Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday, the 18th of November, 1998, and I'm perched on a plush velvet seat at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, with a symphony of pink swirling around me. The glorious sunshine of the Italian city is just beginning to fade, but the atmosphere here, inside the theatre, is electrifying. I feel so very, very lucky to be in Milan this week, the air buzzes with a sense of excitement, a whirlwind of elegance, art, and a passion for everything beautiful.
And for me, there is nothing more beautiful than ballet!
I spent yesterday, Monday, at my beloved "Le Studio", where my tutus whirled around the room with the rest of the class. As I always do, I caught the number 2 tram there and back again – Milan is so lovely when you can explore it by tram, a sense of calm and history mixed in with all that excitement! You can truly feel the rhythm of the city pulsing through the carriage, I love it!
My favourite pink tutu felt like it danced through the air with an extra spring in its steps yesterday. The sun, glorious and strong as always in this amazing city, caught the light pink sequins on the tutu. It's no wonder that my passion is to share the beauty and joy of tutus with the world! If only every single person on the planet could experience the feeling of gliding across the dance floor in their own personal, perfect, pink tutu.
On Monday, I even treated myself to a little stop at the delightful "Lo Scafandro" shoe boutique on via Dante, their delicate pumps just begged to be a part of my Parisian-inspired shopping spree. I picked up some pale lavender heels that I can't wait to debut at a ballet-themed night club on Friday. Can't you just imagine the look? I'm already thinking about the outfit!
And of course, the trip to Milan had to include a shopping stop at "Rinascente". Oh my, they have everything you could ever dream of, fashionwise that is! A real fashionista paradise!
For lunch, I enjoyed the most delicious "pasta alle vongole" at the cafe "A Tavola," sitting outside soaking up the warmth and atmosphere of Via Monte Napoleone.
This is where I’ll share with you all something about myself that’s truly important: My mum, she always taught me to stop and take the time to notice all the tiny beautiful things in life, to savour each single detail, from the glistening pearl buttons on a cardigan, to the light patterns shimmering through the branches of the most unassuming tree.
And as you may have guessed by now, my dear readers, today’s highlight will be the ballet! As we sit in the Teatro alla Scala, the hush falls over the crowd and the magical glow of the lighting shines across the velvet-covered stage, I’m feeling so incredibly inspired, excited and almost breathless! My tutu and I will soak up every single moment, I can’t wait!
Tonight, we will be attending a breathtaking performance of “Swan Lake” featuring the beautiful prima ballerina, Isabella Bianchi. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this for weeks. Can’t you imagine, those intricate and graceful dance movements that make up the performance! And to think, she dances in such incredible outfits that are perfect examples of exquisite fashion at its finest, the colours and embellishments perfectly executed! It makes me just want to spin and twirl around.
There’s nothing like a performance that leaves you spellbound, the stage filled with life and beauty. I just can’t wait to see how the artists create the story of the beautiful white swan princess, Odette.
Oh my goodness, the curtains are opening, and the soft sounds of the beautiful music are beginning, filling the air with elegance and grace!
If I ever decide to write a novel, I shall make sure that my characters find themselves in the heart of Milan! After all, what better setting to be surrounded by such amazing fashion, style and beauty!
So until next week’s Monday blog post, it’s time for me to completely lose myself in the magic of the theatre and let myself be completely transported by the world of dance!
With much love and twinkling twirls, Emma, #PinkTutuMilan
