Hello my lovely Tutu Tribe! 𩰠It's Monday, and you know what that means? It's time for another instalment of #PinkTutuBlogNYC, straight from the concrete jungle that is New York City!
This week, I'm positively bursting with stories! From twirling my way through a breathtaking ballet performance, to exploring the vibrant fashion scene in this incredible city, I've had a truly magical time. And as always, my trusty pink tutu has been right by my side for every adventure.
Remember last week, when I told you about my incredible performance in the Derbyshire Ballet Festival? Well, I told you it was a springboard to something bigger, didn't I? 𤍠That something big, my Tutu Tribe, is⌠New York City! ⨠Yes, you heard me right! My performance in Derbyshire, combined with the overwhelming positive response from my London show, has given me the amazing opportunity to showcase my talents here in the heart of the Big Apple!
To say I'm thrilled would be an understatement! From the moment I stepped onto the platform at Penn Station, my heart was racing. This city is just so buzzing with energy! I mean, just look at the skyline - it's breathtaking. Towering buildings stretching towards the heavens, adorned with an abundance of dazzling lights, I swear I could feel the cityâs magic thrumming through my toes.
And it wasnât just the city that blew me away. I immediately connected with the people here in New York. It's almost as though everyone, from the subway drivers to the street vendors, embraces a vibrant energy. Maybe it's the energy of possibility, of never giving up on a dream, of always striving for something more! I could absolutely see myself finding a home here one day!
Of course, no trip to New York is complete without an amazing performance, right? Well, this week, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the Royal Ballet perform "Giselle" at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. I've loved this ballet since I was a little girl, watching the ballerina spin with effortless grace as she weaves her tale of love and tragedy. To see it performed by world-class dancers, right here in New York, was truly incredible!
I donât think I've ever felt so completely in awe. The entire production, from the costumes to the music to the performersâ movements, just blew me away! Seeing those amazing ballerinas, their expressions filled with such raw emotion, reminded me why I love ballet so much. There's something truly magical about it, a way it can express a whole spectrum of emotions through movement alone. I found myself captivated, transported to a different world, living and breathing through the drama on stage.
Itâs no secret that New York is a city that loves its theatre. Broadway shows are iconic and legendary for a reason! This week, however, I was craving something different, a performance that felt authentically New York, raw, and unexpected. And where better to find this than in a basement below the Lower East Side?
Now, if you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I have a deep love for Ballet Street performances. I am, of course, talking about a group of street performers with some amazing dance moves, or just a solo act by one spectacular individual with an unexpected background. Today, that individual was a girl in her 20s with a fierce expression and a fierce set of moves to boot, whoâs passion was obvious to the small crowd gathered in a hidden alley. As soon as she began to dance, I could feel her power radiating outward. The entire space crackled with energy!
It's hard to describe how beautiful this experience was. I swear, every time I see these dancers, whether it's on Broadway or down a hidden alleyway, they fill my soul with a fresh sense of inspiration. They make me want to twirl, to jump, to spin! These talented individuals remind me why itâs important to let our own passion, creativity, and imagination flourish.
And of course, no #PinkTutuBlogNYC post is complete without some mention of fashion! đ New York is a fashion haven. It's a city that truly breathes fashion. I've had such a fun time exploring the different shops, from vintage boutiques in Greenwich Village to designer showrooms in Midtown. I've picked up some truly unique pieces - a sleek black turtleneck to pair with my favourite pink tutu, some seriously comfy flats for exploring the city, and even a quirky pink bowler hat, which, I have to admit, makes me feel rather chic!
Speaking of chic, one of my favourite parts of New York has got to be the cityâs commitment to a diverse array of shops and eateries! If you are like me and enjoy finding something truly unique and charming, there's simply no place quite like New York. Every neighbourhood offers its own special flavour. One moment youâre exploring Chinatownâs bustling markets with its vibrant energy, the next youâre lost in the charming, independent bookstores of Greenwich Village, with their incredible smell of paper and the promise of a new adventure tucked between each page.
Then of course, thereâs the joy of walking, walking and more walking. Whether itâs through the Central Park pathways, crossing a busy street as a car swerves its way in and out of traffic (who wouldâve known a âcarâ in England could possibly turn right in traffic!?), or exploring the hidden gems within the metropolis that you only get a true sense of when your exploring on foot, the best way to appreciate this magnificent city is simply to walk, explore, discover, and marvel.
Speaking of discovering and marveling⌠Have I mentioned the sheer size of New York? This city truly is massive! Iâve been so incredibly grateful to be able to experience all its wonders by hopping on and off the subway system. It's so convenient! And of course, a pink tutu is a wonderful conversation starter on the subway. I mean, who can resist the urge to smile at someone in a pink tutu? đ
Iâve found myself laughing so much this week, both from the simple joy of seeing the world with new eyes, and of course, at the sheer comedic value of dancing down the streets of New York! đš You'd be surprised how much of an attraction a pink tutu draws - so many smiles, waves, and thumbs-ups! I've had strangers compliment my outfit and ask about my performance, even had one delightful gentleman insist on buying me a bagel with his New York street charm (my ânoâ was met with much comedic laughter)!
Honestly, being in a place where your love for dance and pink tutus can be embraced is truly wonderful. I find that in the heart of this city, with all its chaos, and with the constant hustle and bustle of its people, a single pink tutu, twirling effortlessly in a chaotic world, reminds us all to embrace joy and bring a smile to the world, one twirl at a time. â¨
It's been such an amazing week exploring New York City! But Iâm sad to say, my time here has already come to an end. Itâs time to board the flight back to London and prepare for another amazing week of ballet, dancing, and more of my favourite thing â the bright pink colour, a truly magical piece of fabric that takes me on endless adventures, and yes, a very unique love of all things tutu.
I'll be back next Monday with even more #PinkTutuBlogNYC adventures. In the meantime, be sure to head over to www.pink-tutu.com to keep up with all my latest blog posts. And remember, always dance like no one's watching!
