#PinkTutuBlogNYC Monday 2023-07-24 she danced in New York City

Hello lovelies, and welcome back to #PinkTutuBlogNYC! It’s Monday, the sun is shining (though I’m told this is a rare event in New York City), and my trusty pink tutu is packed and ready for a week of adventures in the Big Apple! This week's post marks my 1468th New York City blog entry – can you believe it? This city just never gets old.

This week, I’m back in New York after a whirlwind trip to Derbyshire to perform in my hometown’s annual summer ballet festival. It was so lovely to see all my friends and family – but I have to confess, it felt rather odd being in Derbyshire in my tutu without the stunning backdrop of the New York City skyline!

Now, back in New York, the only thing on my mind is my very full diary of engagements: Broadway shows, ballet classes, and of course, a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue! The allure of their pink department, with its dazzling displays of couture creations and fabulous shoes, just calls to me like a siren's song. It’s where I’m headed as soon as this blog post is published – fingers crossed for a pair of pink Manolos that perfectly complement my newest tutu (which I spotted in a boutique in Chinatown yesterday, by the way!).

Today, I woke up early to take a class at the world-renowned Steps on Broadway studio. My goodness, what a beautiful space! You'd never believe the sheer amount of talent I witnessed in that studio. One minute you have aspiring ballerinas from all corners of the globe practising their pirouettes, the next you’ve got Broadway legends doing their vocal exercises – it's incredible! My teacher today was a former principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, and let me tell you, his techniques are like pure magic. It’s a joy to learn from the best.

But the real highlight of today? Well, that’s where things get a bit more dramatic…

Remember that audition I went for last week for the new ballet production of Swan Lake at the Lincoln Center? Well, guess who got the part? drumroll please… Me! confetti explosion I’m officially dancing with the American Ballet Theatre, darlings! I am so excited! Can you imagine? A little Derbyshire girl dancing in Swan Lake on a stage that has seen the likes of Martha Graham and Mikhail Baryshnikov – it’s truly a dream come true. I can’t wait to begin rehearsals tomorrow, although I do worry I might get lost in the grand, opulent backstage spaces of Lincoln Center – this place is just HUGE!

After class this morning, I hopped on the metro – always a colourful, vibrant adventure – and found myself right in the heart of SoHo. The independent shops here are a fashionista's haven, and the cobblestone streets make the perfect stage for a fabulous photo shoot with my tutu, wouldn't you agree?

Tonight, however, my feet are taking a break from dancing for a different kind of entertainment. The Broadway production of "Moulin Rouge" is calling my name – and a pair of red-soled stilettos that were calling to me from the window of Jimmy Choo’s. What could possibly be more dazzling than the dazzling can-can scene in "Moulin Rouge", especially when one is dressed to impress? wink wink

I'll be sure to fill you in on all the glittering details of my evening adventures in tomorrow's post. I wouldn't miss a chance to share my experiences with you – after all, you are the reason why I’m spreading the pink tutu gospel!

And now, darling friends, I’m off to chase down those Manolos and some new outfits – the streets of New York City await my fashionably-forward self!

Have a wonderful week,

With love, and a sprinkle of pink tutu magic,

Emma xxx

P.S. Don’t forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com for more of my #PinkTutuBlogNYC adventures. I'd love to hear what your favorite things about New York City are, too!

Post number: 1468

Good morning lovelies! It's Tuesday morning and, after a night of dancing in my dreamiest red stilettos at the Moulin Rouge, I’m already brimming with excitement! As I sip my chamomile tea and look at the skyscrapers outside my window – each one glittering like a thousand pink diamonds – I know today will be a glamorous one. Why, you ask?

Because today, I finally get to start rehearsals for Swan Lake! It’s almost too exciting to comprehend, and I’m feeling a blend of nervous anticipation and pure, unadulterated joy!

