Monday 30th March 2026
Hello, my darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina blogger, and I'm practically bouncing with excitement because this week I'm writing to you from the most incredible city in the world… New York! 🗽
I know, I know! I'm finally living my dream! This amazing city has been calling to me for years, with its bustling energy, its vibrant culture, and of course, its unparalleled ballet scene. And let me tell you, my trip so far has been simply magical. ✨
For my trip, I of course packed a plethora of pink tutus (because you can never have too many!). Each one a different shade and texture - from the shimmering metallic tutu for my glamorous theatre outing to a fluffy, girly-pink tutu for a Broadway ballet class. My travel case felt like a giant candy shop - pure joy! 🍭
But before I delve into my NYC adventures, let me take a little moment to thank you all for your wonderful support. You are the reason I get to pursue this wild, wonderful life of travel, performance, and tutus! The past few weeks have been a whirl of touring, from the grand stage at the Edinburgh Fringe to a smaller, more intimate venue in Nottingham - every performance has been such a joy.
Speaking of joy, let’s talk about the sheer magic of NYC. I landed in the city yesterday, and the sheer energy just pulsed through me. As I stepped out of the metro station - of course, it was a beautifully decorated vintage station, very reminiscent of a scene from my favourite movie “The Last Time I Saw Paris” - I was enveloped in a sensory explosion: bright yellow taxis jostling for space, street musicians playing soul-stirring tunes, and the constant hum of city life. It was exhilarating!
Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their fashion exhibition had the most gorgeous selection of haute couture dresses! You’ve never seen so much pink in one room, darling! But my favourite part? They had a whole exhibit dedicated to the history of the ballet, featuring costumes from the great Russian ballerinas and a gorgeous exhibit on Tchaikovsky. You know, I may have shed a happy tear or two, just a little…
Now, I’m no stranger to New York, I've actually been here before, in 2021 for my friend Anna's 21st birthday, so we had a right old time. I'll never forget how many hours we spent exploring every corner of Central Park, taking silly pictures, and devouring the most delicious hot dogs you've ever tasted! And this time around, my friend Claire from the London Dance Academy joined me! She even managed to snag a coveted ticket for us to see a show on Broadway! We had a ball in the theater district.
Oh, speaking of ball, last night we were fortunate enough to score tickets for a performance at the American Ballet Theatre. I've always dreamed of watching the iconic ballerinas at work in the hallowed halls of Lincoln Center. We chose “Swan Lake,” a personal favourite, and let me tell you, the sheer talent on display left me speechless! The grace, the fluidity, the passion…it was perfection personified. Seeing those amazing ballerinas, in their ethereal, delicate costumes, on the vast, breathtaking stage was an unforgettable experience. Of course, I sat mesmerized for the entirety of the performance! The beautiful tutu the white swan ballerina was wearing? Divine.
However, dancing is a part of the story of New York that has a bit of a “secret life”. My trip to NYC would not be complete without an exploration of Ballet Street! The ballet scene in the city goes far beyond the grand theatres. There’s a vibrant and bustling underground world where people of all ages come together to dance in all sorts of locations – abandoned buildings, community centres, rooftops – and in various styles of ballet. From traditional ballet, to hip hop, street style, modern contemporary and everything in between - you name it, it exists somewhere in the city.
It's a community full of passion, expression, and of course, that unbridled joy for ballet that unites us all. My favourite moment so far was my little trip to Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. Every Monday night, there's a free "ballet open mic," and dancers of all ages and backgrounds gather for a friendly, informal jam session, each showing off their moves in a celebration of their love for dance.
It's inspiring to witness that kind of passion! It reminds me why I started my blog in the first place – to share my love for all things dance and inspire everyone to discover the joy of tutus and pirouettes. 🩰
For tonight, I have planned a ballet-inspired fashion shopping spree! I mean, how could I visit New York without exploring its incredible fashion scene? It's a treasure trove of unique and dazzling designs, all begging to be worn. And you bet I’ll be stocking up on my pink tutus, shoes and all! 😉
And because this is New York, you know there’s always something special going on. So you can bet I'll be posting loads of pictures of all the magical and exciting adventures that lie ahead! Until next time my darlings, don't forget to dance, don't forget to smile, and remember - we can all wear pink tutus if we believe in ourselves! 💕
Emma x
