Hello my darling tutu-loving friends!
Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip to the Big Apple! It feels amazing to be back in my little London flat after a week of non-stop adventures in New York City. And let me tell you, this trip was a real dream! I packed my very best pink tutu – the one with the layers and layers of tulle that swish around like a fluffy cloud – and my trusty dancing shoes, and was ready to take on the concrete jungle.
It’s no secret that New York is one of my favourite cities. It’s got that special kind of energy, a pulsating beat that takes over your soul, and that infectious New York spirit of "you can do anything!". Every corner is filled with history, culture, and endless opportunities for a fabulously pink-tastic adventure!
So, let me take you back through my week...
Day 1: Ballet & The Big City Glow Up
As soon as I arrived at my adorable hotel room (yes, it even had a balcony!), I donned my tutu – gotta make a statement, right? – and hopped on the subway (did you know the New York subway has actual art in its stations?! Amazing!) to Lincoln Center.
I was seeing the New York City Ballet perform "Romeo & Juliet". Let me tell you, it was nothing short of breathtaking! The choreography was elegant and powerful, the music was just chef’s kiss, and the costumes were truly spectacular.
The performance just lit a spark in me, leaving me feeling so energized and inspired. Afterward, I wandered around Lincoln Center, soaking up the buzzing atmosphere. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and purple… the most beautiful, delicate dance of colours. I even stumbled upon a gorgeous little boutique, and couldn’t resist grabbing a pair of dainty ballet flats, adorned with delicate pearls, just perfect for the city’s paved paths!
Day 2: Shopping & Soaking Up the City Vibes
Now, who doesn’t love a good old fashion day in New York?
It's a ritual: the morning coffee with its delicious sweet bagel at a charming local cafe, followed by a little stroll down Fifth Avenue – where else could I find the perfect, pink, feather boa? I felt like I had stepped out of a 1950s movie set, I even bumped into a few people sporting fabulous fedoras and tailored suits! I felt my inner style icon tingling with inspiration.
For lunch, I tucked into a classic New York deli. Let's be honest, every city has their classic cuisine, but NYC bagels… they are just different.
In the afternoon, I went shopping on Madison Avenue. It was pure shopping paradise! Every boutique and store is overflowing with gorgeous clothes, bags, and shoes, And let’s be honest, sometimes the simple pleasure of browsing and trying on beautiful things is the best therapy you could ask for.
Day 3: A Brooklyn Stroll and Finding my Tutu-Twins
I boarded the metro (I had a free pass so naturally I rode it every day – that’s right, every day – like the true New Yorker I felt I was becoming!) towards the vibrant, creative world of Brooklyn! It’s been my dream to experience the artsy spirit of Brooklyn firsthand, and finally, here I was!
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was pure magic. It was a riot of colours and scents, and every little flower looked like a tiny dancer doing their best pirouette! I found a cute spot in the sun to sit down with a good book – and yes, it was my favourite pink and gold notebook - and watch the world go by.
As I strolled through the streets of Brooklyn, something amazing happened! I stumbled across a street ballet performance. And you guessed it, these lovely dancers had chosen the best attire: PINK TUTUS! I almost cried! We talked and chatted about everything from our favorite pointe shoes to our dreams of sharing our love for ballet with the world, all while a light drizzle sprinkled down and the smell of street food wafted around us, it was like being in a beautiful, ballet-filled daydream!
Day 4: Uptown Charm & Broadway's Majesty
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the theatre! I spent the afternoon wandering around the theatre district, soaking up the atmosphere. You can just feel the excitement in the air. Every doorway is an invitation to adventure, and every corner a hidden story waiting to be discovered.
That evening, I went to see the world-renowned "Moulin Rouge! The Musical." It was phenomenal! It truly lived up to its name, it was everything I expected: captivating performances, flamboyant costumes, and heart-wrenching drama. You just couldn’t tear your eyes away!
Afterwards, I grabbed a chocolate brownie at a cafe overlooking Times Square. What a view! As I enjoyed my treat, I watched the world below go by: flashing lights, advertising boards screaming for your attention, taxi horns, it all contributed to the mesmerizing dance of urban life that you can only truly witness in the Big Apple.
Day 5: A Bite of History and the Majesty of the Met
This day was all about exploring! I woke up with a newfound enthusiasm to embrace New York's rich past! I made my way to the “9/11 Memorial and Museum,” which was incredibly poignant and moving. The story of resilience and remembrance was truly captivating.
In the afternoon, I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, gazing down at the vast cityscape spread out before me, taking in all the architectural marvels and feeling proud of my inner pink-tutu-wearing explorer. The sun glistened on the majestic buildings, making it a breathtaking view!
In the evening, I took the subway up to Manhattan’s Upper East Side to see a special exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: a selection of ballet costumes from the 18th century to the present day. My absolute favorite? A shimmering, pink tulle masterpiece that had me gasping for air! It was truly inspirational and highlighted just how timeless, and exciting, ballet is.
Day 6: Central Park Delight and Ballet for Every Dream
What is a New York trip without a stroll through Central Park? This is the ultimate escape from the city buzz. I found a patch of sun-drenched grass and sprawled out, admiring the iconic view of the Manhattan skyline from within the serene beauty of the park. The air was alive with laughter and chatter, families playing, a perfect representation of the vibrancy of life.
Of course, no New York City adventure would be complete without another ballet class! So, that evening, I signed up for a Drop-In class in the East Village! This class was different, the focus was on flow and fluidity, almost ballet-inspired street dance movements! I felt so much freedom in that studio. There's something incredibly liberating about putting on your pointe shoes and expressing yourself through dance.
Day 7: Farewell Broadway, Farewell New York
My final day! I had to savour the magic of this incredible city. It’s been my absolute favorite past-time: going to watch broadway shows in New York! I felt it was only right that my last night would be spent on the best stage on the planet.
The show, "The Lion King," had the whole audience roaring! This captivating story is told through the dance of acrobatics, music and choreography! It’s true, some Broadway productions can leave you speechless and this one really did.
That evening, I returned to my little London flat, filled with stories and memories, and just a bit more pink in my life. After all, how could a New York City experience not be pinktastic?
Until next time my dearest friends! Stay tuned for next week's post when I tell you about my trip to... well, I’ll just have to wait and see!
Emma xxx