This morning, however, I started my day in the ultimate pink-tutu haven: Saks Fifth Avenue! As promised, I dashed there straight after finishing my blog post yesterday – and it was simply a dream. Their pink department, filled with everything from delicate pastel-hued dresses to statement-making fuchsia coats, is an absolute treat for the senses! I couldn’t resist trying on a few dresses, each with its own unique allure – and as I twirled in front of the mirror, I felt like a ballerina waltzing through a garden of blush and rose-gold blossoms! I wasn't just buying an outfit; I was buying an experience!

And of course, what would a pink-tutu princess' trip to Saks be without a pair of brand-new pink Manolos? After all, dancing in these magnificent shoes is the closest you can get to floating on a cloud of silk and lace, wouldn't you agree? I managed to snag a stunning pair of ivory heels, each adorned with delicate pink feather accents. They’ll look sensational paired with my white tutu for the Odette act of Swan Lake, wouldn’t you agree? I can't wait to debut them on the Lincoln Center stage!

Rehearsals for Swan Lake were truly inspiring, even more than the incredible class I took yesterday at Steps on Broadway. Imagine: all these talented dancers, all working together, moving with grace and elegance to Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece! As I took to the stage in my rehearsal tutu – an almost ghostly white compared to my usual pink – it felt as though I'd finally entered another world. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within the company is remarkable; it’s truly a beautiful and inspiring space. I can’t wait to experience it from the perspective of an audience later tonight!

The sheer scale of the Lincoln Center’s stage, too, is an experience all of its own – so vast and ornate, it takes my breath away! I can only imagine how incredible the performance will look on opening night. It truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Of course, no dance rehearsal can be complete without a spot of ballet street wear! The Swan Lake cast had a post-rehearsal gathering at a cute bistro in the West Village, with a cosy ambiance that made the long hours of practice seem all the more worth it! And of course, it wouldn’t be a Swan Lake gathering without a sprinkle of pink – one of the dancers showed up in a blush-pink beret, which complemented her black leotard wonderfully. I really must start adding a few more black leotards to my collection. The elegance is undeniable!

I can’t wait to continue rehearsals and dive even deeper into this magical world – but first, it’s back to my flat to wash all the sweat and grime out of my pink tutus, get ready to head out, and hopefully snag a prime seat to watch this stunning Swan Lake performance!

Have a wonderful Tuesday, my dears, and stay fabulous,

Love, Emma xxx

Post number: 1469

Hello lovelies! I am feeling positively giddy today. Another incredible day in the Big Apple and another chapter in my Pink Tutu saga has unfolded, but let me rewind to last night: Broadway!

Oh, to be seated in the audience of the historic and grand Belasco Theatre watching “Moulin Rouge” unfold! A dazzling production! A feast for the senses with an electrifying blend of music, dance, and pure, unadulterated fun. As the lights dimmed, a magical air swept through the room. The energy in the theatre was simply intoxicating. The performance was beyond phenomenal! Every actor and actress delivered captivating performances – and the choreography was phenomenal – an intricate mix of ballet and modern dance – truly mesmerizing! And of course, I had a perfect vantage point of the entire dance spectacular from my prime seat in the second row! (Isn’t it wonderful to know people just know me well enough to give me tickets, and fabulous seats!) I had a wide grin on my face, even when the Moulin Rouge performers didn't shy away from those racy moments.

A ballet girl never stops learning, not even in her downtime – even if my legs were starting to ache! (A lot!) The cast brought so much to their roles and, let me tell you, there was an infectious joy radiating from the stage, which permeated the audience. After witnessing all that talent, I left the Belasco feeling truly inspired.

On my way back to my flat, however, I noticed an unusual glimmer in a store window. It wasn’t the usual diamond display that dazzles you in every window of New York City. No, it was pink. It was glorious pink, glowing and pulsing, even in the midnight hour, and pulling me inside the store like a magnetic force.

