Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! It's Monday again, which means it's time for another New York adventure, straight from the Pink Tutu Blog! I’m back from a whirlwind weekend, my head still spinning with the glitz and glamour of this fantastic city. But I'll get to that in a minute... because, oh my darling, let me tell you about the incredible adventure I had just before my weekend getaway.
I was in London, darling, preparing for the summer ballet season. My trusty pink tutu had been making appearances all across the country at various fundraising galas. (The Pink Tutu ballet fundraisers have really taken off this year!) You can find pictures from them all over my social media, but let's just say that this particular tutu has been earning its keep!
On Friday, I was just finishing up with a special dress rehearsal for Sleeping Beauty, when the phone rang.
"Emma?"
It was my agent. A rare call from him meant only one thing: a show.
"I have an opportunity for you. There's a huge theatre benefit happening in New York City. They need someone to perform at a gala… they want you. Can you fly out tonight?"
I almost choked on my Earl Grey. This was the kind of dream opportunity that I’d been hoping for – my very own chance to dazzle in the big apple!
Naturally, I knew I had to be there. I threw my favourite tutu into my suitcase (and I mean, let's be honest, it was the perfect shade of pink, perfect for this momentous occasion).
After the show in London, I took a taxi straight to Heathrow. It was a mad dash to catch my flight, but luckily, with the grace and agility of a seasoned dancer, I made it onto that plane. And yes, darling, the pink tutu made the journey!
We arrived in New York at dawn, the sky painting itself with a soft pink (just my style!) It’s true what they say: this city never sleeps. I was surrounded by buzzing yellow cabs and towering skyscrapers as I navigated my way to my hotel, and oh darling, my heart just did a little pirouette!
This hotel, it’s… well, it’s everything a pink tutu-loving, fashion-obsessed girl could dream of. It's right in the heart of Manhattan. Not to mention the perfect starting point for my weekend of fun and ballet!
This amazing opportunity has me feeling like I’ve stepped straight out of a dream – so let’s start this New York diary!
A New York Waltz:
First, a quick outfit change. Because let's be honest, darling, there’s nothing that gets you into the New York spirit quite like stepping out in a brand new outfit. This time, I went with a whimsical, playful ensemble:
- A white lace top, the perfect piece to accentuate my ballerina's figure.
- My trusty, gorgeous pink tutu - always, always the star of the show.
- A stylish pink trench coat for that bit of city chic, paired with a delicate, silver chain and a delicate pearl necklace (a touch of classic elegance!).
You can never be too stylish when you're dancing in the Big Apple, don't you agree?
So, here's what I did on that amazing first day:
- Exploring the Met: This is a New York City classic, a museum that has everything from Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to a genuine Fabergé egg, oh, the luxury of it! It felt surreal, surrounded by such exquisite artistry, my heart felt ready to burst! Of course, the sheer volume of art was rather overwhelming. I felt so small next to all those imposing sculptures! But then, I remember to take a moment, close my eyes, and allow the energy of these creative giants to wash over me.
I wandered through the galleries, captivated by paintings that felt like whispered stories and sculptures that seemed to move and breathe. The Metropolitan Museum is really something else – a perfect reminder that beauty and creativity exist in all its forms!
- Afternoon Delight: From there, I hopped onto the subway for a short trip to the Upper West Side. (By the way, did I mention I love the New York subway? The way they glide through the tunnels – just like a dancer in mid-flight. It’s a bit of a sensory overload, especially in that warm New York summer. I just love to soak it all in. The noise, the smells, the energy!)
It wasn’t long until I stumbled across the quaintest little tea shop I've ever seen: it’s a secret hideaway, nestled amongst the towering skyscrapers. Imagine, a quiet retreat in the heart of this wild, crazy city!
It’s called ‘A Pinch of Thyme’, a delightful, aromatic oasis that was just perfect for my afternoon treat. Their chamomile tea, with a dollop of lavender honey and the cutest pink rose, warmed my soul like a comforting embrace!
I had to make the most of this tranquil respite. After a few sips, I indulged in their freshly-baked chocolate cake with vanilla frosting (always a good idea when you're a ballerina in training!), before I took to the streets, embracing the vibrancy of the city.
- Dancing on the Streets: As evening fell, I put on my dance shoes, the soft leather giving my feet the comfort they deserved after such an action-packed day. The city started to shimmer, and as I started walking towards Times Square, my tutu was practically twirling on its own! (I just couldn't resist.)
With every step, I felt my body awaken with the spirit of the city. The streets echoed with laughter and music, and the energy was electric. It felt like the whole city was alive, waiting to dance!
That's when it hit me, darling: it didn't have to be a ballet stage or a theatre, you can find your dance floor anywhere! A sunny city square, a bustling pedestrian crossing, even the streets leading up to Times Square, with its flashing billboards and flashing neon lights, all offer a chance to let your inner ballerina bloom!
- Under the City Lights: After that street ballet, I headed to the heart of the city for dinner: The iconic, glamorous Empire Diner – the place to be on the Upper West Side.
With the hustle and bustle of this fabulous city right outside the window, I couldn’t resist snapping pictures. (As much as I love exploring, let's be honest, I can't pass up a photo opportunity!). I’m really proud of how these pictures turned out – I was just brimming with New York charm!
I tucked into a deliciously creamy lobster mac ‘n’ cheese (yum!), with a chilled glass of strawberry lemonade, a delicious blend of sweetness and tang. (So New York, right?)
After dinner, I joined a small group of dance enthusiasts for a ‘salsa for beginners’ class – this is such a classic, romantic dance, full of flirtation and passion! Oh darling, my New York experience wouldn't have been complete without trying this fun and lively dance.
And, you know, a lot of ballet is all about musicality – about allowing the music to guide you. That’s where the passion comes in. It’s truly fascinating to see the two forms – ballet and salsa - intertwine with such fiery and graceful elegance. (Plus, who doesn’t love to move their body like nobody's watching?!).
It was a lot of fun and everyone was so welcoming, even those of us who were total beginners.
After my salsa escapade, I found myself at the top of the Rockefeller Center. The panoramic views were so breathtaking! You can see everything from the Empire State Building to Central Park, and it all twinkled with a captivating magic! This was definitely one for my scrapbook, or at least my phone!
I felt my energy starting to surge, the perfect ending to the perfect New York day!
A Ballet Star in the Big Apple
I’m really excited to tell you more about the Gala, my performance, and all the amazing things that have been happening over this exciting weekend, because this journey isn't ending anytime soon.
Let's stay in touch, darling! You can follow me on Instagram for my latest pics. You can find all the highlights from my New York travels (and maybe a little ballet practice to keep those skills sharp). Just search #pinktutublog!
Remember: you never know when your pink tutu journey might take you next. This might be New York for me today. It might be Paris tomorrow. It might be a new and exciting adventure around the world… you can truly dance anywhere, you know, so never be afraid to put on your pink tutu and go for it!
Stay strong and graceful, darling!
Until next time, Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
