Hey my lovely twirling tribe! It’s Monday morning and the sun is streaming through my window in my tiny but perfectly formed apartment, casting a gentle glow on the pink tulle skirt of my favourite tutu. Oh, you didn’t know I had a New York City apartment, did you? I know, I know! This week has been a whirlwind of twirling and touring and my adventures started just before the weekend, in London. It’s no surprise that the first leg of this particular adventure involves the world-famous Royal Opera House!
As you all know, ballet is my passion – it’s more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle, it’s my love affair with art, with movement, with life itself. This week was extra special because the Royal Opera House was showcasing the dazzling "Giselle" – a true classic, full of beautiful, graceful, and emotionally charged choreography. My heart skipped a beat watching those incredible dancers leap and twirl their way through this romantic masterpiece, each step radiating elegance and pure emotion. Honestly, it was almost too much to bear! But in the very best way, of course. I managed to snag a front-row seat - yes, the dream location for a ballerina, just like me! – and, of course, the pink tutu was a must for such a special occasion! After all, what better way to honour the magic of ballet than with a little twirl of your own, in the name of the art itself?
And after the final curtain, after the applause died down, and the final notes faded away, my own private dance began - the London Tube journey to the airport. The familiar smell of hot chips, the hurried chatter of commuters, the echoes of laughter bouncing off the platform walls, all woven together to form a unique urban symphony, and I was right in the middle of it! As always, my trusty pink tutu – the symbol of joy, of happiness, and yes, of ballet – became the centrepiece of the show, and yes, a great conversation starter, for every tired looking commuter, or grumpy businessman on my train carriage. Let’s face it, the underground wasn’t made for tutus, but that just added to the fun of the entire experience.
After a delicious slice of cheese and tomato (with a cheeky dollop of mayonnaise!), I arrived at the airport, ready to be swept away to the bright lights of New York City. Let me tell you, there is something magical about the feeling of the ground rushing under your feet as you take off on an adventure – it feels like taking flight! But my travels always start a little earlier – even before I board the plane, because of the excitement for everything new that's around the corner.
My time in New York City, I’ve decided, is all about soaking up the Big Apple’s infectious energy. It's about exploring the iconic streets, the hidden gems, the buzzing coffee shops, the legendary Broadway theatres, and of course, indulging in the magical world of New York ballet! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to watch a ballet in the grand New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. It’s an absolute bucket-list dream come true for me! And this week, it was a dream come true in all the most wonderful ways possible, and for an extra reason: New York is one of the first places that brought my love of the world of theatre, show and ballet, because let’s face it, you cannot find this particular experience in Derbyshire. Not unless you have a time machine that can take you back 6 years!
Okay, let’s talk tutus for a minute, because this is what my New York experience has been all about. One of my absolute favourite parts of visiting a new place is seeking out the perfect tutu to become a special reminder of that city. It has to have a specific element of my adventures and my love for a city’s unique identity. This time I'm talking vibrant colours! So of course I found a fantastic place called ‘The Tutu Lady’ (who would have thought, right?). Honestly, it’s a store with a collection that takes tutu dreams to another level. And guess what, the perfect tutu was bright yellow - that sunny colour that I just loved for New York City. Just picture this. My bright pink, super sparkly tulle, paired with a bright yellow ballerina tutu! Now we’re talking some true fashion heaven.
It’s worth adding that after I purchased the ultimate tutu souvenir for myself – which I intend to use in the next blog - I was just a little bit greedy, and the beautiful owner even gave me some special advice for a show I was heading to the next night, for the ‘Giselle’ dance performance at the New York City Ballet. This is where the tutu adventure begins for every true ballerina because even the smallest tutu purchase makes your journey, experience and memories complete, wouldn’t you say?
