Monday, 11th March, 2019
Greetings from the city that never sleeps, my fellow twirlers! Emma here, reporting live from the concrete jungle, where the air crackles with energy and dreams swirl as fast as my favourite pink tulle.
This past week has been an absolute whirlwind! It feels like I've crammed a lifetime of fashion, dancing and discovery into seven glorious days. I even managed to catch a sneak peek of the new spring collections (squeal!) while juggling a ballet class or two and of course, an evening at the theatre - it's all about finding that perfect balance, isn't it?
For those of you who haven't yet discovered my corner of the internet (you poor things!), I'm Emma, a Derbyshire lass with a passion for tutus, travel and all things fabulous. My mission, should I choose to accept it (which, obviously, I do), is to spread the pink tutu gospel far and wide. Because, let's face it, the world is a brighter, more twirl-tastic place when everyone's rocking a bit of pink tulle!
I document my adventures across the globe, from Paris to Prague, all the way to - you guessed it! - New York City! Each week, I post a new blog filled with fashion finds, travel tips and my latest tutu-tastic escapades. So grab a cuppa (or a glass of champagne if it's a particularly glamorous Monday!), kick back and let's get into the nitty gritty of this past week in the city that never sleeps...
Thursday: Fashion Overload at Bloomingdale's
The air was buzzing with excitement as I stepped off the metro and onto Lexington Avenue. You can just feel it in New York - the electric current of dreams and aspirations, ambition and creativity. And where better to experience that energy than at the glorious Bloomingdale's, a haven for all things chic and stylish.
After a quick pit stop for a slice of pizza (you just can't resist a good NY slice, can you?), I launched headfirst into a fashion frenzy. From delicate lace dresses and bold, geometric prints to vibrant silk scarves and exquisitely crafted jewellery, the selection was simply staggering. I had to try everything!
This season, it's all about feminine silhouettes and a dash of colour. Think playful polka dots, delicate floral patterns and those classic stripes with a twist. It's a fusion of classic style and modern elegance that is just begging to be danced in!
But don't worry, I didn't forget my true passion - the tutu! You bet your bottom dollar I found a few dazzling creations to add to my ever-growing collection. One, in a blush pink tulle with intricate beaded detail, practically begged to be twirled. Another, in a fiery crimson, radiated drama and confidence, whispering tales of Parisian soirĆ©es and glittering ballet balls. I may or may not have indulged in a few moreā¦ you know how it is!
Friday: A Classical Ballet Extravaganza
Friday night in New York, and it meant only one thing: a performance at the legendary Lincoln Center. Tonight, the New York City Ballet was presenting a masterpiece: Tchaikovsky's timeless "Swan Lake." With its breathtaking costumes, dazzling sets and masterful choreography, it's no wonder this ballet remains a classic.
My heart was racing as the lights dimmed and the opening notes of Tchaikovsky's score filled the hall. The dancers took the stage, their movements so fluid and precise, it was as if they were weightless. It was pure magic!
The black and white Swan Lake costumes were, as ever, iconic: simple, elegant and oh so evocative. They beautifully juxtaposed the ethereal, graceful movements of the White Swan, with the more dramatic and bold expressions of the Black Swan. I even saw a tutu or two, carefully tucked in between layers of feathers, just waiting for its turn to take centre stage!
After the final curtain call, I stood in the lobby, still buzzing with excitement. Watching those talented dancers in action always makes me yearn to get back to the studio and polish my own pirouettes.
Saturday: The Rhythms of Broadway
What's a trip to New York without experiencing the electrifying magic of Broadway? And luckily for me, a matinee of āHamiltonā was on the schedule! Now, Iāll confess: I had to sneak out of a grueling ballet class, but the lure of the award-winning musical proved too strong!
The theatre was electric with anticipation, and I found myself caught up in the pulsating energy of the hip-hop musical, set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. The show weaves history, hip-hop and catchy tunes into a vibrant and exhilarating tapestry. And let's not forget the gorgeous costumes, which effortlessly blended contemporary style with historical inspiration. I can honestly say it was one of the most memorable and moving theatre experiences of my life. I was even tempted to don a pink tutu for the standing ovation (but maybe I'll save that for another time).
Sunday: Finding my Inner Ballerina in New York
I was feeling the effects of the past week, which had been a glorious whirlwind. After a morning filled with the quiet rituals of Sunday: breakfast, reading the New York Times and a luxurious hot bath - I ventured out to one of New York's fabulous dance studios for a final ballet session before heading back to the UK. It was just what I needed: a space to stretch, to flow, to re-center myself and find my inner ballerina.
As the music filled the studio, I felt myself transforming, becoming a part of the energy of the room, allowing my body to respond instinctively. It was like a meditation, an escape into the world of grace and movement. And just like that, my soul was nourished with dance, ready for a new week, full of new adventures and exciting challenges!
And as always... My tutu haul
Now, whoās ready for the big reveal of my fabulous purchases from Bloomingdale's? You know I canāt go to New York without adding a few dazzling items to my tutu collection!
The blushing ballerina: Oh, my! This was a truly breathtaking number - soft, fluffy blush pink tulle, layered and flowing like a dream. There's even a delicate trail of hand-stitched pearls outlining the bottom layer, for an extra touch of luxury.
The scarlet siren: For those nights when you're feeling daring and bold, this crimson tutu is just the thing! Layers of stiffened tulle create a dramatic silhouette that turns heads, while the shiny, scarlet satin sash adds a touch of glamour and sleaze!
The bohemian princess: This oneās for those daytime adventures when you want something comfy and casual, but still stylish! It's made of a beautiful ivory lace with a touch of pink embroidery around the edges. And best of all, it's light and airy enough to wear as a skirt on those hot days in the city!
Travel tip:
For anyone travelling through NYC, the subway system is fantastic for getting around quickly and efficiently. Iāve discovered a trick for getting the most out of your journey: download a reliable subway app before you go to help you navigate the routes and stay informed about delays and service disruptions.
The ultimate Pink Tutu motto:
Wear your heart on your sleeve, your joy on your feet and always remember: itās not what you wear, itās how you wear it!
See you next week for more adventures, fashion and of course, more pink tutus!
Emma x