My dears, I don't even want to try and explain the beauty that was before me! This wasn't just a boutique, it was a pink paradise! My jaw actually dropped open as I stood mesmerized! Floor-to-ceiling displays, clothing racks overflowing with everything from blush-toned cashmere sweaters to fuschia feather boas – even pink-painted walls and ceiling! My mind was completely blown.

As I strolled through the magical pinkness, my eyes fell on a dazzling tulle creation hanging from the back wall of the store, just beckoning to me. I knew this was fate’s intervention – the sign that a new pink tutu was on its way!

Can you guess what the shop was called? I know you can, you are my amazing readers!

Pink NYC. That’s right! It is truly the pinkiest shop you could imagine. My purse suddenly felt inexplicably light… and that amazing, brand-new pink tulle tutu found its way home with me! This particular design had a blush-pink satin bow adorned with glittering silver sequins, perfect for dancing, waltzing and even some shopping on Fifth Avenue – after all, what would New York be without a spot of retail therapy! Oh, I love my life!

And, it looks like a pretty exciting new week is ahead for us. Swan Lake is just around the corner… Oh, and another Swan Lake rehearsal session later today at Lincoln Center… the perfect excuse for another fabulous New York City shopping spree! (You have to spend some of your Swan Lake wages!)

Don’t forget to catch up with all the pink tutu adventures over on www.pink-tutu.com!

And for all you tutu-wearing adventurers out there, keep on twirling, darling!

Lots of love,

Emma xxx

Post number: 1470

Oh hello, my lovelies, and happy Thursday! The sun is out and my heart is brimming with a joy as pink as my tutu as I begin to unpack this day.

Well, this morning I went back to the magnificent world of Swan Lake. Backstage at the Lincoln Center – such a maze, but in a good way, I think. Today it was dress rehearsals and the energy in the air was just as magnificent as a Swan Lake finale – or at least it felt like it to me. The sets were stunning and, oh, the grandeur of it all. You truly feel like you are walking into a fairy tale! Every time I step into those rehearsal spaces, my jaw drops slightly – every single time! The air buzzed with excitement. My excitement levels, by this point, were higher than my hair.

My dancing had, sadly, left me aching all over! Let's just say, there was an unusual level of pirouette practice, which was quite the demanding affair. But, what an incredible feeling to know I'm sharing the stage with some of the world's greatest dancers. It really is a truly phenomenal group. Each one is so passionate, giving their heart and soul to every move. It’s just inspirational.

I must tell you about a particularly delightful part of the day's rehearsal – we all had a break and got to sit and eat lunch together as a group in a lovely, secluded spot at the theatre – we even had an open air courtyard, surrounded by lovely greenery. It was a wonderfully laid-back environment. It’s lovely to bond with your cast mates outside of the dance space. These lovely people have already given me so much. Of course, I managed to sneak a picture of my ballet shoe resting amongst all the other shoes in our beautifully arranged ‘shoe corner’.

Of course, what is a Swan Lake rehearsal session without the added delight of costume fittings? Oh, I’m such a child, I do love costume fittings. I can never be without my signature tutu on any ballet occasion. However, today was extra special! After a rather hilarious (though a tad bit painful) fitting – they say you have to make those tutus nice and snug for optimum performance – my new tutu was delivered from Pink NYC. A fabulous arrival just in the nick of time, wouldn’t you agree? Now, if only my shoes would show up. They must be lost in the NYC postal service system, and it’s driving me wild with frustration – though not as wild as a misplaced tiara might drive a certain pink-loving ballerina…

Of course, it wouldn't be a Thursday night in New York City without a pinch of glamorous adventure. This evening, I took a delightful ballet class at a little studio called the ‘Dance Center’, with an emphasis on those extra long limbs and strong, powerful arms. If you think ballerina feet have it tough, imagine doing intense barre workouts on aching muscles. I came out of the session a bit stiff – as I am writing this my limbs are twitching – but you know, it’s an incredible feeling knowing I'm honing my craft! Even at the end of a very tiring, exhilarating day of rehearsing, dancing, and getting dolled up – this Swan Lake process is like a big pink, twirling dream come true.

