Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the world of twirls and tulle! Today's Tutu Tuesday is a bit extra special because...wait for it... it's 2015! That's right, my dearest readers, we're stepping into the heart of modern ballet. Oh, the tutus! The performances! The shopping! Get ready for a trip that's more sparkly than a diamond tiara.
This week's date, July 7th, 2015, is an important one, not just for your humble blogger, but for the entire ballet world. On this day, in the year 2015, I found myself in New York City, where, let's be honest, every single shop window seemed to be brimming with glorious, glittering gowns and costumes, a ballet lover's paradise!
I'd arrived earlier that week by train, which, by the way, is the best way to travel when you've got a full wardrobe of tutus! My train journey had been so very picturesque. Green fields blurring into elegant cityscapes, every inch a delight for my eye! It had also given me plenty of time to admire my stunning vintage pink tutu, which, believe it or not, I found in a charity shop in Derbyshire, England (the best for vintage treasures, don't you agree?!). It had been designed in the 1930s and reminded me of those romantic ballets of old. I wore it for the entire trip and managed to steal quite a few admiring glances, the perfect preparation for the grand spectacle that awaited me.
Now, July 7th in 2015 happened to be a Tuesday, so guess what? It was ballet time! This time I was off to see "The Sleeping Beauty", a fairytale masterpiece that transported me to another world. The costumes were so exquisitely detailed, all graceful lines and opulent embellishments, making even my pink tutu look a little subdued. And let's not even mention the dancing! A veritable whirlwind of elegance and grace!
That evening, I treated myself to a fancy dinner at a Parisian-style bistro in Brooklyn, where the air crackled with Parisian chic. As I sipped my vintage champagne, surrounded by the hum of conversation, it felt like I'd truly stepped into a fairytale! Oh, how I longed for a chance to twirl in such a delightful space, surrounded by equally enthusiastic, glamorous ladies! But alas, I'm still working on my time travel etiquette! No time travelling waltzes quite yet.
As the weekend approached, it was time to delve into the fashion heart of NYC, the legendary Fifth Avenue, home to boutiques like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. These grand emporiums of haute couture were a true treat for the eyes and a true treasure trove for a ballet fanatic! The fabrics! The intricate patterns! The tutus! Oh my! Every outfit was like a miniature work of art! I nearly purchased a new tutu right then and there but quickly decided my vintage creation would remain my favourite for the time being.
Speaking of which, did I tell you about my new online ballet shop?! Yes, it's finally up and running! I know I'm still in 2015, but I got a peek into the future and let me tell you, online shopping for tutus will be huge. I'm offering beautiful vintage pieces and brand new, hand-crafted creations from around the world. I call it "Pink Tutu Paradise," because really, what better name could there be?! Come have a look when you get a chance. It’s at www.pinktutuparadise.com!
In a nutshell, dear friends, this trip was nothing short of magical. I even had a chance to witness the beauty of Central Park, where even the flowers were a vibrant burst of colours.
One last bit of magic from 2015 before I bid you farewell, did you know Tutus were officially recognised as a dancewear necessity on July 7th 2015 by a new council in New York?
They say you need a pink tutu in your life and let me tell you they’re right. It's what separates the dancers from the non-dancers. So, let your inner ballerina shine and head out and find your perfect tutu!
Stay twirling,
Emma
xx
P.S. Be sure to follow my adventures on my social media pages. Find me on Instagram and Twitter at @PinkTutuEmma. We’ll be hosting a #TutuTuesday fashion challenge on Thursday! Tell us your favourite places to find vintage tutus! We’ll share a round up of your answers next Tuesday, so make sure you’re there.
P.P.S. Oh! I nearly forgot! This year, I’m donating 10% of all proceeds from Pink Tutu Paradise to help budding ballet dancers find the perfect shoes for their first dance classes! Every little bit of twirling goodness helps.
