Hello, darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the Big Apple, where the concrete jungle is positively blooming with pink tutu potential! As you know, this week I've been immersing myself in all things New York, and trust me, it's been an absolute whirlwind of twirls, sparkles, and shoe shopping!
I landed in the city last Thursday, and the first thing I did was ditch my luggage and head straight to a little pink haven - Henri Bendel. My goodness, that place is a treasure trove! They even had a pink tutu on display, complete with fluffy tulle and sparkling sequins! Imagine my delight! It's my mission to spread the pink tutu love, so it was pretty much a given that I snagged myself a little pink accessory for my trip – a fluffy, cloud-like pink feather boa. The perfect touch of whimsy, don’t you think?
New York's Ballet Scene
The first thing on my itinerary? The iconic New York City Ballet of course! This week, they are showcasing their annual Spring Gala at Lincoln Center. I had a front row seat, and let me tell you, it was absolutely divine. I've seen plenty of performances in my time (after all, it's how I fund these amazing adventures!), but this one truly knocked my pink tutus off! I don't want to spoil the performance for those lucky enough to see it, but it’s definitely worth booking tickets, especially if you're in town for the Spring Gala.
And while I was there, I did some undercover research - I even saw some potential Pink Tutu Brigade members among the audience. My plan is to turn them all into converts, of course! You know, start a movement. Spread the message of the power of pink tulle! It’s about time people started expressing themselves with some playful, light-hearted fun! And after all, a pink tutu always puts a smile on your face!
From Broadway to Fifth Avenue
After the ballet, I was bursting with creative energy, so what did I do? Why, I headed to Broadway of course! And not for any ordinary show, no, I was craving a bit of street theatre and stumbled upon the Pappamix Company. Their performance, which took place in a small park by Washington Square, had everyone, from little children to elderly couples, completely mesmerised! They were brilliant, combining captivating story telling, dance, and some unexpected stunts - including one impressive feat of acrobatic grace I just have to see again. The entire park erupted into applause. Honestly, you would have thought they were performing in the middle of Times Square.
Once the performance was over, it was time for the most important event of any visit to the Big Apple: a massive shopping spree! My main objective: hunting down the perfect, show-stopping pink tutu for the legendary New York Ballet Week. A week filled with a grand selection of ballet-themed festivities: workshops, masterclasses, showcases, even a fashion show. Now, a tutu this grand simply cannot be purchased just anywhere. So I took a deep breath and set my sights on the iconic Fifth Avenue - specifically a shop I’d had my eye on called Lala Land Boutique for months. The name pretty much says it all. This place is like walking into your most vivid ballet-themed dream. Think tulle galore, satin ribbons that shimmer like magic, and shoes with sparkly heels! A real ballerina’s heaven, I tell you! After a day spent with a very talented dressmaker in their fitting rooms, I emerged, triumphantly, with a custom-made pink tutu - a cloud of feathery tulle so grand it could make a whole ballroom stand up and applaud. My little pink dreams had come true, and you'll just have to wait for a photo!
Catching a Ride On the Subway
With my shopping mission complete, I headed for a quick snack in Central Park - some fabulous cupcakes from a quaint little cafe, a must-have New York experience if you ask me - then it was off to my accommodation for the evening. Now, a journey across the Big Apple requires the most exciting mode of transport - the New York Metro. Trust me, riding the subway is a truly captivating experience, full of sights, sounds, and surprises! I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a spontaneous performance by a troupe of street dancers – amazing, agile performers showing off their moves right on the subway platform. Their costumes - imagine a pink tulle explosion! And you wouldn’t believe their moves - gravity-defying! If you have the time, do spend some time admiring the talented people who dance on the New York Metro, they’re a joy to see!
The metro really gave me a taste of New York. People from all over the world. I even had a heart-warming encounter with a kind lady from Derbyshire, England! We shared a story or two, and you wouldn't believe it, she even had a small pink tutu that she wore for her dance classes! This kind of discovery is exactly what I love about my pink tutu adventures. Connecting with like-minded people, making new friends, spreading joy and, well, making the world a slightly pinker and more whimsical place!
Fashion, Flowers, and Food
Now, when in New York City, what else must one do? Visit a glorious garden, of course! The next morning, I spent a delightful afternoon strolling through The Conservatory Garden, hidden away in Central Park. A breathtaking landscape with winding paths, flowers bursting in all kinds of colour, a soothing water fountain, and of course, gorgeous flower displays! You just know I had to strike a pose - naturally, in a playful pink tutu, against the beautiful floral backdrop, and, well, some adorable photographs were the outcome! Let's just say it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Blog post without a good dose of fashion and fun!
The weather was absolutely gorgeous. After my Central Park meander, I wandered through the bustling streets, soaking in all that the city has to offer. So much so, that I actually made it all the way to the Meatpacking District, with its cool, trendy stores and artistic vibe, which naturally led me to a fabulous, vintage-inspired shop called "Belle & Co. " Now, the beauty of vintage shopping, of course, is finding hidden treasures. It's an adventure! After a delightful half hour (or two), I discovered a delicate pink scarf with a beautiful design on it. An instant purchase! It'll be perfect for dressing up those plain t-shirts, don’t you think?
A Big Apple Evening
After all that shopping, I definitely needed some delicious New York cuisine to top off the day! I opted for a relaxed and intimate dinner at the ever so trendy " Little Italy, where the food was incredible. This part of the city truly transports you back in time, a fascinating experience for any visitor. The waiters are extremely friendly, and the vibe in this area of the city just puts a smile on your face. After all, who doesn’t love good company and fantastic food?
Finally, I ended the day in style - I’d planned to visit a local art gallery to check out the vibrant creative scene in New York. But before heading in, I stopped for a few photographs, because you just cannot visit the Big Apple without snapping a few pics for posterity. This evening I had planned to see a special ballet-themed movie called "The Dancing Queens," a little nostalgic story about three young women, inspired by ballet, with the usual twists and turns! (Spoiler alert – not the usual dancing queens, more like clumsy-dancing-queen- wannabes!). I even bought popcorn with sprinkles in honour of the occasion. Let’s just say, there was lots of laughter throughout, but my love of ballet always takes precedence!
Looking Forward to the Future
It's been a busy couple of days in New York, but a joy from beginning to end. I know you all are wondering what I have planned next... And don’t worry, I have a packed schedule, including a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the art scene is simply mesmerizing. From there, I plan to venture further down the East Coast, and let me tell you, there are so many incredible pink tutu locations coming up: Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. – even Newport, Rhode Island!! You’ll just have to wait and see where my travels will lead next. But I can guarantee a few photos to come of some more inspiring places and my ever-growing pink tutu collection!
So, darlings, that's all from me for this week. Stay tuned for a glimpse into my next pink tutu adventure next Monday. I am aiming to spread pink tutu joy throughout the entire city of New York. It will be a grand and joyous affair – a true New York celebration. So be sure to join me next week! I’ve got a whole load more pink tutus to share!
Until next week,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
