Hello my dearest readers! It's Monday again, and that means another installment of my Pink Tutu Blog: NYC Edition. This week I’m feeling especially giddy, because I've spent the last seven days twirling through the vibrant streets of New York City. And you know what? It was pure magic.
Before I delve into the fabulous fashion and breathtaking ballet adventures, I have to share some news with you! My lovely friend, Alice, sent me the most adorable gift last week - a custom-made pink tutu in a shimmering rose-gold tulle, embellished with tiny iridescent sequins! Can you imagine the joy? I practically did a pirouette in the post office. So, this week, my pink tutu game is seriously strong, and it has set the tone for the entire NYC experience.
The Metro Makes Me Feel So...
As always, I embarked on my New York City adventure from the legendary Grand Central Terminal. There is something magical about this place, from the ornate ceilings to the endless crowds bustling with excitement. Oh, and the echoes of countless journeys... whispers of history, dreams and adventures in the air.
I always make sure to ride the subway during my New York City trips. I love how the train rattles and chugs along the tracks, giving you a glimpse into every part of the city. It's almost like riding through a magical, ever-changing landscape. I mean, isn’t it fabulous how a bustling metropolis can be brought together by an underground network of tunnels? This time I tried the A train to Brooklyn and the 7 train out to Queens, two different corners of New York I had not explored yet.
The one thing that never fails to amaze me about New York City is the sheer number of people on the metro. There’s so much variety: families with babies and toddlers, students glued to their laptops, tourists clutching maps, commuters heading to their offices, musicians and artists trying their luck, the elderly who just enjoy the journey... it's an amazing spectacle!
Ballet Dreams Come Alive in The Big Apple
You all know that ballet is my absolute passion, and what better place to indulge than New York City, the melting pot of performing arts!
My week kicked off with a delightful performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House. Oh, it was just beautiful! From the elegant choreography and stunning costumes to the incredible performances, every element was captivating. I was utterly mesmerized. The theatre itself was magnificent, full of rich history and breathtaking grandeur, and seeing such iconic ballet productions come to life in this majestic venue was a dream come true! The audience was spellbound. My fellow theatre goers gave a rousing applause that sent chills down my spine.
Later in the week, I discovered a hidden gem in the city – the Dance Theatre Workshop, a space dedicated to nurturing new and exciting choreographic talent. The intimate space gave me a chance to really immerse myself in the creative process, It’s fascinating to see artists so passionate about pushing the boundaries of dance, so inventive and expressive, exploring the depths of movement, rhythm and emotions. I learned so much about the nuances of different dance forms.
My visit to New York was, of course, also an opportunity to improve my own ballet skills! I snuck in a couple of master classes at the Steps on Broadway dance studio, where I was privileged to work with some renowned instructors. You can bet I absorbed all the wisdom and technique they imparted to me, from intricate footwork to powerful leaps! I came away feeling more energised and motivated than ever.
Pink Tutu Fashion & The Iconic Department Stores
Now, no trip to New York City is complete without some serious shopping. I’m a complete shopaholic, and my passion is finding clothes that accentuate my girly and stylish spirit.
My first stop was Bergdorf Goodman, a luxurious department store synonymous with impeccable style. It’s more than just a shop – it’s a journey into the world of haute couture. Every corner oozes sophistication and elegance, each floor an enchanting new chapter in the story of fashion. From sleek gowns and sparkling jewellery to dazzling accessories and bold footwear, my heart just skipped a beat at every corner. This year, I splashed out and bought a shimmering silver ballet flats perfect for dressing up my everyday look. I feel fabulous every time I wear them!
A few days later, I explored the chic, playful world of Bloomingdale’s, which offers a vast and varied selection of fashion styles. This department store has an incredibly bright atmosphere, It’s all about colours and energy – there are even little ‘style rooms’ dotted around the place where you can try on different clothes in privacy. Here I snagged a pair of hot pink heels and a glittery silver belt to add that extra sparkle to my outfit.