This weekend we’ll be doing tech rehearsals and putting the final touches to the sets and lights – all so crucial to a production. I'm truly thrilled with how everything is shaping up – it's all starting to come together. I’m even a little bit giddy at the thought of the grand finale – which is being rehearsed next week!

Until then, my loves, stay beautiful. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be even more spectacular.

Love and sequins,

Emma xxx

Post number: 1471

Hello loves! This New York City princess has had a delightful day in the city that never sleeps, as it never, ever does. My Friday was a mix of ballet and some of New York City’s most iconic glamour. My feet had time to recover, thankfully – and my tutu is sparkling like new! We’re officially getting ready for Swan Lake, which just about sends a wave of pure excitement throughout my whole being.

I was back at Lincoln Center this morning, to take advantage of those crucial tech rehearsals I mentioned yesterday. Our sound engineers and lighting gurus worked magic backstage – making those magnificent Swan Lake scenes shine with an incredible ethereal light. A very good start, wouldn't you say? And there were many exciting additions – the finale especially – all the beautiful music perfectly aligned to make everything extra special – for the grand climax of Swan Lake!

I really enjoyed my morning today. I’d spent all day yesterday perfecting the delicate ‘swan’ movements. If you ever want to find a new appreciation for those beautiful swan lake ballets – or a reason for taking a very long hot bath at the end of a session, I would strongly advise doing this exercise in your living room for the whole afternoon – you won't want to walk for the rest of the weekend!

As always, New York has offered up another adventure for a pink tutu aficionado - a spot of pre-show dinner! Of course, no trip to New York is complete without indulging in a cocktail or two (and by a few, I’m of course referring to one, maximum!), at an extravagant cocktail lounge – but this wasn’t just any cocktail lounge!

A decadent and vibrant atmosphere awaited me, which was the perfect preparation for this exciting evening – after all, who needs a drink when the whole performance of Swan Lake awaits? (I may have just taken a cheeky sip or two) The ambiance was incredibly romantic. You know, all that New York glamour. The drinks are just part of the show, or the performance! There was a definite Broadway theme here as well, of course! They even had a fantastic band, complete with a stunning singer and pianist. My love for jazz is truly second only to the passion I have for my ballet!

Then, in what could be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had – it certainly will never leave my memory bank – the dress rehearsal. The excitement levels are at fever pitch, you have all those weeks of work culminated into one single performance – no audience this time – it was for us to go through every single step, so we are absolutely ‘on the money’ come opening night. I found that it was rather strange – to dance through the performance without the magic of an audience. We were absolutely mesmerized – it really did seem like opening night already! It felt so real that it’s not surprising that, during our break, the whole cast made a run for a plate of delicious backstage snacks.

We then wrapped up a full week with our Swan Lake rehearsal – the first time all the costume, the sets, and even the lighting came together – all under one roof!

Oh! I think I've already forgotten what happened when the show was over… That's the effect of a beautiful Swan Lake experience. Oh! Yes, a large celebratory dance session for the cast at our favourite dance bar in the city, as you all know, The Dance Party. Now we’re only a couple of days away from the official premiere of Swan Lake and we were absolutely raring to celebrate – which of course included cocktails. They were very generous with the pink cocktails… I made sure that my drink was pink. That would just be rude.

Now, I am heading off for a little rest and rejuvenation, for what I know will be an amazing, life-changing, magical, memorable performance come Sunday, opening night. And as my body starts to recover from a big weekend ahead – I will definitely try to take some extra good care of my pink tutu!

It's already the weekend, and it’s just starting! My life as a tutu-wearing ballerina is certainly a glamorous, vibrant life… I think it's about time I share the joy!

Remember, if you ever see a ballerina dancing through the New York streets, just remember this post. It is a little pink princess, dancing out in the public eye for all to see.

And please do stay tuned. The best bits of the adventures are yet to come…

Love and glitter,

Emma xxx

Post number: 1472