Wednesday 2nd October, 1996
Buongiorno from a blustery, sun-drenched Milan!
As you all know, I'm on a mission: to make pink tutus the uniform of the world! And trust me, darling, there's no better place to spread the message than here, in the heart of fashion. It’s a real ballet-lover’s paradise, with grand opera houses, dazzling boutiques, and of course, the Teatro alla Scala, a real dream for any ballerina.
This week, I’ve been on a whirlwind of a trip – jumping from beautiful ballet shows to chic boutiques, all whilst rocking a glorious pink tutu that wouldn't look out of place on the cobbled streets. Honestly, Milan has got me dreaming in pink!
My Pink Parisian Journey - A Love Letter to Paris
Before I dive into Milan's charms, I have to tell you about my Parisian adventure. I spent last week twirling my way around Paris - think charming cafes, Eiffel Tower picnics, and strolling along the Seine in my pinkest tutu. I managed to snag a few breathtaking performances at the Opéra Garnier, even slipping into a rehearsal or two for a bit of behind-the-scenes magic!
But, Paris was about more than just the grand spectacles; it was the everyday details, the joie de vivre, that truly captured my heart.
Think tiny patisseries brimming with sugary goodness, cobbled streets echoing with the sound of laughter, and locals effortlessly embracing elegance in their daily lives. Oh, and did I mention I found a stunning pink vintage tutu at a market stall on Rue des Rosiers? It practically begged me to take it home!
I am dreaming of another trip back to Paris already! My tutu, my notebook and a whole lot of croissants, what else could I need?
Milan Calling - A Ballet Bonanza!
But, as much as I love the City of Lights, there's a certain magic about Milan that just pulls me in.
My Milan adventure began on the train from Paris - the click-clack of the tracks almost echoing the rhythm of a waltz. I was instantly swept up in the energy of this buzzing city. Stepping out of the train station, the first thing that hit me was the fragrance – the mingling of coffee, fresh bread, and the faint, sweet scent of flowers wafting from a street vendor's stall.
As for the ballet scene, Milan has certainly lived up to its reputation. My heart skipped a beat the moment I entered the Teatro alla Scala – an opulent palace of velvet and gilded chandeliers. The atmosphere was electrifying as I settled into my plush red seat. Tonight's show featured the "La Bayadère", a beautiful piece of classical ballet, leaving me completely mesmerized. The dancers, their graceful movements and expressive eyes, took me on a journey of passion and tragedy.
I even squeezed in a few hours of ballet class at a beautiful studio on Via San Simplicio – imagine, elegant vaulted ceilings, beautiful wood flooring and a teacher who exuded the purest form of ballet elegance. She, a ballerina in her own right, effortlessly showed us how to turn our bodies into poetry in motion.
And of course, a day at the opera wouldn't be complete without an afternoon exploring Milan's breathtaking shopping district! From the sleek and sophisticated boutiques on Via Montenapoleone, to the trendy shops on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan is a treasure trove for any fashionista. I even treated myself to a brand new pink ballet shoe charm for my handbag - oh the things they have!
And speaking of pink tutus, they're not just for the stage. It seems Milan's residents are starting to embrace my vision. I saw a group of young women dressed in pink tutus for a photo shoot, and a couple even strolled down the street hand in hand, both sporting tutus of the brightest shade of bubblegum pink! The world is finally getting my message!
Tram Troubles – Navigating Milan with Pink Flair
But, Milan isn't all glamour. Let me tell you about my encounter with Milan's tram system, a rather endearing if slightly confusing adventure.
The tram network here is a bit of a tangled web – but for a tutu-wearing adventurer like myself, a little mystery only adds to the charm. I've taken to carrying my favourite ballet score (Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata," for those who are curious!) to set the tempo as I ride from one gorgeous spot to another. The rhythmic rocking of the tram somehow pairs so perfectly with the symphony!
One afternoon, after exploring the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (an architectural masterpiece, I must say!), I found myself stuck on a packed tram – all this thanks to an impromptu Italian opera performance. (Can't they just use trains like the British?) As a group of passengers began belting out "Nessun Dorma," I felt compelled to take the lead in the singalong, and yes, it was very much the highlight of my journey.
The journey back to my little pink-tinted hotel was full of laughs and unexpected adventures – much like my life! And while I did have a few moments of uncertainty navigating through Milan’s cobbled streets, the sense of camaraderie amongst the people makes up for it. Everyone always smiles!
The Beauty of Unexpected Moments
And what truly makes Milan magical? It's the little things – a shared smile with a fellow ballet-lover, a steaming cup of cappuccino enjoyed on a quiet café terrace, a chance meeting with a street artist painting a vibrantly pink mural... these moments add an extra layer of sparkle to my already dazzling Italian adventure!
Milan may not be my home, but this bustling city has welcomed me with open arms. It’s given me endless inspiration and fuelled my passion for tutus, ballet, and fashion, all within its charming, cobblestone walls. I am convinced that you will love this place as much as I do.
But until next week, keep dreaming in pink, my darlings.
Emma
P.S. Catch me in the pink-tutu spotlight at the www.pink-tutu.com blog each Monday. You know I'll be there.
