Monday 11th November, 2013
Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad travel companion, and this week I'm reporting from the dazzling, vibrant metropolis that is New York City! Oh, how I've dreamt of this trip, and it's even more wonderful than I imagined. The energy here is electrifying, the sights are spectacular, and the people…well, they’re just as glamorous and chic as you’d expect!
Now, I know you're probably thinking, "Emma, what are you doing in New York wearing a tutu?" Well, my dears, my trusty pink tutu is always by my side, and it certainly hasn't stopped me from experiencing all that this incredible city has to offer! In fact, it's made my journey all the more fabulous! I've waltzed through Central Park, twirled down Fifth Avenue, and even done a little pirouette on the subway - you just wouldn't believe the surprised looks on people's faces! It’s a fantastic way to inject a little joy and laughter into people's day, you know. And anyway, why should tutus be confined to the stage?
This trip was actually the culmination of months of saving, fuelled by a series of enchanting ballet performances back in Derbyshire. I have to admit, I was absolutely shattered by the time I arrived in New York! My legs were weary from all the rehearsals, but that little tutu of mine is like a second skin, so I knew I could handle a bit of jet-lag.
Speaking of jet-lag, my journey started with a fantastic experience! You know I’m a massive fan of the London Underground, well I simply had to hop on the New York subway when I arrived! This grand lady of a system just roared along, hurtling through the city. The whole atmosphere was just so buzzing, you know? It was quite the adventure, with everyone crammed in with their backpacks and newspapers.
Of course, no trip to New York is complete without indulging in the city's world-famous shopping scene. I haven't actually even started my shopping rampage yet! The thought of the Fifth Avenue flagship stores just fills me with such joy. I imagine my trusty tutu would look absolutely magnificent paired with some exquisite designer threads, don’t you? And speaking of fabulous fashion, the first show on my itinerary was one that I’d dreamt of attending ever since I first learned the intricacies of the five ballet positions.
Ballet in the Big Apple:
The New York City Ballet performance at the Lincoln Center was truly awe-inspiring! It felt so special to be part of such a renowned institution. It was the New York City Ballet's annual Fall Gala - it was completely fabulous and all the biggest names were there! The beautiful costumes, the intricate choreography, the sheer talent on stage… it was an absolute feast for the senses! To be honest, I wasn't sure how much of the ballet world I would recognize but, darling, it seems that everyone from the Derbyshire Ballet Company has worked their way over to the big leagues here! I swear I even saw my dear friend Amelia's name in the programme, although I did whisper the whole way through as not to cause a stir. There were plenty of stunning young ballerinas doing those incredibly difficult tricks.
Now, after such a wonderful evening, you might think that I would want to slip back to my little hotel room and drift off to sleep - but you'd be wrong! I mean, wouldn't that be the ultimate waste of time when New York City is bursting with activity all night long? So off I went with my fellow theatregoers into the swirling night, stopping in at this little bar just off Times Square. We enjoyed a little bite to eat and were just completely in awe of the sheer energy emanating from this magnificent city.
Speaking of food, one of the things I’m looking forward to most in New York is the diverse range of food! I can't wait to try those delicious American cakes and pastries (just a few won't hurt!), the Broadway style bagels, and oh, those mouth-watering pizza slices… I mean, the opportunities for indulging my inner foodie are simply endless! Perhaps you have some recommendations? Drop me a comment!
Fashion in the Big Apple
So, after a late breakfast in my favourite Parisian-style bistro (don't worry, there were still tutus involved!), I felt truly inspired to do some exploration of New York's fashion district! I simply adore the style here! It’s just so effortlessly chic. It's a real mix, though. I loved watching all those stunning, confident women strutting their stuff down the street, wearing outfits that I only dreamed of wearing on the weekends back home! The girls are quite something, aren’t they? The effortless elegance, the sleek outfits, the sheer glamour! But I saw as many everyday ladies with practical yet super stylish outfits.
I had to hop on the Metro – as any fashionable New Yorker does. It really was a beautiful experience. All of the fashion designers and boutiques in one little place, nestled between the high rises. It was fantastically convenient for someone who was, to put it delicately, ‘fashionably late.’ I found myself in the midst of the hustle and bustle, feeling that exhilarating New York buzz! My feet started tapping and, of course, I just had to put on my very best ballerina spin… in the Metro! Honestly, that pink tutu certainly made an impression, and I saw a couple of smiling faces and thumbs up before I hurried out. The ladies certainly gave me the stare – but oh my goodness, that's a good kind of stare! I imagine the style queens must feel just as powerful and alluring as their outfits suggest! Honestly, I love the confidence these ladies ooze.
And you know, I saw a real mix – some ladies looking completely sophisticated in tailored outfits, some chic and edgy in trendy ensembles, and, naturally, some ladies embracing bold, eye-catching colours, Oh, darling! You would have thought you’d stepped into a Vogue magazine shoot!
So, what did I buy? Well, let’s just say I left with a collection of gorgeous, chic fashion finds to complement my pink tutu, with the emphasis on "complement". The stores here in New York are just brimming with fantastic fashion treasures. After hours of delightful browsing, I found a fabulously bright fuchsia jacket that looks fantastic paired with my tutu. It’s the perfect colour for making a statement! I simply love it and had to get it immediately!
You'll have to check back next week to see photos of all my latest acquisitions – there were so many, I might need a new suitcase for the journey home. For the rest of the afternoon, I explored more of New York, took in some fantastic art at MoMA, and indulged in some much-needed coffee. (Oh, the coffee here is absolutely heavenly!) Now, this evening I’m all ready for another delicious bite to eat, and maybe another Broadway show! (Perhaps some more photos of my outfits?) I'm off to seek out the iconic "Hamilton" tickets, the buzz has been incredible. Everyone’s raving about this performance.
Stay tuned next week for my impressions of my Broadway adventure!
Until then, remember to live life in pink, and always, always twirl!
Love, Emma xoxo
