Hey darlings! It's Monday, and that means it's time for another Pink Tutu Blog post, this time straight from the heart of New York City!
The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. The melting pot of cultures and dreams. I’ve arrived! I've always been enchanted by this dazzling city, and my recent trip was pure magical bliss!
Let’s rewind for a moment - I've just returned from Derbyshire, where I gave a stunning performance at the Peak District Dance Festival. It was a roaring success! We filled the theatre with swirling tutus, soaring leaps and, of course, a sprinkle of pink. You can imagine how excited I was to receive a telegram afterwards, offering me the opportunity to perform on a Broadway stage for a special fundraising event for the ‘Tutus For All’ charity, which aims to get every single girl in New York dancing. It felt like a fairytale dream coming true - dancing my heart out in the home of dance, in a glorious pink tutu, no less!
My journey started with a delicious full English breakfast – bacon, eggs, sausages, the lot! I couldn’t resist popping on my newest tutu - a stunning pink sequined creation I'd picked up at a little boutique in Nottinghamshire, before heading off to Heathrow airport. Thankfully, the flight to JFK was smooth and full of fascinating fellow travellers – a delightful lady from Texas with a whole collection of sparkly cowboy boots, a dapper gentleman on his way to a fashion conference in Paris, and a giggling group of friends heading off to a romantic weekend getaway in Vermont.
I have to confess, there’s something about stepping onto American soil that makes me want to twirl a little harder. Something about the energy of New York, the fast pace, the endless possibilities - it’s electrifying! But before I jumped onto the subway – of course I donned my classic pink tutu, after all it's my signature look - I grabbed a cup of delicious coffee from a cosy cafe across the street from the airport. They had a whole menu dedicated to special latte art! I opted for a "ballerina swan," complete with a little pink feather for the tutu. So elegant!
My journey into Manhattan took me through a whirlwind of sights. It was like the whole city was bustling with energy. From towering skyscrapers and colourful graffiti, to street performers singing Broadway classics and everyone buzzing about. It was exhilarating! And, of course, my pink tutu attracted a lot of attention. People would stop me in the street to ask about it, wanting to take pictures, sharing their love for the colour and the grace of the tutu! My little dance with my favourite bright pink colour helped to spread joy wherever I went.
The apartment I booked for my stay was charming and bright, nestled right next to Central Park. You know me – a girl’s gotta be surrounded by the green! It had the most beautiful view from the balcony - a sea of green branches with the cityscape rising behind it. And wouldn’t you know it, right on the street was a fabulous boutique bursting with sparkly dresses and chic shoes!
“Ooh la la!” I cried as I stepped into the haven of designer delights. The colours were incredible – a riot of reds and blues, silvers and yellows. It was pure sartorial heaven! I grabbed a fluffy white cloud of a skirt that seemed to dance on its own and a dazzling emerald green dress that sparkled in the sunlight. I just had to have them!
Speaking of sparkly things, did you know today, January 4th, marks the official opening of The Enchanted Crystal Market? An event celebrating all things shiny and magnificent – gemstones, crystals, jewelry, the whole shebang! This fabulous pop-up market takes place in Brooklyn, nestled between trendy boutiques and a quaint little French bistro. They say there’s something special waiting for every soul there, something that resonates with your inner light.
Of course, I had to go. What’s a girly adventure without some glittering treasures? You won’t be surprised to know I ended up with a dazzlingly pink gemstone necklace that sparkles like a thousand tiny stars!
This little adventure isn't only about me, though. It's about my passion for sharing the magic of dance with the world. And believe me, New York is teeming with dance enthusiasts, and more than a few ballet lovers! My first stop was the Lincoln Center, an iconic hub for all things arts and culture, particularly renowned for its world-class dance productions. The sheer number of ballet classes and performances on offer blew my mind – I almost got lost in a sea of leotards and tutus, not to mention the enchanting world of pointe shoes!
