Monday, October 6th, 2025
Hello, darlings! It's Emma, back from the Big Apple and ready to spill the tea on all the magical moments I had swirling around the city that never sleeps! This week, I'm feeling extra bubbly – think champagne pink, sunshine yellow, and all the happiness of a freshly-baked macaron! Because, my dears, I finally danced my way into the heart of New York City, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream.
Remember my dream to dance in every city that lights up the stage with its own unique flavour? Well, New York City just stole my heart! After spending months meticulously planning each twirl, from booking the most exquisite pink tutu (a stunning feather creation, with hints of silver sequins – oh, the glamour!) to picking out the perfect pair of ballet shoes, the day finally arrived.
You see, it's not just about the dazzling costumes and perfect plies; it's about finding that inner sparkle that makes each city special. New York City's energy crackled with life, and it was as if the city itself was beckoning me to join its dance of endless possibility.
So, with my tutu bag firmly in hand and my trusty Pink Tutu travel guide clutched tightly (you girls know I don’t leave home without it!), I hopped onto the New York City subway. You see, a Pink Tutu always travels in style, even underground! (It's not all glitz and glamour, my dears. Even with all the sparkling delights, a touch of practicality is essential.)
The metro's thrumming beat was like a heart rhythm, echoing with the city’s stories, dreams, and secrets. You could practically feel the magic swirling as people from all walks of life blended their individual energy into one dynamic force. It's fascinating, this ability to observe and understand the city's pulse – New York, with its blend of historical charm and urban sprawl, offered an entirely unique feel.
Speaking of pulsating energy, the real highlight of my New York adventure was undoubtedly the New York City Ballet performance I was fortunate enough to see. This evening was like stepping into a fairytale! It’s amazing how a city known for its grit and dynamism could also possess such a sophisticated, elegant spirit in the art of ballet. I could feel my own tutu fluttering with excitement as I watched the incredible dancers gracefully soar across the stage. The passion they conveyed was tangible, each move echoing the city’s powerful rhythm.
Now, as much as I love the majestic world of classical ballet, I've always felt the siren call of street dancing. I've got to say, New York City really knows how to street dance! It was a completely different vibe – energetic, playful, and so wonderfully free. I even managed to join in a little bit (with a bit of tutu-tastic flair, of course!) and discovered that the street scene here boasts incredible creativity and sheer, unadulterated joy.
After the dance session, no trip to New York would be complete without a little shopping spree! The city’s streets are simply brimming with possibilities for any fashionista. The designers are cutting edge, the independent boutiques unique, and the thrift stores full of hidden gems! A fellow ballet lover in my neighbourhood introduced me to a little-known designer (let’s just say it started with ‘P’ and rhymes with “shitter”) and he designed this utterly stunning coral silk blouse, a little touch of blush pink for me. My Tutu wardrobe is expanding as fast as my love for New York!
Even my lunch was a delicious exploration of New York City’s character. A melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake at the Magnolia Bakery was just the sweet reward I deserved after all that dancing, and you all know I just adore the pink! Even the food scene here embraced the vibrant pink – from delicate rosewater-infused cocktails to pink guava cupcakes and raspberry-drizzled iced tea. I was in a culinary heaven of pink, and my heart was doing pirouettes!
But it's not just the vibrant colour palette that captured my heart; it's the feeling of togetherness, of belonging to this creative community. New Yorkers may seem like a rough crowd on the outside, but they’re just as friendly as any bunch of Derbians if you get to know them! The people here are just as fascinating as the sights, sounds, and, dare I say it, even the smell of the city!
There's a sense of "anything goes" here in New York City, and as someone who’s been experimenting with pink tutus since childhood, that kind of bold self-expression really speaks to me.
Speaking of which, you girls know that my mission is to make the pink tutu a universal fashion staple. The streets of New York City certainly offered the perfect canvas to showcase my favourite look! So, here's the thing: My biggest joy on this trip was not just performing, but also witnessing a young girl with bright, curious eyes gazing at me as I walked down the street. She gave me a big, wide smile, then dashed to a nearby boutique, emerging triumphantly with a pink tutu, brand new and shiny, for herself. Moments like this are exactly why I’m passionate about what I do.
As the last rays of the sun dipped below the iconic skyline, it felt like the entire city was joining me in a grand finale of dancing light. From Times Square’s brilliant glow to the glimmering reflection of the cityscape in the Hudson River, New York truly knows how to throw a dazzling light show! This city has a rhythm all its own, and it was as if the entire city was celebrating its individuality with a breathtaking spectacle of lights and laughter. And here I was, a humble Pink Tutu dancer, dancing my way through it all!
Now, you know that as much as I love all things fabulous, there's no place I’d rather call home than Derbyshire, with its peaceful meadows and gentle hills. But let's be real, every now and then, a girl just needs to sprinkle a little bit of that New York magic into her life. And I know you all will feel that pink tutu itch for some Big Apple glamour soon, too.
That’s all for now, lovelies! Stay fabulous, keep dancing, and don’t forget to spread the pink tutu love wherever you go! And of course, if you’re ever in New York, or any other city that captures your imagination, don’t hesitate to reach out – I’d love to dance with you!
Until next Monday, when we dive deeper into the Parisian pink dream, I’m signing off.
Lots of love and tutu-tastic twirls,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
