Monday, 22nd April 2019
Good morning, darlings!
I'm writing this from the heart of Manhattan, and I have to say, I'm completely smitten with the city. My feet haven't stopped tapping since I arrived, and the vibrant energy here is absolutely infectious! I even managed to squeeze in a morning ballet class at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – oh, the amazing talent and the joyous atmosphere!
This week I'm focusing on my absolute favourite: the ultimate ballet experience.
I'm channeling my inner ballerina in New York, and trust me, it's glorious. Today's all about exploring the city with a touch of sparkle and a whole lot of pink. Let's go!
New York Ballet Wonderland:
Yesterday, I was transported to a whole new world. The magical New York City Ballet performance at Lincoln Center was simply divine.
Imagine: a breathtakingly beautiful performance hall, filled with an orchestra's soaring melodies. The lights dimmed, and dancers took to the stage in intricate, graceful steps. The air crackled with the palpable energy of the audience. I was captivated by the beauty of every movement, each expression, and every perfectly-timed pause.
Oh, the costumes! The artistry of the designers shone through - dazzling costumes in shades of emerald green and soft, ethereal whites that just added to the dreamlike atmosphere.
And who can forget the pointe work? Watching those dancers effortlessly glide across the stage, perfectly poised and radiating strength, took my breath away.
The Art of the Tutu:
Now, as you know, a tutu is my true love, and nothing inspires me quite like the grace and elegance of the ballet dancers. I absolutely had to hunt down the perfect tutu to match my mood.
My quest took me to Dancewear Specialists on West 49th Street - a haven for aspiring ballerinas (and dedicated tutu-lovers like me). A whole floor crammed with tutus, pointe shoes, leotards, and ballet gear of all colours, sizes and styles - pure heaven!
I settled on a breathtaking, fluffy pink tutu adorned with sparkling sequins and layers of tulle - it was a perfect match for my dazzling Manhattan experience.
The Power of the Pink Tutu:
There's something incredibly empowering about wearing a tutu - it instantly adds a sprinkle of magic to your day. You know, I even dared to venture into the metro wearing my sparkly pink confection, and it was hilarious. Everyone on the train, from commuters to businessmen, looked so surprised. The smile on my face was absolutely contagious! I reckon they were jealous of my fun-loving spirit, even the grumpy ones who barely even smiled! They probably wouldn't admit it, but that pink tutu had the power to brighten their day.
Let's Shop:
You can't possibly visit New York without indulging in some serious retail therapy. Now, I do have a weakness for sparkly accessories and, as a girly-girl, there’s no place like Fifth Avenue to fulfil my desires.
Every window display was an art form. You could get lost in a whirlwind of designers, boutiques, and glittering jewelry.
My Top Fashion Picks:
- Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dresses: Chic, classic and effortlessly stylish - they’re a must-have for every fashionable woman.
- Macy's: You can't go wrong with Macy’s - they have absolutely everything - from affordable dresses and shoes to high-end designer goods. The perfect mix of styles and brands - even the pinkest of pink tutus (though, unfortunately, I had to buy mine elsewhere!)
- Bloomingdale’s: This luxurious department store is an absolute treat - a shoppers’ paradise with fashion-forward styles and stunning window displays.
And the best part? All those delicious, stylish clothes are just a subway ride away - thank heavens for the New York subway system - it's fast, affordable, and surprisingly convenient. Plus, you can truly see a different side of New York City from those subterranean carriages.
What To See:
Now, on to the cultural gems:
- The Empire State Building: The iconic Art Deco masterpiece. You've got to go for the breath-taking view of the city. Just try not to break your neck taking selfies!
- Times Square: The bright lights, flashing billboards, and pulsating energy – pure New York in all its chaotic glory. It's a place to soak up the electric atmosphere and see what's trending.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A treasure trove of art history and cultural exhibits. I couldn’t help but feel inspired by all those beautiful garments from different periods. A true fashion and artistic haven!
- Central Park: The iconic green space in the heart of the city. You'll find everyone from strolling couples to rollerbladers and artists in Central Park - a charming microcosm of the city itself. A haven of peace and serenity amongst the chaos.
- The Top of the Rock: The Rockefeller Center's observation deck for an incredible view of the city, including a fabulous sight of the Empire State Building! It's simply a must for those dramatic pictures.
And let's not forget about the vibrant street life. There’s so much happening all the time - from Broadway performances and street artists to impromptu flash mobs and unique food stalls. You'll never be bored.
A Final Thought:
New York City is all about experiencing life to the fullest – it's a city that encourages you to embrace the energy and excitement of every single moment. Just like a ballet performance, it's all about grace, power, and the freedom to express yourself through dance - through life, even.
And don't forget: embrace the pink tutu life, darlings!
See you next Monday with another NYC adventure!
Until then, keep those tutus spinning and your spirits high!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
