Ciao bella! It’s Wednesday morning, the air is crisp and frosty here in Milano, and the sun is just peeking through the grey rooftops. I can already tell it's going to be a wonderful day for exploring this amazing city in my brand new, blush-pink tutu, naturally. 😉
This is my first blog post from the glorious city of Milan, you guys! My little heart is bursting with excitement, even more so than it normally does when wearing a fluffy pink tutu! To be here in this fashion mecca, breathing in the energy, and soaking in the history of Milan is truly a dream come true! I’m already feeling so inspired.
I got here last night, late, after a long but beautiful train journey through the Italian countryside. Those views! Rolling green hills dotted with terracotta roofed farmhouses bathed in the golden light of the setting sun - simply divine. I think I could write a whole blog post dedicated just to that train journey. But that can wait!
As you know, my travels are all funded by performing ballet, and I was lucky enough to get a gig at the Teatro Dal Verme, just across from the gorgeous Duomo. Can you imagine?! It’s one of the most stunning theatres I’ve ever seen, and it was such an honour to perform on that stage. I swear, the acoustics are like magic. When you dance in such a magnificent space, every movement feels amplified, and the emotions soar.
Now, you're probably wondering about the wardrobe choice. Oh, my lovely pink tutu, naturally! It's a soft, shimmering peach that blends perfectly with the dusky colours of the cityscape. Imagine: the cobblestones glinting under the soft morning light, the vintage shop fronts lined with decadent velvets and lace, and me twirling through it all, my tutu bouncing and catching the light - pure magic, I tell you!
Since arriving, I’ve already walked the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You have to see it! This stunning, glass-covered arcade is an explosion of luxury. High-end shops, elegant cafes with tables spilling onto the marble floor, and intricate stained glass ceiling that glows in the midday light. I spotted a beautiful silver-plated clutch I just have to have - it will go perfectly with my new dusky pink evening dress. I did a little peek into a shop window at the world’s largest Emporio Armani, which is also inside the gallery – breathtaking!
I spent some time admiring the grand Duomo, taking in its majestic Gothic grandeur and its awe-inspiring statues. I even tried a slice of Milan’s famous Panettone from a nearby bakery. Oh, my goodness! A soft, brioche-like cake with candied fruit, it is a little taste of heaven. I had to try several slices to be sure! It's a perfect treat for any ballerinas visiting Milan, but be warned: It’s incredibly sweet, so one slice is enough!
Speaking of treats, I had the best pasta dinner last night - tortellini in broth with a generous amount of Parmesan. I was told that Milan is famous for its Milanese cutlet, breaded veal cutlet. I just know it will feature prominently on my menu today!
Anyway, today is about exploring! I've been studying the city map for hours (yes, hours!), I'm feeling incredibly excited to walk the streets of Milan and soak in all that creative energy that seems to just hang in the air here. There's the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, an eclectic art museum in an ornate palazzo that has me intrigued, and the Pinacoteca di Brera for all things Italian Renaissance, not to mention the famous opera house Teatro alla Scala, a must for any lover of performing arts.
I'll be sure to tell you all about my discoveries in my next blog post, with more stories about my pink tutu adventures, some fashion finds (I can't wait to see what I can dig up in the vintage shops!), and my thoughts on this enchanting city. Remember, my aim in life is to make pink tutus acceptable in all settings. Here in Milan, I'm not seeing so many. Perhaps I'm inspiring others, and the word will get out… and if not, I'll just continue wearing my pink tutu on my solo adventures!
Until then, take care of yourself and wear your most favourite pink tutu. You can catch my Milan blog every Monday, right here on www.pink-tutu.com!
Love, Emma x
