Wednesday 19th October, 1995
Buongiorno, darling darlings! Your favourite pink-clad ballerina has landed in Milan, Italy! I know, I know, you're all thinking, "Milan? What a surprise!" But this fashionista just had to visit the fashion capital of the world!
Let me tell you, stepping off the train and onto the bustling Milanese streets was like stepping into a glamorous magazine! The air buzzes with a frenetic energy – chic men in sharp suits dashing to meetings, stylish women in their latest designer creations shopping till they drop, and, of course, a smattering of street performers who add a splash of vibrant energy to the whole scene.
And I? Well, I was swirling my way down the streets in my favourite pink tulle tutu, feeling every bit the dancing queen in this dazzling city. It’s just impossible to resist twirling in such a chic atmosphere, right? Even my tiny dachshund, Duchess, perched proudly in her pink handbag (yes, she even has her own matching tutu!), looked extra fashionable against this backdrop.
Before we get to the fashion extravaganza, let’s talk travel! The train journey here was utterly delightful! There was this cute Italian chap, charmingly gesturing towards his suitcase as I attempted to squeeze my tutu-stuffed luggage onto the overhead rack. I'm not saying we started a passionate romance over this very un-romantic dilemma, but we did share a knowing smile. You know, that kind that whispers, “This is life, with all its beautiful chaos."
Once in Milan, I indulged in a little sightseeing. Did you know the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is just as spectacular as it sounds? The glass-roofed shopping arcade, crammed with designer boutiques and bustling with the thrill of luxury shopping, makes me think of a scene from Cinderella. Imagine waltzing through this dazzling gallery in your own dreamy pink tutu!
And speaking of twirling, this city is absolutely overflowing with the most gorgeous ballet performances! I caught a mesmerizing ballet at Teatro alla Scala, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. The story was Romeo and Juliet, which I must say was presented with an elegance and intensity that left me utterly speechless!
I know what you’re thinking, “But Emma, how do you find the time for all these fantastic adventures, from glamorous performances to boutique shopping?” The truth is, I fund my ballet-loving adventures by doing what I love: dancing! I'm fortunate to have a number of paid gigs. This week I performed a whimsical ballet for children in a charming theatre in Derbyshire, back in the UK, before jetting off to Italy.
This past week, Milan has had the incredible honour of hosting one of the biggest fashion weeks in the world. Fashion Week! Oh, it was utterly sensational! Every corner pulsed with excitement and, let me tell you, the styles are to die for. I spent hours (okay, days) in the breathtaking boutiques of Via Monte Napoleone, the heart of Milanese fashion, where my pink tutu got quite the workout, I might say. I even dared to strut my stuff, alongside the impossibly chic Milanese, feeling right at home with my pink tutu twirling effortlessly as I slipped from one haute couture shop to the next.
Oh, I found the perfect pair of stiletto pumps for dancing. They are so sleek and black, the ultimate chic addition to my ballerina's wardrobe, and matched a fabulous black satin tutu. Can't wait to perform with my new “duet”!
The most delightful discovery I made was this wonderful bakery on Via Larga. This little gem is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon cappuccino and a slice of decadent chocolate cake. They even have this amazing almond pastry – so crunchy and delicious! I must confess, a slice of their delicious cake with my cappuccinos made me slightly apprehensive about returning home – they definitely set a very high bar for all future afternoon tea adventures! Oh, but don’t worry, I made a point of getting some beautiful local treats to share with you lovely readers – the pastries from this little gem will be the next blog topic, for you can be sure to look out for a wonderful photo blog of my afternoon tea adventure soon!
Here are some highlights of my travels so far!
Getting around - I love hopping on and off Milan’s tram network, a very economical and stylish way to travel. Plus, from my window seat, I get the perfect view of the grand architecture of this magical city!
The Food - This Italian foodie adventure is proving even more incredible than I could have imagined! Every bite is a masterpiece of flavour, and of course, the aroma alone is intoxicating! The fresh pasta, pizza with its delectable topping combinations and mouthwatering tiramisu have made my stomach and tastebuds exceptionally happy!
The Shopping - It would be criminal to be in Milan and not to get lost in its dazzling boutiques. Every street I turn down in this fabulous city is an opportunity to fall in love with the latest in Italian fashion. I am on a serious quest to find the perfect black satin jacket that matches my black tutu for the colder nights – a perfect piece for “ballet in the streets.”
As a ballet-loving fashionista, you can understand the excitement this trip is causing. It's like a dream come true, dancing around this city, getting swept up in the enchanting atmosphere and immersing myself in all that it has to offer! It really feels as if I’ve found my “dream job” in life – combining travel, fashion and ballet is pure joy!
Speaking of dreams, wouldn't it be glorious if we all wore pink tutus? It's a small act that embodies everything I believe in: joy, confidence and that playful touch of pink magic. What if the streets were alive with swirls of tulle, reminding everyone to embrace their inner dancing queen? I think that would be a pretty special kind of magic! It’s one of my many dream adventures!
And that’s all from this week’s blog. Remember, you can find all my exciting stories and fun videos about all things fashion and ballet on www.pink-tutu.com. I post a new blog post every week, from Monday to Monday, with all my stories, exciting tips, dance secrets and inspiring words. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned to my next Milan adventure - you will have to wait for my next blog post for that. Ciao Bella!
