, I explored the quaint shops on Bleecker Street, finding the most fabulous vintage silk scarf, perfect for my tutu collection. I can't wait to style it with my favourite ballerina flats!
Later that day, I strolled through the vintage boutiques on 7th Avenue, my eyes practically popping out of my head from excitement. From stunning ball gowns to fabulous fur coats, you could spend hours discovering hidden treasures there! I managed to resist buying an entire wardrobe full of new things, though... this time... ( wink wink).
I even indulged in a little treat at a quirky little shop selling adorable handmade tutu jewellery. I managed to control myself (though I did leave with two lovely rings - one a simple pearl with a delicate pink bow, and another with a mini pink tutu charm)! The lady behind the counter told me I had the best tutu jewellery collection she had ever seen (she was quite impressed when I told her how I made my own tutus too! 😊).
Metro Magic
The subway, that incredible underground transportation system, really brings this city together. Every day is an adventure! It’s a fantastic way to get around and experience all the hidden nooks and crannies. Sometimes I simply hop on at a random stop and see where it takes me - who needs maps when you've got the pulse of the city to guide you! Plus, there’s something uniquely glamorous about being surrounded by so many people, all headed to different destinations, united by a common thread - this vibrant, ever-evolving city.
You might find me gazing out the window as the metro races past, or engrossed in a book (currently, "The Little Prince", of course!), or simply watching the diversity of people pass by, soaking up the atmosphere. It truly is a melting pot of experiences!
Taking Inspiration from the City
Sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember that I'm really in the heart of the world's greatest metropolis! Every corner I turn brings something new and inspiring. I've even noticed that a new trend is emerging - people are incorporating a little pink tutu into their wardrobes, for everyday wear! This week, I spotted a lady walking down Broadway wearing a black and white polka dot dress, a pair of classic ballet flats, and a vibrant pink tutu! She looked fabulous - so confident and whimsical, totally embracing her inner ballerina! And it just makes me feel even prouder to spread the love of pink tutus across the globe.
Onwards to More Adventures!
This week was simply divine! The energy of New York City continues to inspire me every day. It reminds me of the joy of taking chances, embracing the unexpected, and spreading a little pink tutu magic wherever I go!
So until next Monday, darlings! I’ll be here writing to you every week, straight from my Pink Tutu adventures. And don’t forget, if you want to join me in spreading the love of pink tutus around the world, tag me on your photos! (Instagram handle: @PinkTutuBlogNYC) 😉
Until then, keep twirling and keep dreaming!
*Much love, *
Emma 💋💖🩰
