Hello, darlings! It's Monday, December 23rd, and I'm here from the magical city that never sleeps - New York City! 🌃✨ This week's post is a little different, as we're not just indulging in tutus and ballet - though there will be plenty of that, don't worry! - but I'm here to share with you the utterly enchanting Christmas spirit that New York is radiating right now! It's simply extraordinary!
Now, let me rewind a little... If you haven't seen the last post, I just wrapped up my tour in beautiful Derbyshire. It was so lovely being home for a bit, catching up with family and feeling that lovely home-cooked Christmas spirit that you can only get from the good old county! 🥰 But there's always something that draws me back to this big, beautiful city... It's like a magical pull that says, "Emma, you belong here, you are needed here!". It calls to me to inspire everyone to embrace the twirl, and share my love of all things pink and fluffy... and what better time to do that than at Christmas? 🎄💖
The journey here was a whirlwind! After saying goodbye to the Derbyshire snow (a lovely backdrop, though admittedly a tad frosty!) I was whizzed off to Heathrow for a very early flight to New York. As always, I found myself swept away in the beauty of a big city airport. They do know how to create a welcoming atmosphere with all the Christmas decorations. This time, I even found myself gazing in awe at a giant Christmas tree filled with twinkling lights and giant silver baubles! It just added a bit of sparkle to what could have been a slightly stressful departure!
But of course, I brought the pink with me - as always. 😉 A vibrant hot pink polka dot tote bag and a fluffy pink coat were essential! Who says airport travel has to be boring?! I am a firm believer that we can create a magical moment anywhere. Even the dreary routine of security checks can become an event. Just a tiny dash of pink tutu energy, a sprinkle of festive spirit, and even the gruffest of airport staff can't help but smile! 😉
My arrival into the city was a true sensory feast. The streets, adorned with twinkly lights, bustling with Christmas shoppers, the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread, - it truly is a magical place, especially at this time of year! I felt myself literally radiating with Christmas spirit, which is what inspired me to slip on my sparkly pink tutu - I needed to embody this enchanting city, and what better way than to embrace the very essence of my joy in the ultimate way - a tutu! ✨🩰
After checking into my adorable little pink-walled hotel room (yes, it actually existed!), I headed straight out to explore the heart of the city. A brisk December breeze danced with my tulle and sent snowflakes swirling around me, creating a true fairytale atmosphere. The city was a symphony of light, music, and joyous chatter - everything truly was coming up roses, or in my case, coming up pink! 🌸
The first stop on my magical journey had to be Rockefeller Center! What else?! 🤩 It's like something straight out of a dream! Imagine a towering Christmas tree adorned with a thousand lights, reflecting onto a dazzling ice rink where skaters pirouette under the city lights! There is a joyous energy to this spot, and it definitely resonated with my love for both performance and Christmas cheer.
Of course, I was thrilled to witness the Tchaikovsky Christmas spectacular, a captivating performance from the New York City Ballet company! 🩰 It was pure magic! Watching them glide and twirl under the twinkling lights, surrounded by the energy of a thousand New Yorkers was truly magical. It was like a festive ballet dreamscape - with every graceful turn and leaping step, the beauty of both Christmas and dance simply overflowed. The joy radiated from the dancers was infectious! I can tell you, it felt like something I was meant to experience, and I found myself wanting to jump up and twirl alongside them. 💫
After my time with the ballet, I went in search of a place to find some festive shopping delights! There are, of course, endless possibilities in New York, but my first stop was to the very iconic Saks Fifth Avenue on 5th avenue! ✨ This shopping paradise is always magical, but at Christmas, it is transformed into something spectacular, something worthy of a grand celebration! It's definitely the type of place to find some magical Christmas presents! The entire front of the store has a twinkling cascade of lights with the iconic Saks tree towering proudly in the centre - there really was nowhere else I'd rather be. I couldn't resist having a little photo shoot in front of the iconic tree - a sparkly pink tutu always works wonders! 🤩
After being absolutely spellbound by Saks Fifth Avenue, I made my way down to Bryant Park to see the ice rink and Christmas market! The sheer beauty of it was almost overwhelming. Twinkling lights were festooned across every available surface. It's just incredible how they manage to create such a magical space - the twinkling lights reflected onto the gleaming ice, making it look as though a layer of stardust had settled over the city! 🎇
You simply can't escape the magic of the festive season here in New York, and a hot chocolate in hand only made the experience feel more special! I spent a while gazing in awe at the brightly lit carousel with its beautifully crafted horses. And it felt only natural to get into the festive spirit by taking a ride myself. And let's be honest, it really was a little slice of festive heaven! 😊
However, I was beginning to get a little tired, and I desperately needed to find some food and rest before heading out for some Christmas eve activities! It really was an adventurous day, and a full-on experience of what this extraordinary city has to offer.