As you know, I am a sucker for a ballet performance. And during my stay, I found myself watching a spectacular performance by the New York City Ballet – graceful dancers, elegant music, the entire theater radiating a magical energy. It’s always magical seeing talented artists bring dance to life with such effortless artistry. It’s enough to inspire you to grab your own tutu and twirl with abandon.
There’s something about the way dancers express themselves through movement, something raw, passionate, and utterly enchanting. Each dance they perform feels like a story told without words, every flick of the wrist, every turn, and leap radiating emotion.
There was one performance in particular, which really resonated with me. The final scene involved a beautiful ballerina gracefully dancing a delicate and beautiful waltz – she danced with such poise, it took my breath away. That elegant ballet sparked something within me – it's what drives me to encourage more and more people to pick up the pink and discover the joy of dancing.
This city is truly a haven for dancers, so I made sure to sneak in some time to perfect my own moves. In the evenings, after indulging in my favourite creamy cheesecake in the cutest cafe (seriously, it was a picture!), I headed off to a class at the legendary Steps on Broadway - they are known to have some of the best teachers and dance styles across all disciplines, not just ballet. The instructors were so encouraging, and even the other dancers were so friendly. It really felt like a welcoming community, a supportive family that celebrates the power of movement.
You’ll be surprised at what you can find in New York. The other night I stumbled across an incredible underground dance party that took me back to my student days. Let me tell you, I almost didn’t recognize myself dancing like crazy on the dance floor in my most dazzling pink tutu with the disco ball spinning above, bathed in flashing colourful lights.
Of course, this wasn’t all just dancing. This trip has been filled with explorations of different cultures, delicious foods, and dazzling experiences. There were long walks through Central Park (can you believe I actually found a pink tulip?), evenings exploring cozy bookstores full of interesting stories, and so many captivating conversations with people from all walks of life.
Evenings in this city have an alluring quality to them, and every walk along the streets feels like stepping into a glamorous movie. With a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand, and a perfectly matching pink beret on my head – of course, a tutu underneath – I love watching the city come alive at night. And how about those spectacular light displays on buildings? I loved trying to decipher the designs and stories behind them.
Now, let me tell you, exploring the vibrant art scene of New York City is an experience I highly recommend. It was like stepping into a living museum with art all around - a street performer showcasing impressive feats of contortionism in the middle of a bustling intersection, a talented painter capturing the beauty of the cityscape in a stroke of their brush, an inspiring sculptor crafting magnificent pieces, the music that bursts forth from every corner – an eclectic blend of melodies.
Every turn was a delight! The galleries are phenomenal too! I visited a particularly impressive gallery in the West Village – full of thought-provoking pieces that really made you stop and reflect. I was so impressed by the powerful messages behind these works, exploring the challenges and joys of life. But, it was the vibrant street art that truly mesmerized me.
And you know me, darling! The street art has to involve a bit of pink. On my stroll through Brooklyn’s most charming neighbourhoods, I spotted an impressive collection of street art, full of vivid colors and captivating imagery. And amongst all the colours, a beautifully painted pink flamingo was perched on a wall with the most playful grin. The artistic creativity on show on every corner made it impossible not to feel inspired, filled with ideas for my next design!
My trip to New York was truly an extraordinary experience. The city has it all. But there’s something special about the way this place allows you to fully embrace your inner child, discover hidden passions, and step out of your comfort zone with a joyous pink twirl.
After such an inspiring experience, my heart overflows with gratitude. My heartfelt thanks go out to all the wonderful people I encountered on this journey – the generous artists, the passionate dancers, the captivating shop owners, and everyone else who made this trip unforgettable.
From my magical journey in New York, I want to leave you with one simple message. You can be whoever you want to be. Never stop dreaming, and never, ever, forget to wear pink!
See you next Monday!
Yours in Pink,
Emma
#*Emma’s Pink Tutu Blog: The Colour Of Hope & Joy. www.pink-tutu.com. Follow Emma on Instagram @PinkTutuEmma and join the community with #PinkTutuGirls on Twitter. *
