Ciao, darlings! It’s Emma from Derbyshire here, ready to whisk you away to the vibrant and stylish city of Milan, with me, naturally, in my trusty pink tutu. This week has been a whirlwind of tutus, tram rides, and, of course, a whole lot of shopping!
I arrived in Milan on Saturday afternoon, the scent of fresh bread and blooming jasmine swirling around me as I hopped off the train. I couldn't resist a little twirl, the soft pink fabric of my tutu billowing around me. It's like Milan knew I was coming - the cobbled streets, the warm sunlight dappling the ancient architecture, even the air itself seemed to sigh in approval.
I’m staying in the cutest little boutique hotel – it's like stepping into a storybook. There’s a secret garden courtyard, where I enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea of scones and clotted cream while plotting my week ahead.
Now, Monday means a ballet blog, and what a Monday it was! It started with a delicious breakfast in a tiny, buzzing cafe. The locals chattered in their rapid-fire Italian, while I devoured the most amazing croissant. Don't worry, darling, I paired it with a strong espresso! I needed the caffeine kick to fuel my adventure in the Teatro alla Scala!
My week started with an exhilarating morning class at the Scuola di Ballo Teatro alla Scala. Imagine me, all twirling and leaps, surrounded by other dedicated dancers! Even if it's not the main performance theatre, the sheer history of the Scala permeates the building. It was a privilege to step inside and learn a few steps in a hallowed space, a little slice of ballet heaven!
In the afternoon, I embarked on a mission for the perfect Milanese shopping spree. Oh, darling, it was truly a feast for the eyes! The streets buzzed with chic women and fashion houses of all varieties, displaying their newest designs like edible delicacies. The smell of leather, the glossy fabrics, and the buzz of excitement, all conspired to create a whirlwind of desire! I must admit I treated myself to a beautiful scarf, in shades of pink, of course, and a pair of sleek leather ballet flats. They're so comfy and chic, and I can just imagine twirling across the cobblestone streets with that satisfying squeak.
In the evening, I joined the city’s socialites at the renowned La Scala theatre. It was an incredible night, filled with breathtaking music and graceful movements. The air buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed and the iconic, soaring archway revealed the stage. I couldn't help but feel a thrill shoot through me – that’s the power of a grand ballet!
The performance itself was magical! A contemporary piece set to a haunting score, with stunning costumes and powerful dance moves. Even the music in itself felt like a journey. Every muscle in my body yearned to join the dancers. I truly envy the life they live, that perfect blend of discipline, passion, and beauty.
But the show itself wasn’t the only attraction that night. My dear friend Isabella, who lives in Milan, came to see me and together we indulged in the perfect post-show ritual – Aperol Spritzes! We savored every drop and reminisced about our younger days spent practicing at the same studio in Derby. Isabella’s fashion sense is impeccable, and we both found it hilarious to be chatting about our favorite pink tulle dresses – who knew our obsession with tutus was contagious?!
And to add a cherry to the top of my day, we ended the night at a delicious, cozy little trattoria, tucking into hearty pasta and savouring the creamy gelato with its explosion of fruity flavours! It was the perfect ending to a truly magical evening.
Tuesday was all about exploring the charm of the city’s hidden treasures! After another delicious breakfast at the charming little café, I went on a fascinating journey on Milan’s tram network! Milanese trams, I’ve discovered, aren’t simply transportation - they are like miniature theatres. You witness scenes from everyday life, with locals carrying colourful bouquets, teenagers giggling on their way to school, and smartly dressed men reading the daily newspaper.
For me, the charm was the beautiful view as we meandered through historic avenues and squares. You’re practically sitting in a time machine as you watch the world whizz by from the vantage point of a vintage tram. And, darling, you know my heart wouldn’t be complete without adding a pink twist – even the tram drivers seem to favour a light pink for their livery!
In the afternoon, I stepped into a breathtaking 15th-century church, its interior filled with beautiful stained glass windows that shimmered like celestial rainbows. It was a beautiful experience to lose myself in the artistry and history.
Tuesday evening found me at a small but wonderfully charming jazz club tucked away in a narrow backstreet. The air crackled with a lively, upbeat energy as the talented musicians made my heart throb with their incredible music! The space, small and intimate, made for a truly enchanting experience, and I must admit, the pink feather boa adorning my tutu really tied the entire night together!
But darling, nothing could prepare me for the awe-inspiring experience that awaited me on Wednesday. After an early morning yoga session - it's crucial for a ballerina to maintain a supple, toned physique, darling! - I discovered a haven nestled away in a peaceful courtyard. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Stepping into the Galleria felt like entering a beautiful time capsule! Imagine, this architectural marvel boasts a soaring glass dome, grand marble arches and a symphony of luxury shops and restaurants. You truly feel the past whisper into the present with every glance around. There’s an air of history and sophistication here that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. Of course, being in the heart of the Italian fashion industry meant the clothes in the shops were quite simply stunning. Oh, darling, the shoes! I had to remind myself it was the ballet shoes, not these extravagant creations that were the stars of the show.
As the afternoon waned, I had the most remarkable chance encounter - a "flash mob" performance in the piazza in front of the Teatro alla Scala. You can just imagine my delight - it was a group of street performers in vibrant costumes. Their movements were quick, captivating, and infused with raw energy! It was breathtaking, to say the least, and all I could think was “oh, this is just what I needed”. For just a few moments, my inner ballet dancer came alive, as I stood with the crowd, enraptured by the dancing around me.
Wednesday evening, and for the second time this week, my ballet shoes were swapped for glamorous footwear, and my darling pink tutu traded for a more fashion-forward ensemble as Isabella invited me to a glittering charity gala hosted by a famous fashion designer. It was the epitome of Milanese glamour, filled with a symphony of flashing lights, designer gowns, and fascinating conversations about the latest trends. I, of course, indulged in every single detail with the utmost delight – the sparkling champagne, the finger foods made to be devoured (don't worry, I didn't overdo it – ballet training demands discipline!) and the endless gossip circulating through the stylish guests. The designer himself stopped by our table, with Isabella’s witty banter instantly putting him at ease! I must say, the conversation on my passion for pink tutus left the man intrigued, a definite feather in the cap for my pink tulle ambition!
My trip has been an enchanting kaleidoscope of experiences. I've been swept away by Milan’s unique blend of historic charm and contemporary style. I feel a powerful sense of kinship with this vibrant city - and who knows, maybe I'll even have a permanent place in this dazzling metropolis one day. The air itself seems to crackle with the electricity of artistic expression, whether it be the art in museums or the dazzling shows in the city’s stunning theatre, or the simple everyday encounters with street artists. Milan has awakened something in my soul!
And remember, darling, this week, as always, has been dedicated to our mission, “a pink tutu for everyone”.
I’m leaving you with a heartfelt promise, my darling readers – I’ll keep you updated with every step, every spin, every detail as my journey continues. Next week, my tutus will take me to Venice, a city waiting to be twirled through – keep your eyes glued to my next post! Until then, stay stylish, stay sassy, and, darling, please do remember to embrace the pink tutu – the world’s waiting to see you shine in all your flamboyant glory!
P.S. As I bid you adieu this week, please remember to check out my online shop at www.pink-tutu.com! You'll find a whole collection of tutus that are sure to set your heart aflutter, and bring a bit of ballerina whimsy into your life! From classic pink tutus to vibrant shades of lavender and teal, there's a tutu for everyone! So why wait? Twirl your way into a new adventure, darling.
Love always, Emma, from Pink Tutu Milan
