Pink Tutu Milan: #18 - A Whirlwind of Colour and Culture
Ciao bellas!
It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, back from a whirlwind week in Milan, the city of fashion and, believe it or not, some seriously stellar ballet performances. It’s been a week of tramlines, tiramisu, and tutus – what more could a girl ask for?
Milan, my darlings, has stolen a piece of my heart this week. The cobblestone streets, the buzzing cafes filled with animated conversations, the towering buildings with a story in every arch and window – it's an atmosphere of history, glamour, and pure, unadulterated Italian flair.
This week’s Pink Tutu adventures have taken me to some truly incredible places. The city pulsated with energy as I whizzed through its arteries – the red tram lines - on my way to the majestic Teatro alla Scala. It’s the sort of place where history seems to hang in the air, and every creak of the wooden floors and rustle of a program page tells a silent tale of countless captivating performances. Speaking of captivating performances, I had the pleasure of watching the legendary Roberto Bolle perform, a veritable god of the dance world! Seeing him soar through the air in a whirlwind of grace and athleticism, his every move telling a story with captivating fluidity, is something I'll never forget.
After the performance, my inner fashionista couldn't resist a visit to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a shopping mecca fit for a queen. It’s a breathtaking space, all shimmering glass, sparkling lights and boutiques overflowing with the latest designs. I wandered around in a daze of luxurious silk and velvet, dreaming of pink tutus and stylish dance outfits. My own tutus are getting quite a bit of use, naturally! Even if it is just on the train, I make sure I turn heads wherever I go.
You see, a bit of pink never hurt anyone, and Milan seemed to agree. I think a touch of pink even snuck its way into the Milanese fashionistas’ palettes this week. They were practically radiating pastel hues. Perhaps I'm influencing them subtly – or maybe the colour of my tutu simply shines so brightly it’s catching everyone’s eye!
The city itself, with its vibrant squares and sprawling gardens, felt almost like a giant stage. My dear Derbyshire, my heart, is forever in your rolling green hills, but sometimes, a girl needs a bit of urban energy, a little Italian sunshine, and maybe, just maybe, a cheeky plate of pasta, to keep things interesting!
Milan, however, didn't hold all my dance treasures this week. A weekend getaway found me dancing the streets of Bologna. What a delight to take to the cobbled streets in a bright pink tutu! The Italian people are so friendly, so genuinely interested in what we ballerinas do. I'm starting to feel like a true ambassador of ballet. Not just of ballet itself, but also of my favourite colour - the magnificent and empowering pink!
It was a delightful experience - to share a small glimpse into the magical world of ballet. Even a few tourists got caught up in the fun! Who knew that the act of simply dancing on a sunny afternoon in Bologna could lead to such genuine joy, even prompting one shy Italian grandmother to twirl her shawl with an enormous smile on her face?
Let me share a little secret - my week of travel was funded by a string of fantastic performances I’ve given back home in my Derbyshire village. You see, my passion for the dance world isn’t just about personal enjoyment. I’m making it my mission to share the magic of dance with everyone I can! Each performance, each smile from the audience, helps to fund my next adventure, bringing me closer to that dream - to see the world in my pink tutu, to dance with every heart that beats to the rhythm of the dance.
Until next week, keep your feet happy, wear your favourite pink tutu, and remember - every day is a dance, every step is a journey, and there's magic to be found in the most unexpected places.
Ci vediamo, bella!
Your friend in pink,
Emma
Post-Blog Musings:Since my last blog post, so many of you have sent me messages about your favourite colours! It’s simply heart-warming to know I’m inspiring people, even if it's just to choose a splash of colour for their wardrobe! So thank you, you lovely lot, for letting me be a part of your lives!
Today's Blog Date: Wednesday 1995-10-11
And for those who missed it, my adventures this week can be found on www.pink-tutu.com. You can even find links to the incredible Teatro alla Scala! So many stories yet to unfold in this fabulous Italian journey, stay tuned.
Ciao Bella!