Hello, my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and welcome back to the Pink Tutu Blog! This week, I'm back from the most magical, exciting trip to the Big Apple, NYC! Yes, I did it – I conquered New York in my very own pink tutu! And you know what? I totally rocked it! 😉
This trip was a dream come true – a chance to immerse myself in the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps, to see the legendary Broadway shows, to explore the city's countless boutiques and, of course, to indulge in all things pink!
My pink tutu travels – a ballet dancer’s guide to New York City
I'll admit, heading to New York City, I felt a little nervous. It was a big adventure. A city of such energy and a real departure from the familiar landscapes of my lovely Derbyshire home. However, as soon as I stepped off the subway, I felt the pulse of New York coursing through me, the infectious enthusiasm, and the buzz of creativity. It was like the energy of my ballet class – a powerful combination of focused strength and creative expression. New York's got that!
For those of you who don't know me, I'm Emma, your dedicated pink tutu-wearing ballerina! And I love nothing more than discovering new places and dancing through life with my very own pink tutu as my loyal companion.
This time, my New York City adventure was about ballet, Broadway, and fabulous fashion – a winning combination! I even had a chance to join a drop-in ballet class at the Steps on Broadway studio, an amazing experience! As for Broadway, wow! The sheer energy, the talent, the spectacle – it just blew me away.
And while I loved the dancing and shows, it was my discovery of the fabulous little shops of the city that had me smitten. I managed to unearth some amazing bargains and discover some new and unique items to add to my ever-growing pink tutu wardrobe!
My Big Apple Pink Tutu Wardrobe: A sartorial ballet story.
Remember that I'm not a typical travel blogger. My journeys are always inspired by my love of all things pink and dance! So, when I head off to a new city, you can be sure that my suitcase is bursting with gorgeous pinks and, of course, the star of my outfit, my beloved pink tutu.
New York was no exception! I was delighted to find several new items for my pink tutu collection – there was this gorgeous pair of icy pink gloves that sparkled in the sunshine and a bright hot pink top with delicate frills, perfect for that special performance or dance night. Oh, and the ballet flats, oh those shoes! My favorite find of all: softest pink ballerina flats with delicate bows, I think they will become a ballet shoe legend, don’t you think? They went perfectly with the hot pink handbag I was sporting.
But the highlight of my wardrobe journey was finding a special dress, a pink tutu dream come true, in a vintage shop near Central Park! A swirling dress, so light and flowing, with shades of pale pink and soft white, with an unbelievably chic skirt, like a miniature tutu – It is now my favorite dress! I was already planning a pink tutu-tastic outfit combo, a sort of whimsical Parisian chic. So glamorous! Oh, and did I mention I managed to pick up some fantastic pink accessories! The feather boa and hair ribbon I got for a steal, were perfect for a trip to the theatre. Oh! And, I picked up the best pink lip-gloss, for a pink tutu glam finish to my look.
My dear Pink Tutu followers, New York City is truly a city for dreaming big and having fun, and you don’t need a large budget. My journey was about the journey itself, about enjoying the atmosphere, savouring each moment! And my wardrobe and travel budget didn’t break the bank!
Adventures in the City: A Ballet Dancer's Delight!
So, where did I go in New York? Where did the tutu twirl? Well, we started with the usual tourist stuff, you know, the Times Square spectacle, with those brightly lit advertising boards and flashing signs (it had a bit of a surreal feel about it – I couldn't resist taking a photo in my tutu in front of the iconic billboards – It’s the pink tutu thing, you understand) We took a ferry over to Liberty Island for a look at the Statue of Liberty and a quick twirl by the water's edge. And of course, I simply had to wander through Central Park! The beauty of it – a welcome green haven amidst the hustle and bustle – was such a calming contrast to the energy of the city streets. It's where I spotted the vintage pink dress that stole my heart.
But my New York adventures went beyond the typical tourist spots. I went beyond the glitzy avenues of Madison Avenue and Broadway. The city offered a little bit of magic everywhere I went, a sense of excitement and adventure around every corner, so much so, I even ventured into the subway!
The New York subway was so cool! I love those iconic subway stations and their character! I think you would call them classic or maybe vintage, but for me, they were simply thrilling – just as exciting as the shows in Times Square!
But my ballet-tastic time in New York didn't stop at Central Park, the subway or shopping. I knew that a ballet dancer could not visit New York and not catch a show on Broadway. It just wouldn't be a proper Pink Tutu adventure!
My Broadway Adventures – Pink Tutu and Broadway Dream Come True!
