#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 2019-07-01 she danced in New York City

Hello, darling! Welcome back to the Pink Tutu Blog. This week, I'm thrilled to be reporting live from the bustling streets of New York City! 🗽

This city truly has a magic about it. It's been a whirlwind of colour, lights, and a kaleidoscope of human faces, each with a story to tell. I arrived in the Big Apple last Wednesday after a particularly fabulous ballet performance back in Derbyshire. As always, I found myself dreaming of a place far, far away… and this week, the dreams led me here.

This week, as I embark on yet another chapter in my Pink Tutu Adventures, I’m dedicating this post to one of my all-time favourite pastimes: exploring new cities through the eyes of a ballerina! From finding the perfect dance studio for an impromptu class to navigating the subway like a pro, there’s something so thrilling about discovering new cities through the lens of ballet.

Right after checking into my hotel, I wasted no time in heading over to one of New York City’s iconic destinations - The Metropolitan Museum of Art! I must admit, it felt so fabulous to be stepping into a building that truly captures the spirit of art history.

As I walked through the various galleries, I was amazed by the sheer variety of exhibits, but my true love affair began in the Costume Institute. It’s the home to a collection of exquisite couture, some of which is literally centuries old! From grand ball gowns to shimmering dance costumes, there was an incredible abundance of beautiful garments. I felt utterly mesmerized by their history and the exquisite craftsmanship, which inspired a real feeling of wonder. It’s definitely an area that I'd highly recommend you spend some time exploring if you ever visit the Met!

But you already know that fashion and ballet go hand in hand for me, and the museum definitely delivered! They’ve just opened an incredible new exhibition called “In Pursuit of Fashion: The Story of the Fashion Institute of Technology” which features over 150 captivating outfits. This retrospective of the New York Fashion Institute’s amazing legacy made me giddy with delight, as I absolutely adored seeing so many historical designs come to life, from sleek 1960s dresses to fabulous ball gowns, complete with layers and layers of delicate lace!

You can truly sense how many amazing women in the world were devoted to designing, making, and wearing such wonderful creations, and it fills me with a feeling of great reverence to imagine all the joy they experienced. Seeing these masterpieces made me realise once again just how much the world of fashion and design mirrors the artistry and dedication required for ballet!

As I wandered around, I found myself comparing the flowing, fluid lines of a beautiful haute couture dress to the effortless grace of a prima ballerina! It's fascinating to consider how these two art forms, seemingly separate, are intrinsically connected by the shared concept of movement, elegance, and artistry.

Of course, I couldn’t resist a quick photo opportunity by the famous Met steps! And trust me, darling, with this new hot pink tulle tutu I snagged from Bloomingdale’s, it’s safe to say I was quite the striking figure. 😊

And speaking of striking figures, the New York City Ballet held an electrifying performance at Lincoln Center on Friday. I went with my fellow Pink Tutu lover, Alice, who has been such a great companion for these New York adventures. As we settled into our seats, I could feel my anticipation rising, knowing I was about to witness a spectacular performance of pure artistic magic!

We chose to watch “The Sleeping Beauty” which is a personal favourite of mine, and as the curtain rose, the stage shimmered with colour, bringing this iconic fairy tale to life. The beautiful dancers performed with such finesse, each movement perfectly timed and executed, and their graceful jumps and pirouettes had me completely spellbound. Watching their talent brought back so many fond memories of my own dance journey, and filled my heart with the purest sense of awe.

One of my favourite aspects of this performance was the incredible costumes. Each outfit had a distinct identity and embodied the unique personality of its character, with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, glittering jewels, and luxurious textures. The fairy costumes, with their gossamer wings and shimmering sequins, truly evoked an ethereal quality, while the characters of the King and Queen radiated strength and grandeur. And oh my! Let’s not forget the ballerina’s glorious pink tulle tutus - I simply swooned! 💖

Honestly, the whole evening left me utterly enchanted and full of inspiration. There's something truly magical about ballet - the sheer athleticism and technical brilliance, the pure artistry, and the ability to evoke such powerful emotions. If you get the opportunity to see a performance in New York, it’s definitely worth it.

To my delight, the following day, I discovered an incredibly enchanting oasis tucked away in the bustling city! This wasn't just any oasis; this was Central Park! You’ll be amazed to learn that in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Manhattan lies a green haven where the sounds of birdsong mingle with the happy chatter of parkgoers.