I chose the little, cosy pink and cream bistro with cute, whimsical light strings in the window and sat in a corner bathed in the warmth of its festive atmosphere! I indulged in a plate of Christmas specials, a decadent cheese and fig sandwich, and sipped a glass of raspberry lemonade - it truly was divine, and what a fitting way to bring a magical day to a close!
But wait, there's more! Christmas Eve in New York City had something very special in store... This is the time for the beautiful annual Christmas Eve carols performance at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, right in the heart of Midtown! 🎼 There is just something very special about this venue, which makes it the perfect backdrop for such a special event!
As the deep notes of carols echoed in the grand and historic space, I found myself caught up in the enchanting aura of Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful feeling, a poignant pause between the festive fun and the anticipated joy of Christmas morning. I felt a quiet peace, but one that also bubbled over with hope for the new year! ✨
But alas, Christmas Eve meant one very important thing for me - ballet performance day! You see, I wasn't just in New York to see the sights - it's my lucky time of year. The season of goodwill always has an extraordinary number of performances that demand I put on my sparkling pink tutu and inspire a whole new wave of people to dance to the Christmas spirit. 🩰 It's what I do.
I was delighted to be performing for the very exclusive annual 'New York Holiday Ballet Spectacular'. You really haven't lived until you have danced in a packed theatre, all decked out with glistening Christmas trees and wreaths adorned with sparkling Christmas lights! And this was definitely a special event, which only took place on Christmas Eve. There is just something special about watching a thousand excited faces lit up in awe by the spectacle of a festive ballet, all enhanced by the sparkle and cheer of a sparkling pink tutu! It's not just ballet, it's a fusion of all that makes Christmas magical.
After the performance, I found myself heading out for a little late night shopping adventure to find a special festive gift for my dearest, dearest grandmother back home! I needed something unique and extra special for the person who brought me up, nurtured my love for tutus, and the one who continues to inspire me in my own dance pursuits! My shopping experience started on Fifth Avenue, but the pink and fluff just drew me to a unique boutique near Central Park. I ended up with a gorgeous, handcrafted, antique silver brooch shaped like a little, delicate, sparkling ballerina. A treasure, and the perfect symbol for all the festive spirit in the air! ✨
The holiday season really does draw everyone out of their cosy little dens and into a world where it’s perfectly acceptable to spend an afternoon enjoying festive treats with friends. So, the perfect ending to my magical festive night had to include a spot of Christmas indulgence! 🥂
With all the glitter and sparkle of a dazzling Christmas decoration, a sweet, fluffy white cocktail in hand, I took a stroll through the softly lit Christmas markets, absorbing all the festivity of the city and listening to carols from a nearby choir. There truly was nothing more beautiful - or perfect.
Christmas morning is upon me now, and although I am spending Christmas with my pink-loving and tutu-inspiring sister (yes, it runs in the family!) we still will be having our special Christmas breakfast, in a traditional Derbyshire Christmas tea service! The thought of all the wonderful Christmas treats brings a big grin to my face and warmth to my heart. There are many wonderful memories in my heart, and I truly believe that this week in New York will go down as a memory I'll never forget! I truly am eternally grateful for the opportunities that the dance world provides for my heart and soul, and I am eternally thankful for my family, friends, and fellow tutu enthusiasts! It really is all about inspiring others to embrace their joy, their beauty, and their magic. Let’s do just that! Have a fabulous Christmas day, my darlings! Until next time!
XOXO - Emma 💖🩰