On the evening of 27th December, 2013, the magic of Broadway enveloped me. I felt an incredible mix of nervousness and excitement. This was it. My chance to see ‘An American in Paris.’ It had won four Tony Awards – I was ready for an epic performance. The stage set had a vibrant backdrop of a Parisian cityscape, which seemed to transform in front of my very eyes! And when the cast began their first ballet sequence – they performed it with incredible grace and passion, the scene seemed to come alive. The musical was just as amazing as everyone had promised, filled with emotion, spectacle and incredible dance! As I was enjoying the dancing – the performance, the singing – I knew I had come to the right place.
The musical had the feel of a vintage story of love set against the Parisian landscape of post war Paris – full of the charm of those beautiful, romanticised dreams of a bygone age, and it had that beautiful touch of the bittersweet – an iconic classic story of love and hope, something that never fails to inspire! It certainly gave me much food for thought on how I can further my own journey – from Derbyshire to New York, to every magical destination around the world – in my tutu!
As the performance neared its end, a sense of bittersweetness swept over me – knowing that my dream visit was drawing to a close, I wanted to freeze this moment in time and never let it end!
However, my Pink Tutu adventure was not over yet. The journey continued as we set off for the Metropolitan Museum of Art – another bucket list adventure!
My New York Ballet Legacy
Yes, I was not just a pink tutu wearing travel blogger! In New York, I also took some time out for myself as a dancer – something I always find to be rejuvenating – an important element of staying balanced when traveling from Derbyshire to New York or to other destinations – a place to find some calm amid the adventure. I dropped into a ballet class at Steps on Broadway studio – it was a true highlight of my New York journey!
Taking a ballet class in such an amazing studio – and to be dancing with so many experienced dancers – it felt very inspiring and liberating – something I felt would leave its mark, not just on me as a dancer, but as a blog post that you my dear Pink Tutu readers might like.
Steps on Broadway is quite simply the most legendary dance studio in the city! And it certainly felt incredible to be part of that energy. And I was not just admiring the ballet techniques of the other dancers in class – the dance and choreography, the power and strength – but the amazing outfits and their elegant shoes! Just as impressive was their ability to move to the rhythm of the music. It reminded me that dancing – especially ballet – isn’t just about movement – it’s also a way of expressing and connecting – in essence a unique form of story telling, just like the performance in Broadway that I had witnessed.
While dancing on the studio floor with so many other passionate, incredible dancers, a sense of overwhelming contentment swept over me. I had found the perfect spot, the right atmosphere and a chance to make memories that would linger, the memories that inspire. A ballet journey! To connect with other dancers – the real essence of being a ballet dancer.
This class left its mark on me as I discovered something special in this vibrant and energy-filled New York City! And in this metropolis, I certainly discovered myself!
And I feel I left my mark, a sparkle of pink, in the world's most dynamic metropolis, my pink tutu travels would make New York just a little more pink. My tutu and me had a lovely little ballet moment of twirling fun in the city, but this wasn't a dream – I really danced in New York!
I feel it’s been a little dream-like, I feel I must have touched the magic of New York City, my adventures and my journeys, have added my touch to a world where you too can rock a pink tutu. My adventures were full of fun, but were all about the love for the dance.
That feeling, that incredible connection and bond, that feeling of liberation, will make me revisit this metropolis.
My journey continues to discover myself, my travels inspired by my pink tutu. To dance and spread the message that every woman should be able to twirl in their pink tutu – whether it's in a beautiful countryside town in England, a metropolis like New York City, or some tropical location – Wherever we are, the dance continues!
How can you connect with the Pink Tutu Blog and the world of pink tutus?
I'd love you all to join the Pink Tutu community and let's celebrate dance, the art, fashion, travel – whatever the passion that drives your creativity. Don't forget, we all love to see your Pink Tutu photos and read your Pink Tutu travel experiences! So, join me, and share your Pink Tutu stories!
Visit my website www.pink-tutu.com - Let's chat! The pink tutu party never stops! You’ll find out about future Pink Tutu plans – more adventures and adventures!
And don’t forget – I blog every Monday about a different dance experience – it may be ballet or perhaps modern dance or even just a walk to the theatre – the joy of the dance is about getting involved – don't just read, let's go! Let's dance! Let’s explore the world. It’s the perfect time to start an adventure and to embrace the joy and freedom of movement – join me!
The Pink Tutu blog journey will bring us a magical year of new pink tutu adventures, new shows, more stories from my world, full of inspiration!
Until next Monday,
Twirl with joy,
Emma xx
*Pink Tutu Emma: * * www.pink-tutu.com *
