Hello darlings!
This week’s post is coming to you from the heart of the Big Apple, New York City. It’s been an absolutely whirlwind of a few days, but what a fab adventure!
This is post number 1242 for my New York City blog, and I am so excited to be sharing this week's trip with you all. As usual, you can find it on www.pink-tutu.com, where I post every Monday.
Before we get into the fabulosity of the trip, I just want to say how delighted I am that you all seem to be getting into the Pink Tutu spirit! Ever since my "Wear Pink Tutus To The Supermarket" post last month went viral, there seems to be a real revolution in the tutu department. My inbox has been overflowing with people asking where to get their own, and it is truly giving me joy. I am a big believer that life is too short to be serious. When was the last time you put on a tutu, just for the hell of it? Remember, every day is a reason to twirl, darlings!
Right, back to the trip! As you know, I'm on the road again, living my best ballet life and spreading the pink tutu gospel! This week, I've been hopping across the Atlantic from my home in Derbyshire to New York, to watch a sensational new ballet performance by the renowned Ballet X company, in association with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Talk about a dreamy combination!
Finding my Way: The Metro Diaries
My journey started at London's Heathrow airport. As I am not afraid to say I was totally embracing the full girly travel look. Pink sparkly handbag, cute polka dot top and, naturally, a luscious, fluffy pink tutu (because when else is it appropriate? ;) ) I strutted with absolute confidence through the airport, collecting admiring stares. I may not be the tallest, but in a tutu I certainly stand out!
After the usual travel shenanigans (where, oh where, had my suitcase gone?), I was on the way to New York. And speaking of "on the way," let me tell you: the New York Metro is an experience in itself. I swear it has a special energy! All those bustling people in such close quarters – you're bound to meet an interesting character. A lady, fully adorned in a feather boa and sunglasses, started chatting to me about her plans for a “salsa disco extravaganza” later that evening – so fabulously New York, wasn't it? I am utterly obsessed with this crazy, fast-paced, and undeniably exciting city. I have spent the last few years doing shows in different cities around the world. Every performance funds my adventures – this year it's New York, next year it might be Buenos Aires or Tokyo, I'm open to suggestions, darlings!
A Day of Shopping, Shows and Sandwiches
Right, let’s talk fashion. After checking into my charming little hotel in the Village (yes, a little boutique hotel where the pink tutu actually went down well!), I had the pleasure of joining the delightful staff of "La Parisienne" for lunch. You all know that I'm a big fan of French fashion, so I had a delightful croque monsieur – a French toasted sandwich. Divine! I know, fancy, right? After lunch, I joined my lovely friend Isabella for a shopping spree at "Pink Parlour". Imagine, a boutique full of beautiful, elegant pinks in every imaginable shade! We giggled and shopped and, let's be honest, we indulged in an absurd amount of pink ice cream – the best I've ever had! I got so many cute outfits. You know what I bought? I think you do – more tutus! Naturally, it is a full collection of shades from dusky rose to flamingo pink. What's life without a rainbow of tutus, right?
The Performance: Ballet X - A True Masterclass in Elegance and Strength
Now for the highlight of my trip: Ballet X. It was honestly a performance that truly captivated me. Ballet X, an independent company based in Philadelphia, delivered such artistry and power through their incredible dancers, whose grace and agility were a visual feast. They effortlessly moved through contemporary ballets and experimental dance pieces. It was an emotional journey, each piece touching my soul in different ways.
There's this incredible piece, Beyond the Frame, that is pure theatrical genius! This powerful choreography combined breathtaking dance movements with projections that seamlessly transformed the stage into a multi-dimensional canvas. They used everything: from stunning cityscapes to intimate portraits of human connection, each creating a dialogue between the dance and the visual element. It was such an immersive experience that left me speechless! The other performance, In Transit, explores themes of displacement, transformation, and the very act of traveling itself. Oh, the symbolism! It was truly beautiful, and resonated so deeply with my own personal journey as a travelling ballerina!
Time For Tutu Magic: Making Friends at The City Dance Studio
I did something truly fun! After the Ballet X performance, I decided to venture into a world of vibrant New York dance culture and had the most fab time at "The City Dance Studio". Oh my god, this place is a whirlwind of creativity! Imagine a haven of beautiful dancers in a studio alive with music and laughter, twirling in every colour imaginable. And did I mention tutus? Of course! The place is bursting with pink tutus! I’ve always said – tutus are not just for ballets! A fabulous ballerina named Sarah invited me to join her ballet class and we had an absolute blast! She showed me some really incredible contemporary dance techniques – talk about fun! The vibe there is super positive and welcoming. I even did a bit of tutu-wearing impromptu performance in the studio’s courtyard, getting all the other students involved – and who am I kidding, everyone loves a good pink tutu dance!
The magic of sharing my passion with so many talented dancers is the most fulfilling experience. And the whole "wear-a-tutu" message just goes viral every time – my dream of a world filled with tutus is one step closer to reality, don't you think?
The Sweet Ending: Cheesecake and Dreamy Views
On the last evening of my trip, I met my good friend Emily at the Empire State Building, a perfect setting for a touch of glamour. Imagine the magnificent view! Oh, the lights! We enjoyed a delicious piece of cheesecake while watching the sun set over the glittering city below – it was an absolute dream. As the lights twinkled in the night sky, I couldn't help but feel an immense sense of peace. What an adventure this was, my dear friends! But the best part? Knowing that a week from now, I will be back again, ready to discover a new corner of this inspiring city, all with my beloved pink tutu in tow!
Until next week, darlings!
P.S. Don't forget to join me on social media! Find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as @EmmaPinkTutu. Keep the tutus twirling, you fab lot!
Love, Emma
