Hello my darlings, and welcome back to the Pink Tutu Blog NYC! It’s Monday, which means it’s time for another fabulously pink update from your favourite tutu-wearing traveller. Today, I’m brimming with excitement after an incredible weekend in the Big Apple, where I not only danced my heart out but also indulged in some serious fashion therapy and enjoyed the most amazing performance.
Remember last week’s post where I mentioned I had an exciting secret? Well, let me tell you, it was totally worth the wait! As many of you know, I have this burning desire to share the joy of ballet and all things pink with the world. That’s why, when the opportunity to perform at The Joyce Theatre came knocking, I just couldn’t say no!
For those of you unfamiliar with this legendary venue, The Joyce Theatre is the pinnacle of the New York dance scene. It’s where the crème de la crème of ballet and contemporary dance talent grace the stage. It's been my dream to perform there since I was a little girl, clutching my tutu and twirling around my bedroom. So you can imagine how absolutely thrilled I was to be finally stepping onto that stage, a little Derbyshire girl living her biggest dream!
This past Saturday, my heart thumped with nerves and excitement as I stood backstage, ready to take on the world. The energy backstage was electric - a mixture of anticipation, friendly chatter, and the comforting aroma of hairspray.
For this particular performance, I'd chosen a special new tutu, crafted by the wonderful folks at Angelique Designs in Soho. This one was a beauty – a dreamy shade of pastel pink, adorned with delicate feather boas and sparkling silver sequins. The tulle swirled around me like a ballet of its own, a little cloud of loveliness perfectly fitting for my moment in the spotlight.
My costume wasn’t the only highlight, though. The performance itself was breathtaking. The choreography was intricate, drawing you into the emotion and narrative of each dance. There were moments of sheer joy, poignant expressions of sorrow, and even a sprinkle of cheeky humour – a testament to the incredible power of dance to move and inspire. I even got a standing ovation from a crowd of esteemed critics and devoted ballet enthusiasts!
Oh, and did I mention the gorgeous New York fashion I got to wear while in the city? I felt like a ballerina doll on a whirlwind tour of Manhattan’s hottest boutiques. I must say, my wardrobe took a very delightful turn with the addition of some truly divine designer pieces – a pink suede clutch that felt like silk against my hand, a playful floral print skirt that danced with every step I took, and a classic pair of ballet flats so chic, they even earned a nod of approval from my fellow tutu-wearing colleagues!
Naturally, I documented the entire trip, my fabulous outfits, the performance and of course, the majestic city lights twinkling like a thousand little stars. Follow me on @pinktutuemma to see the photo highlights and reels.
Speaking of Manhattan lights, the Empire State Building bathed in its iconic glow, truly stole the show on our first night. I have to admit, a slight pinch of fear twinged in my tummy as we soared high above the city on a bright yellow taxi. But the feeling of exhilarating freedom washed over me as I watched the city transform from a sprawling concrete jungle to a mesmerizing constellation of light.
Now, a quick peek at our Saturday evening itinerary - after the exhilarating performance, a decadent treat awaited us! The charming little café 'Little Lavender’ served the most exquisite strawberry and lavender cake I’ve ever tasted. My fellow dancers and I indulged in this sweet heaven, while we toasted our success with steaming cups of chai latte.
As much as I adore shopping and eating (it’s not a bad way to live, trust me!), it's the dance and its community that truly make my heart soar. And New York, you guessed it, provided the perfect setting for it all. There’s an energy here that's impossible to describe – a feeling of endless possibilities, a hunger for life, and a vibrant heartbeat that keeps me wanting more.
My favourite part of the weekend, however, was something that doesn't even have to do with the ballet. It was something incredibly simple and special – the NYC subway ride. I'm quite the metro enthusiast, if you haven't figured that out yet. And there's something about New York's underground, a raw energy humming beneath the city, that made the ride a unique experience.
But my most precious discovery wasn't on any map or website, it was right outside our little studio, nestled amongst the towering skyscrapers. This was a tiny, quiet square where I discovered the sheer joy of Central Park. In this tranquil oasis, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling avenues, we danced under the pale glow of the late-afternoon sun. The gentle rustling of leaves against the soft pink tutu created a symphony of joy, reminding me why I dance. It wasn’t the big show or the dazzling lights, but the simple beauty of movement and the feel of cool air on my skin that filled my soul.
This is what it means to live, my dears, this is what it means to be a pink-tutu-clad ballerina on an adventure in the big city. So keep on twirling, keep on dreaming, and never forget, even in the concrete jungle, there’s always a bit of magic waiting to be found.
As always, do share your stories with me on my socials, tell me what you'd do if you came to NYC and most importantly, don't forget to wear a pink tutu! 💖
Until next week, darlings, keep on shining bright,
Your favourite tutu-wearing blogger, Emma xx
P.S. To see a little behind-the-scenes of my New York adventures and check out my adorable tutu, don't forget to check my Instagram @pinktutuemma!
