Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your favourite tutu-wearing travel blogger, back from another fabulous week in the magical city of New York! This week's post is a bit extra special, as it marks a milestone for my blog, a whopping Post Number 1386! (Woo hoo!) How amazing is that? I wouldn't be here, waltzing around New York in my pink tutus, without the love and support of all of you amazing readers, so thank you! It's a truly special community, and I'm so thrilled to share all my adventures with you!
As December has truly gone bonkers this year, I have spent the last couple of weeks celebrating the festive season. The New York City Christmas season is truly something else! From the towering Christmas trees in Rockefeller Center, to the charming ice-skating rink in Bryant Park, to the beautiful window displays at Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman, there's a touch of magic everywhere you look. Honestly, this city is just utterly divine, I really could just about pinch myself and burst.
I must confess, I felt the need for a little break from all the holiday madness, so I retreated to the peacefulness of the iconic Lincoln Center! Yes, the grand old building where some of the greatest ballet dancers of our time have graced the stage! I absolutely adore seeing live performances and getting immersed in the beautiful stories that the ballerinas and dancers bring to life! And on this particular day, I got to see a simply stunning rendition of the classic "The Nutcracker", in all its charming and festive glory!
I honestly can’t tell you enough how amazing the live orchestra and beautiful costumes were. Everything felt so utterly glamorous. This whole New York experience felt like one huge dream! You see, ever since I was little and dancing around the Derbyshire countryside in my little pink tutus, dreaming of the big city, I have dreamed of seeing the biggest and best shows. That dream was just made completely true this week! The Nutcracker ballet really is a show you must see at least once, the whole theatre erupted in applause. I may just have to find my way to Lincoln Center once again to see another ballet show…
After all the Christmas joy, there’s no place more fun and exciting than the biggest city in the US! After seeing the magical The Nutcracker, I headed straight back into the whirlwind that is Manhattan. The bright lights, the incredible city buzz and the endless supply of cafes and bars make it utterly impossible not to smile. Of course, I had to get myself all dolled up and ready to head into the City!
And for those of you wondering what makes an amazing outfit for the NYC subway journey, let me tell you: it's a tutu. No, seriously. Nothing turns heads, creates conversations, and brings smiles like a fabulous pink tutu, trust me. It's like walking down a New York City runway, the people are fantastically diverse, all from every part of the globe. This is really what I love so much about New York. It truly is the centre of the world, all dressed up, from every country and every background. This truly is a beautiful place! And let's not forget the amazing street performers, that really complete this extraordinary journey! It’s true, that in this city, I really feel like I’m part of something truly special, especially with my tutu. I have a funny story about a subway trip with my pink tutu -
It all started on the Number 1 train, a true NYC classic. Now, it's always a bit of a scrum on that train, everyone heading to and from work, or to visit the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square. That said, my tutu always seemed to make way for me to get to the carriage. This time was no different! When I started to enter the train, the person that had the seat next to me was so kind to let me sit down in that prime seat, while he headed to the more crowded parts. I felt so welcomed! He was a New York taxi driver and as the carriage started to get packed, he stood close to me, not quite sure whether to ask the question that was buzzing around his head. He then came out with a rather sweet, ‘so you like tutus…?’ ‘It’s for my ballet lessons…’, I replied. As we travelled a little further and he felt comfortable asking more questions, we started talking about the performance and ballet in general, but this time around, the question was, ‘you really do wear that when you go out….?’. 'Well why not?!’, I responded with a little laugh. It was lovely having these chats on the New York Subway. This kind gentleman told me that I brought ‘light’ and 'sunshine' to a ‘grey, cold winter’s day. It’s amazing what a simple outfit and a little chat can do for everyone around. If you're ever a little worried about wearing something colourful and bold in this bustling city, have a go, you will be surprised.
But now onto my favourite topic: clothes shopping in New York. I can't write a blog post about New York without mentioning it! If you're ever feeling adventurous, a must-visit destination has to be Bloomingdales on the Upper East Side. They are well-known for a stunning designer collection of both clothing and footwear, plus they have some rather special and rare, must-have pieces, like an original ballet tutu from the Metropolitan Opera, yes, really, just wow! If you see one that catches your eye, you really have to have it! What more could you want from an afternoon than exploring an absolute fashion dream world? Well, you can see that I am all over the gorgeous pink ballerina clothes - and for once, this shopper really did not have to hold back with her credit card.
Of course, after I’d finished admiring everything I would ever want to own in the gorgeous world that is Bloomingdales, I ventured into the New York winter chill and into the wonderful street food paradise! Now, if there is one place in the whole world that does great food, New York just wins it for me! This week I headed straight to The Meatpacking District, a truly lively part of town. What better way to round off my amazing adventures than with a traditional New York hot dog with some delicious sauces? Yum! After all, if you’re a food enthusiast like myself, you simply have to get all the quintessential New York food experiences, as well as exploring all the exciting and tasty international restaurants, the diversity of flavours is incredible, there’s just so much to discover here!
After all my busy adventuring, there's nothing more relaxing than getting into the right mood, which has to be a nice hot bath! My new apartment has an absolutely divine jacuzzi! I’ve never felt so incredibly relaxed after all my fun New York escapades, especially in winter! However, one thing I do know, is that if I ever have any extra time in my busy, fun-filled days, a long, hot bath is my go to.
I love ending the day listening to my favourite playlist on Spotify - it has to be music that helps me 'twirl' - so this includes everything from my favourite pop anthems from Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Rihanna to all the traditional, beautiful classical pieces I just love to get lost in, and of course, it has to have the amazing new release from my favourite singer – who is, of course, Andrea Bocelli! Music truly can be so transformative.
But now I really must sign off! I’m heading to a big studio today for a ballet class. Every trip, every experience, no matter how big or small is an opportunity to practice. It’s amazing how in this bustling metropolis, we have a unique opportunity to get lost in something as beautiful as ballet and be completely transported. You truly need a dance and some time in the big city. So remember to look fabulous, rock your tutu, travel the world and chase your dreams, it really can happen!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
P.S. - If you'd love to follow my fabulous pink tutu adventures across New York City (and other fun places I might visit!), follow me on Instagram! I'm always posting pics, videos, and all the latest on my blog! You can find me on Instagram as @pinktutublogger.
Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com every Monday to read my latest adventures! I'd love to hear your thoughts about New York and where you might like me to visit next - drop a comment on the website!
And last, but certainly not least - if you ever see me in the street, feel free to say hi! It really would make my day to see one of you wonderful readers in the bustling New York city! I may even be up for a quick chat on the subway, if you are feeling brave and want to know more about pink tutus and ballet!