And no trip to New York City is complete without visiting Macy’s! This giant department store is legendary for a reason. You can practically get anything you could ever need there. It is truly overwhelming, so it's definitely an all-day adventure, The fashion departments are absolutely incredible. I spent a full afternoon discovering all kinds of exciting outfits and finally walked out with a beautiful coral scarf, a fluffy pink handbag, and a pair of delicate pink earrings. It's true what they say: if you can’t find it at Macy’s, it doesn't exist!
A Broadway Performance and A City That Never Sleeps
One of the highlights of this week was the breathtaking Broadway production of "Hamilton." The sheer talent and energy on stage were palpable! This captivating musical about the Founding Fathers truly captured my imagination. The music was sensational - such beautiful harmonies, fast rapping verses, and so much depth and energy, which just vibrated off the stage. It felt like a real-life ballet performance but with singing and dancing intertwined! I almost couldn't keep up! It made me want to go out and find an awesome musical group to learn a whole new set of steps!
Afterward, I took a leisurely stroll around Times Square. Evenings in the Big Apple always make me feel a bit giddy! The dazzling lights and towering screens illuminated the entire cityscape and you could sense the energy from thousands of people swarming through the square. This place never sleeps! I sipped my hot chocolate and watched a fantastic, talented busker with his guitar and violin perform on a corner. It was quite incredible and brought a special kind of magic to this vibrant square.
My time in New York was, as always, jam-packed with countless adventures! It was an absolute whirlwind of beauty, entertainment, inspiration and fashion. I took hundreds of photographs and even started collecting unique souvenirs - tiny, glittering pink tutus and sparkly ballet slippers - that perfectly capture the spirit of New York.
Oh, I mustn't forget! For the very last night of my New York City stay, I visited the rooftop bar at the Gansevoort Park Avenue. It offers the most breathtaking view of the skyline. Under the magical glow of the city lights, I watched as the moon bathed the towering skyscrapers in a silvery light. And you know what? As I stood there, watching the endless stream of traffic and the city lights twinking around me, I felt an immense feeling of awe and wonder.
The Pink Tutu Movement Keeps Growing!
Every time I travel to this magnificent city, it reaffirms my conviction - my mission in life is to inspire others to embrace the pink tutu! This joyful symbol of confidence and individuality is for everyone, regardless of their age or dance ability! And New York City was the perfect place to witness my Tutu movement take off.
While I was strolling through Central Park, I stumbled upon a group of children dressed up in beautiful pink tutus, frolicking on the grass, spinning, leaping, and imagining themselves as graceful ballerinas! Their infectious joy and energy radiated like a beautiful sunset over the park! And that’s when it hit me - a little pink tutu has the power to spark imagination and unleash creativity.
I caught up with a delightful couple, dressed in pink tutu-inspired outfits - she wore a tulle skirt and a cute pink headband, and he was in a dazzling pink tie, a fabulous touch of flamboyance for his elegant ensemble. And the man's grin was like sunshine! That's what a pink tutu can do - make the world a more colorful and joyful place.
On my journey through the subway, a group of teens had donned matching pink tutu skirts as part of their "dance party in the subway" scheme - it’s an awesome movement that encourages everyone to express their individuality! These are just a few examples of how the pink tutu message of confidence, creativity, and fun is truly resonating.
From New York With Love
I’m now back in my quaint, cosy flat in Derbyshire, a world away from the energy and excitement of New York City. My bags are still full of shopping bags and souvenir tutus - and my heart overflows with memories! It's amazing how such a bustling metropolis can simultaneously inspire so much awe, peace, and joy.
As I unpack my pink treasures and relive all the wonderful moments I experienced during my New York City adventure, I'm already planning my next trip! The Big Apple has a special way of tugging at your heartstrings, drawing you back again and again for another dose of that magic.
Until next time, keep those pink tutus twirling! Remember, fashion and ballet are all about expressing your individuality, finding joy in every moment, and embracing a little bit of sparkle and elegance in everyday life. And never forget that a pink tutu is a powerful symbol of confidence, creativity and joy, no matter who you are!
Stay tuned for next week’s post, where I’ll be exploring more amazing corners of New York City and spreading more pink tutu magic along the way!
Yours always, Emma x