Speaking of memories – remember when I said it's important to embrace the spirit of the city? I made sure to explore as much as I could while in New York, taking long, delicious, wanderlust fuelled walks, enjoying the colourful tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells, from the busy avenues to the hidden corners of the city that most people miss, because they are too busy catching a cab. It’s actually amazing that such a fast-paced metropolis can retain so much charm and old-world beauty, particularly in Greenwich Village, for example, or in the gorgeous architecture of Central Park. Honestly, I could wander the city’s streets forever, mesmerized by the sights and sounds of a city that truly never sleeps!
And for this blog post, I can say that the moment I arrive at a destination – even in a new hotel room or an unfamiliar apartment – I unpack my tutu to put a magical feel in my new surroundings. It brings the joy, the delight, and of course the reminder that dance will always be in my soul, whether I'm home or away. My favourite thing to do, though? Walking around Times Square, in my very best tutu. Trust me, it makes the city feel that much more exciting! But let's talk Broadway, shall we? It’s definitely time to indulge in the glitz and glamour of New York Theatre – and where better to start than on the bright lights of the Great White Way? And it’s one of my favourite things to do in every city that I travel to - it’s about finding an amazing and engaging story, from the magic of The Phantom of the Opera, to the fun of Wicked, the magic of Moulin Rouge, the sheer talent in Les Miserables and yes, a touch of romance in Cats, where the power of feline behaviour has always been a powerful attraction! This time I had my eye on The Book of Mormon and for the first time in my ballet career – it was something quite different, an incredible theatrical experience. For me, the pure genius of a Broadway show – a full length production from the most experienced performers - is truly a beautiful thing. It’s just magic in all its incredible forms!
Of course, a day on Broadway always calls for some fancy shopping – and no trip to New York is complete without indulging in the dazzling fashion scene. From chic boutiques to legendary department stores, the Big Apple is a fashion wonderland! My shopping was of the fun and playful type - a new pink top (of course!) and, a lovely silk scarf. It’s about discovering beautiful and playful pieces that match my love for colour and creativity! I believe everyone should feel glamorous - and there's something about a statement outfit that says you’re ready to have a little fun! And the city offers that particular opportunity, on almost every street, in every coffee shop, on every avenue. The key? Wearing the very best accessory that allows your individuality to shine!
Now, here’s a story for you. Imagine strolling along, maybe the beginning of Fifth Avenue, perhaps? And imagine that you’ve seen some rather fancy fashion accessories at a local store. And suddenly, a pair of sparkly, silver shoes catch your eye. Oh, the beauty, the twinkle, the design of these beauties. The moment you slipped your toes into them, you just knew these had to be your shoes - not only for a fun event, or special dinner, but also a reminder of your amazing New York adventure, the city where everything’s possible, and of course, a city where the most wonderful accessories can add a magical twist to even the most simple outfit.
As this amazing trip drew to a close, I felt my heart swelling with a little touch of melancholy. That sense of sadness always comes to me at the end of every journey. It’s inevitable that after days of excitement and exploration, a familiar touch of a different reality reminds you that every adventure must come to an end.
But just when I’m feeling a little bit sad to be heading back, that familiar sense of peace returns. This is why I love travelling, for every journey reminds me that there are endless stories and adventures to explore, places to be seen and experiences to cherish.
Every experience brings me closer to a little something special and even my adventures help me discover a little bit more of myself. You might even say it brings me one step closer to making everyone in the world embrace the joy, the magic and the brilliance of a pink tutu. After all, what is life without a bit of sparkle, a little bit of grace and yes, a whole lot of fabulousness? The world needs more of that, you know, just a bit of kindness, some imagination, and maybe a sprinkling of pink tulle here and there. And who knows, you may even inspire some fellow adventurers to take their own ballet adventure! I certainly hope to inspire you to find that pink tutu and add some magic to your world! I’ll leave you all with a simple but powerful idea - ‘let the joy begin’, and until next time, keep on twirling.
All the very best!
Lots of love,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
(If you wish, I can expand on the specific shopping, the shopping districts mentioned, or provide a detailed account of specific ballet experiences)