Now, a true Pink Tutu fan can't be in Central Park without having a quick twirl, and boy, did I enjoy that! With its sprawling greenery and open spaces, the park became my very own makeshift dance studio! My inner ballerina emerged, ready to embrace the beauty of nature in my very own personal performance! I found myself gliding around pathways, kicking up my heels amongst the lush flowers, and twirling under the watchful gaze of ancient trees!

The magic of Central Park is undeniable. As the day progressed, it seemed to morph and change around me! From the laughter echoing in the Strawberry Fields to the picturesque stillness of the Bethesda Terrace, each area offered a different flavor of beauty, with every space evoking a different kind of movement and expression.

You truly have to experience it to believe it, so make sure it’s on your list!

I’m all about a bit of opera from time to time, and let me tell you, New York's Metropolitan Opera is the place to experience it! It's a stunning space. Every aspect, from its grandeur to the incredible acoustics, perfectly captures the magnificence of opera, transporting you back in time.

This time I saw “Turandot” by Puccini with its captivating tale of mystery, love, and a captivating score. Seeing such an iconic piece performed live with all of the passion and artistry that the singers, chorus, and orchestra brought to the stage left me utterly spellbound. I found myself immersed in the emotional world of the characters, both moved and entertained by the intricate storytelling. The whole evening was such a wonderful treat for the senses, an unforgettable theatrical journey.

This week, as you can imagine, has been all about soaking up the atmosphere and the excitement of the city! But there’s something extra magical about a quick journey on the city’s subway. For someone who grew up in the English countryside, I always find it fascinating to witness this unique way of life!

So much goes on underground, and I can’t resist jumping on board to enjoy the journey. You truly get to see New York in its rawest, most real form as you zoom underground, passing through diverse neighbourhoods. I always find it inspiring to be transported through such a diverse mosaic of faces, sounds, and cultures. And as a dancer, I enjoy noticing how people move in these spaces. The graceful movements of the dancers contrasted with the quick steps of busy commuters truly add to the symphony of life.

It's safe to say I was on a mission this week to discover new, chic, and of course, pink additions to my wardrobe! After all, I love the vibrancy of colour and feel most myself when my outfit embodies a certain playfulness! 💖

Shopping is one of my favourite aspects of exploring a new city. You know that feeling when you stumble across an unusual boutique that reflects a city’s unique character? It's truly an unforgettable thrill. And that's exactly what happened when I discovered Chelsea Market with its eclectic mix of stalls and boutiques! I lost myself in the endless array of fashion finds, strolling through stalls full of the latest trends and emerging designers.

And yes, it will come as no surprise, my most loved find of all was a whimsical pink tulle skirt adorned with tiny sparkling sequins! This enchanting garment fits perfectly with the overall Pink Tutu vibe, adding a dash of fairy magic to any look.

As I discovered a delightful array of vibrant fabrics and designs at *the Garment District, * I found myself marveling at the beauty of every thread and seam. There's a sense of history and tradition within every single stitch that leaves me breathless! The creativity I experienced through all the amazing styles made me truly grateful for the skill and talent of so many dedicated designers and makers!

And I've also been having some serious fun in the boutiques of Fifth Avenue with its legendary stores. And, you already know, with every shop window, I felt as if a scene from a magical film came to life right in front of my eyes! So much opulence and glamour - every creation felt as breathtaking as the scenery!

On my last day, I indulged in one last luxurious brunch experience, enjoying a classic New York City brunch at one of the city's fabulous sidewalk cafes, savoring every bite, every sensation.

As I bid farewell to New York City and its pulsating energy, I couldn't help but feel inspired and overflowing with memories! This city truly ignites your sense of wonder, pushes your creative boundaries, and inspires you to embrace life with an adventurous spirit. It’s a city where every turn on a corner feels like a journey into a different realm, a whirlwind of new sights, sounds, and tastes, all waiting to be explored.

Now, as I'm back on a plane heading back to Derbyshire, my head's bursting with creative energy and ideas. The sights, the fashion, and the artistry of New York have provided me with a treasure trove of new inspirations, a palette of fresh colours for future Pink Tutu posts.

So thank you, New York City, for a whirlwind of colour, a kaleidoscope of creativity, and for once again fueling my passion for all things ballet and fashion.

And darling, if you haven’t yet discovered the joy of a pink tutu, I encourage you to give it a go! Embrace a touch of playfulness, creativity, and ballet magic in your everyday life. It's never too late to find a reason to dance and sprinkle a little bit of whimsy into your days. 💕

See you next week with more Pink Tutu adventures!

Love, Emma

www.pink-tutu.com