Hello my lovely tutu-loving readers!
It’s Monday morning, the sun is shining, and I’m in New York City. I'm feeling as bright and beautiful as a new pair of pink ballet shoes, so let’s get right to it – this week’s blog post, numero 835, is all about tutus, theatre, and the magic of New York City!
I woke up this morning feeling ridiculously excited because it was finally here! Today was the day for my big New York City adventure, the day I’d been dreaming about since my first tutu twirl in Derbyshire all those years ago. I’d saved up for this trip through performing ballet for local schools and theatres, my passion helping me tick another city off my must-visit list!
The highlight of this week? Seeing a Broadway show, of course! This evening I'll be watching a special performance of "Chicago," one of my all-time favourite musicals. Oh, how I adore a bit of song and dance, and who could resist the fabulous, feathered costumes and dramatic storytelling in "Chicago?" You’ve probably guessed I'm rather taken with glitz, glamour, and the stories that come alive on the stage! I adore how dancers in the show make me want to join them – it’s an exhilarating blend of grace and powerful expression, a pure celebration of the art form. I’m really excited to be there and take in the energy of the New York City audience! I've even got a stunning new outfit prepared for the big occasion - imagine a glittering sequined bodice and a luxurious tutu, all shimmering with shades of pinks, peaches, and gold - pure magic!
But before the magic of Broadway begins tonight, it was a classic New York City day: bustling streets, friendly faces, and exploring every inch of this captivating metropolis! As I usually do when I travel, I began the day with a leisurely, indulgent breakfast of scrambled eggs, creamy yoghurt, and lashings of black coffee. (There is something about the black coffee they serve here, so aromatic and full-bodied!) I felt a tiny pang of regret as I sipped my caffeine fix, wishing I had my customary pink iced latte for my New York City breakfast – ah well, the delicious aroma and unique character of the local brews more than made up for it!
Armed with my trusty travel map (printed and lovingly annotated, of course – a pink tutu-wearing ballerina never leaves home without a meticulously planned route!) I set off to explore the vibrant, pulsating energy of Times Square. My gosh, those luminous billboards! Every imaginable colour imaginable seemed to explode across those massive screens, a vibrant and glittering explosion of images and sounds. It felt as though a giant light show was taking place around me, the energy palpable, captivating my senses!
The sidewalks bustled with people – a mosaic of characters: artists, businessmen, families, tourists, tourists like myself – all swept along in the irresistible rhythm of this great city. A mix of sounds - car horns, laughter, the familiar thrum of a New York City cab as it races to its destination. Every person you pass tells their own story, adds another chapter to the New York City narrative. As a lover of colour and bold, captivating details, it’s no surprise that I was completely captivated!
The bright, neon signs reminded me to look up as I walked - the dazzling view from the Empire State building is worth a climb! A must-see for every pink-tutu enthusiast visiting New York City – and of course, I'll share my experience with you in my blog posts when I get back! It's a must for every New Yorker, or indeed, every visitor to the city - the best way to capture that all-embracing view of this remarkable city. It felt so iconic, a view for all those who have dreams that are just beginning to blossom!
The city really is a playground for anyone who embraces imagination – so after exploring the sights and the city itself, I went shopping – a delightful adventure in itself, even more so with my shopping list: the most luxurious fabric for a new pink tulle tutu, and a few items to inspire my ballet practice routine! Oh, and did I tell you, there was a stunning pink feather boa I spotted in a vintage store - a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered, just down the street!
And of course, it’s just not New York City without a delightful lunch - so after exploring the treasures the vintage store had to offer, I had the most delicious bagel sandwich - smoked salmon, creamy cheese, and crunchy lettuce - all the good things! It made me even more excited for the theatre later that evening! I sought refuge from the lunchtime crowds by catching the subway. The New York City subway - an intriguing network, underground tunnels of history and humanity. I do love to catch the local transport and meet fellow passengers - from businesspeople on their way to meetings, students dashing to class, or the tourist families in search of the next must-see!
Oh, and by the way - in case you are visiting New York City yourself I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Central Park – the green jewel of the city. So peaceful amongst the bustle! It's just a few steps from my favourite spot, Lincoln Center, where I've already taken a peek at the iconic Julliard School, another institution that is inspiring me for my dance projects back in Derbyshire!
Every place I went in New York City sparked some new inspiration. Even though the streets were crowded and everyone was on the go, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the vibrancy and life! In many ways, I felt I’d already reached a highlight of this visit by experiencing so many contrasting parts of the city! From the bright lights and the colourful shops, the fast-paced energy, to the hushed serenity of Central Park, and of course, my adventures on the subway. But I was saving the best till last: that magical night at the theatre and that wonderful musical “Chicago”!
This has already been the most exhilarating day! A truly beautiful New York City experience! Oh, how I can’t wait to tell you all about the show tonight - and as always, I'll be sure to share the very best outfits I've seen! I hope I've managed to bring you a glimpse into this beautiful city - I know you’ll all join me for my next post on Monday, and the fun of experiencing Broadway!
In the meantime, keep on twirling those tutus! See you soon.
Love,
Emma xxx
